The Crusoe

The East Neuk of Fife, with its fishing villages, golfing heritage and spectacular coastline, is one of Scotland’s lesser-known gems. One of the many picturesque seaside villages here is Lower Largo, a relatively undiscovered spot on the Firth of Forth. It’s a pretty place, famed as the home of one Alexander Selkirk, a castaway and pirate who was the original model for Robinson Crusoe – a connection commemorated in The Crusoe inn. Perfectly placed on the water’s edge with stunning views, this seaside pub won ‘Romantic Hotel of the Year’ for the Fife region at Scotland’s 2023 National Hotel awards. And no wonder – it’s a terrific place to stay, with bright, contemporary rooms all with sea views and really good food.

The pub backs onto Lower Largo Beach and has two types of accommodation across seven airy rooms. There are six Largo Bay rooms, which can be configured as double or twin, some with the option to add an extra bed for children. Each has south-facing sea views as well as super-king-size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, Bose Bluetooth speakers, USB charging points and Nespresso coffee machines. All Largo Bay rooms are dog-friendly, while four of them have interconnecting doors and en-suite bathrooms come with spacious showers (some also have roll top baths), fluffy towels and Laura Thomas bathroom products. For something extra special, book the exclusive Largo Pier Suite with its claw-foot bath and balcony.

Meanwhile The Crusoe’s restaurant dishes up seasonal, Scottish-provenanced food, from Shetland mussels and Aberdeenshire lamb to cheese and bread from nearby Anstruther. The Seaside Bar, where dogs are welcome, also serves pub favourites as well as plenty of local ales – the perfect end to a good walk along the coastal path or visits to Fife’s many other attractions, from St Andrews to the seaside resort of Elie, where you’ll find the Crusoe’s sister pub, The Ship Inn.