Northern Irish private investment company Wirefox has this week added to its Marram hotel collection with the opening of The Kithmore in St Andrews.
This new luxury hotel and dining destination on Playfair Terrace, North Street, officially opened its doors today (Tuesday 16 June), following a £7.5 million renovation.
Occupying three Georgian townhouses dating back to 1847 – originally designed by St Andrews architect George Rae – the property was formerly The Ardgowan Hotel.
Now reimagined as a ‘design-led boutique hotel’, the property is said to combine carefully restored heritage features with contemporary luxury and modern comforts, across 44-bedrooms and Bennie’s, a new all-day Scottish bar and restaurant.
Named after the Bennie family, who played an important role in the property’s hospitality history, the bar and restaurant has been designed as a welcoming social destination for guests and locals alike.
Its menu promises to showcase Scotland’s natural larder through locally sourced produce and contemporary takes on classics, including hand-dived Orkney scallops, Chicken & Haggis Pie, premium Scotch beef and The Kithmore’s signature beer-battered St Monan’s Haddock, as well as specials like East Neuk langoustines and St Andrews Bay lobster.
With its own entrance and south-facing landscaped terrace, the restaurant – which accommodates 57 covers and 30 seated on the terrace – aims to offer ‘elevated comfort food, quality drinks and warm Scottish hospitality in a relaxed contemporary setting’.
The project has created 36 new hospitality jobs, with a dedicated team led by general Manager Kathryn McNairn, alongside head chef Joe Reddie and deputy manager Caryn Kelly.
McNairn said: “Opening day is a hugely proud moment for everyone involved in bringing The Kithmore to life.
“Over the past two years we have watched this remarkable transformation take shape, breathing new life into a much-loved St Andrews property while carefully preserving its heritage and character.
“We have assembled an exceptional team and created a hotel that feels warm, personal and deeply connected to its surroundings.
“From the bedrooms and public spaces to Bennie’s restaurant, every detail has been designed with the guest experience in mind.”
McNairn continued: “Inspired by the Scots word ‘kith’, meaning friendship and familiarity, our ambition is simple – to create links that last a lifetime.
“Whether guests are visiting for golf, leisure, business or a special celebration, we want them to feel genuinely welcomed from the moment they arrive.”
Malcolm Allan, hospitality director for The Marram Collection, added: “The opening of The Kithmore is a significant milestone for The Marram Collection and a project we are immensely proud to bring to fruition.
“From the outset, our vision was to create a hotel that celebrated the unique character of St Andrews while delivering the highest standards of contemporary hospitality.
“The transformation of these historic townhouses has been an extraordinary journey involving talented designers, craftspeople and hospitality professionals, all united by a shared ambition to create something special.
“The Kithmore embodies everything we believe great hotels should be – distinctive, welcoming, design-led and deeply connected to their surroundings.”
