A striking new restaurant is opening in St Andrews this Spring, taking residence within The R&A World Golf Museum, on a prime spot overlooking the town’s famed Old Course.
Clarets is the latest venture from The Rocca Group, which operates The Seafood Ristorante on the St Andrews coast; The Broughton gastropub in Edinburgh’s New Town; and Café Calton, a day to night restaurant on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill.
Occupying a single-level space with seating for 50 guests, which was formerly the Niblick Restaurant, Clarets promises an all-day dining experience in a comfortable setting against one of Scotland’s most celebrated backdrops.
Clarets will retain the majority of the existing Niblicks team, with the intention of preserving local knowledge, established guest relationships and the warm hospitality the venue is known for.
Launching with a breakfast and lunch menu, a dinner service will follow post-launch, featuring ‘an approachable, yet elevated’ evening menu designed to complement the venue’s remarkable setting.
The venue will also be available for private hire, accommodating up to 100 guests standing or 50 guests seated, in an ideal setting for celebrations, corporate gatherings and bespoke events with unparalleled views for golfing enthusiasts.
Managing director of The Rocca Group, Stefano Pieraccini, said: “Clarets is about more than just food and drink — it’s about celebrating St Andrews.
“We wanted to create a space that reflects the character, heritage and natural beauty of this town, where the views across the Old Course and West Sands are matched by the warmth of the welcome, the atmosphere in the room, and the quality on the plate.
“Whether you’re joining us after a walk along the beach, finishing a round on the course, or gathering with friends for breakfast, lunch or Sunday roast, we want Clarets to feel like a place that truly belongs here and somewhere people feel part of something special.”
Director of The R&A World Golf Museum, Angela Howe, added: “Claret’s promises to be an exciting addition to the St Andrews restaurant scene and will build on the success of the Niblick.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Stefano to bring this new proposition to life. The skills and experience of the Niblick team will be complemented by the Rocca team and we look forward to welcoming existing and new guests to Claret’s and The R&A World Golf Museum in the coming weeks.”
