The Fettykill Fox: Within easy reach of Carnoustie, St Andrews and Loch Leven, this old inn is a popular venue for those on golfing or fishing trips.
On the outskirts of Glenrothes, it is well worth stopping off here to sample a menu that is thoughtful and well sourced.
Fettykill’s name is an updating of ‘fetekil’ meaning old village green. The dining area has a lovely quiet ambience. No loud music and therefore ideal for us ladies who lunch and love to talk, although it does host acoustic music nights and quiz nights.
For a slightly out of town location, the Fettykill Fox oozes olde worlde character with its feature beams and cosy alcoves, and not a TV screen in sight. Yes, ladies, it’s sports free. Yippee.
Vintage Inn classics such as roast chicken and lamb shank are priced at £12.50, and an extensive menu also offers an array of fish and beef dishes with a British focus.
The Fettykill boasts a fixed price two or three course lunch at £10.95 or £13.95 from 12 til 5pm, a nice window as it’s almost dinner time.
My friend and I ordered the button and Portobello mushrooms in a creamy garlic cheese sauce. A slight misnomer as when they were served we saw that they were all button mushrooms. No matter, they were deliciously more-ish, and came with lightly toasted rustic bread.
We were served by a career waitress of 21 years’ continual service who was friendly, informative and efficient.
_____________________________
“There is no sincerer love than the love of food” – George Bernard Shaw
_____________________________
I followed my starter with a steak sandwich and decided to pass on fries in favour of a side salad.
The steak was cooked as specified, medium to well, that is not too pink, and it had a lovely oaky smoky flavour. However, the meat was a little bit fatty for my liking.
The side salad was perfection and as recommended by our server came with a sensational dressing, a drizzle of infused oil with pineapple, lemon grass and ginger, piquant and a perfect combination with the nuttiness of the leaves.
I always ask what is in a salad before ordering as I have a loathing of the ubiquitous iceberg which has spoiled many an otherwise satisfying feast.
My friend opted for the scampi which came with chunky chips, garnish and, la piece de resistance, a ramekin of home made tartare sauce.
The roaring fire – a fabulous feature – was slightly redundant on a bright early Spring afternoon, but we had a lovely sunny table overlooking the garden area complete with picnic benches for the changing seasons.
I can see that this will be idyllic in the warmer weather with its outdoor rustic charm.
A visit to the facilities indicated a lack of charm, however. Ladies who lunch like a little touch of glamour, a hand cream, a little flower in a vase, some potpourri. The powder room was clean but lacking attentiveness.
It’s a slight criticism but such a stark contrast from the thoughtful interiors throughout.
Rating:
Menu: 7/10
Value for money: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Leave a Reply