The Golf Inn, on the corner of Golf Place, famously “wrapped” by Nike Golf in the Nike logo in the 2015 British Open, when the watering hole traded as No 1 Golf Place, has been acquired by couple Brett Lawrence and Gillian McLaren.
Already running the popular and award winning Rocca Deli in Bell Street in the town, Brett and Gillian, who are soon getting married, have jumped at the chance to put their mark on a second food & drink business in St Andrews. The Golf Inn, which has six bedrooms upstairs, additionally offers them the opportunity to diversify into the hospitality sector.
Under their new direction, it is hoped that The Golf Inn, which includes a well stocked bar, together with a fifty cover Brasserie and upstairs roof terrace, will build up a strong foodie clientele, with experienced chef, Rory MacCrimmon, who recently took part in a successful Savour
St Andrews taster lunch event, at the helm. Brett and Gillian also aim to develop St Andrews lucrative short break market through a range of well priced bed & accommodation options at the Inn.
Other plans to drive footfall and build the brand at the Inn, include introducing Stand Up Comedy Nights, together with live music and cocktail nights.
Close to both The Old Course and the West Sands, The Golf Inn enjoys one of the best situations in the town for passing trade.
Commenting on the acquisition, Brett Lawrence said: “Gillian and I are delighted to be taking over at The Golf Inn, one of the best known properties in St Andrews.”
“The situation presented itself to take on another business in the town, and we simply could not resist.”
“We think it’s really important that we are locals already trading in the town,” he said. “We know the business from when it was just a pub, albeit a very well situated one. The Nike endorsement in 2015 got everyone talking. The potential was always there for this business to be so much more, and this still has not been fully exploited,” he added.
“We’re bringing to the table an existing customer base through our award winning deli – locals, students, a whole range of people,” said Gillian. “We also have excellent local contacts, a superb food provenance, and a solid track record in business,” she said.
Further details on the Savour St Andrews event at: http://savourstandrews.com/the-golf-inn-at-the-chefs-taster-lunch/
