A new all-day Scottish bar and restaurant, Bennie’s, is set to open at The Kithmore this June, introducing a design-led, socially driven dining destination to the heart of St Andrews, alongside the appointment of Head Chef Joe Reddie (28) and Deputy Manager Caryn Kelly.
Designed to bridge the space between a traditional pub and a more formal restaurant, Bennie’s brings a fresh approach to the local market, combining elevated comfort food with a relaxed, all-day setting that moves seamlessly from morning coffee through to late-night drinks.
Rooted in heritage, the name Bennie’s draws directly from the site’s history, honouring the Bennie family, long-time stewards of hospitality at the property. At the centre of this story is Margaret Bennie, whose 1921 handwritten recipe book has become a creative touchpoint for the concept. Her approach to food – generous, seasonal and rooted in tradition – continues to shape the spirit of Bennie’s today.
The name itself is intentionally personal and familiar, reflecting the kind of place people instinctively refer to with ease: “let’s meet at Bennie’s.” This sense of familiarity connects closely with the wider ethos of The Kithmore, inspired by the Scots word kith, meaning friendship, familiarity and a sense of home – while giving Bennie’s its own identity as a more intimate, social space.
The food offering at Bennie’s will be led by Head Chef Joe Reddie (28), winner of Scottish Young Chef of the Year 2019, bringing a modern, produce-led approach shaped by experience across a range of leading kitchens. Inspired in part by Margaret Bennie’s historic recipe book, the menu will reinterpret traditional Scottish dishes through a contemporary lens, balancing comfort with quality. Think elevated gastro feel with familiar favourites executed with a lighter touch, alongside a carefully curated drinks offering centred around well-made classics, cocktails and a strong whisky selection. The menu will evolve with the seasons, showcasing the best of Scotland’s natural larder from fresh seafood to locally sourced produce with subtle international influences.
Bennie’s, a contemporary take on the traditional Scottish pub – warm, familiar and made for lingering, has been designed around everyday rituals, from brunch and casual lunches to post-golf dining and relaxed evenings. With its own street-level entrance and landscaped terrace seating 30 covers on Playfair Terrace, Bennie’s is conceived as a standalone destination with a strong local energy, welcoming a broad mix of residents, students, golf visitors and tourists. At its core is the idea of a modern “third place” somewhere to drop in at any time of day, whether for a quick coffee, casual meal or social drinks.
Interiors balance heritage and modern design, with cosy snugs, banquette seating, timber panelling and soft lighting creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and social. An extended outdoor terrace further enhances the experience, with layered planting and subtle lighting creating an inviting, all-season setting connected to the street.
Kathryn McNairn, General Manager at The Kithmore, said:
“With just weeks to go until we open in June, there’s a real sense of excitement building around Bennie’s and the hotel opening. We’ve appointed a strong management team with Joe and Caryn now on board. From the outset, we wanted to create something that feels like a natural part of St Andrews, a venue that’s as much for locals as it is for visitors to the town.
“We saw an opportunity to create a space that sits comfortably between a traditional pub and a more formal restaurant – somewhere you can drop in at any time, whether that’s for a coffee, a drink or a relaxed dinner with friends.
“The connection to the Bennie family and Margaret Bennie’s story gives the concept real depth, and that sense of familiarity and belonging is exactly what we want people to feel when they walk through the door. If Bennie’s were a person, it would be someone who remembers your order, makes you feel at home straight away and always knows where to sit – more like a familiar local than a formal host.”
Joe Reddie, Head Chef at Bennie’s, added:
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“I was drawn to The Kithmore because of its location in St Andrews and the opportunity to create something new from the ground up. It’s exciting to bring my style and passion to a concept like Bennie’s, where there’s a real focus on quality, atmosphere and experience. My cooking is rooted in fresh, seasonal ingredients and Scottish produce, but with a modern approach. We’ll be creating dishes that feel familiar but with unexpected elements – something that reflects both the heritage behind Bennie’s and a more contemporary way of dining.”
Bennie’s has been created with a deliberately broad audience in mind, from St Andrews locals and students to visiting golf groups and international travellers. More than just a place to eat or drink, it is intended to become a social anchor within the town, a venue that feels lived-in, welcoming and part of the everyday rhythm of St Andrews. This aligns with the wider ambition of The Kithmore to create “links that last a lifetime”, not just through guest stays, but through shared experiences and meaningful connections.
For more information and to pre-book, call 01334 472970
