Anster Cheese farm and restaurant in Fife

Went for lunch but the place was closed. No sign at the end of the road to say so. It looks as if it could be closed for quite a while yet. Very disappointing. Signs to say closed and for how long at the end of the road would be helpful.

Went this cheese farm travelled through the rain and snow weather was terrible arrived to find the place was closed not been open for months lady opened door when I knocked on window but did not seem interested brought some cheese out but very expensive for the product did not buy any but very disappointed as it is on the Internet as open and clearly this is not the case at all they need to address this situation instead of traveling all this way for nothing

Arrived on 13th August 2022 only to find a notice on the door saying it wa sno longer open!!! Why not put a big notice at the main road at the start of the long driveway? and also remove the tourist signs. Very poor.....

It would have been less of a disappointment if there had been some signage warning that it was closed. However we took the 4 mile directions to discover there’s no one there.

My husband and I went there on A Sunday and found it closed. A bit disappointing but it was November and not a big deal. We looked at the signs and it said it should have been open but we thought they closed up early with it being quiet. It said open from 10am on Monday so we came back at 1120am Sign up saying cafe closed but door was locked. Husband knocked on window and a woman opened it. Are you open said my husband? Do u want to buy cheese was the response!!!! What else would we want from a cheese shop? The door was reluctantly opened and the woman shouted to another girl to get the cheeses out as there was nothing on display. There was a man presumably staff eating his lunch, no one spoke to us. We felt a bit pressured into buying something which we did. We then went a few miles along the road and came across Ardross farm shop in Elie. Fantastic place, warm friendly helpful staff and best of all they sold the same cheeses and oatcakes that the cheese farm did so if going off season save your time, petrol and suspension on your car and bypass the cheese farm and go elsewhere that seems to want your custom

Although the farm shop cafe is still closed due to the pandemic it has a web site to purchase their cheese from. It can then be collected or delivered. Great cheese at a fair price, the St Andrews, Anister Mature is excellent. I will purchase again and look forward to the Cafe opening again soon.

We went here today to buy cheese...we already knew the cafe was closed and that was not an issue for us. Made a purchase of cheese, oatcakes & honey, along with lovely chat with the owner. Fab customer service and we hope the cheese making continues to grow and the sales area works for them.

Did a long trail here and disappointed they had not made it clear that it was closed. The sign on door said cafe was closed but nothing about shop. We tried the door. It was locked - staff on the other side just stared - kind of weird!

Terrible experience. Website says the coffee shop is open until 1st Nov but we arrived on 29th Oct and it was closed. We were able to see the cheese being made but the rude girl wouldn’t give us a sample so obviously we didn’t buy anything. Poor experience. We’ll never know whether Anster cheese is worth buying. Customer service low on the agenda

A wee bit off the track but worth a visit. Nice homely staff and good coffee with a section of goodies and of course their own cheese which is really good

Came here on a rainy day. Nice spot for lunch. There is a viewing area into where the cheese is made. There is an aroma of cheese throughout, and most of the dishes on the menu had cheese in one form or another. It’s in a lovely building and we got quite close to some of the cows in the field afterwards. My sister and I both had the sourdough toast with garlic mushrooms and cheese. It was very nice indeed but the garlic was strong! My daughter had the macaroni cheese. It was quite oily but tasted nice. She couldn’t finish it, it was a big portion! The restaurant nicely fitted out. Nice wee gift shop too. And of course you can buy some cheeses (the ones made on site could be sampled). Definitely worth a visit!

Went out for lunch and was a bit sceptical with some of the reviews that people had given. The day we arrived it wasn't a nice day and the restaurant was quiet and told to sit where we liked. We were looking at the menu when the waitress asked us if we would like a drink then came back with the drinks then we ordered our lunch which we all enjoyed. Staff were friendly and asked if everything was fine. The only down thing was if they brought the drinks after the meal was served would have been better as we felt as if we could have done with another drink before we had finished eating, but you learn through these errors. The food was lovely and will be back, and the place was getting busy when we left. You need a Sat Nav to find the place as its not well sign posted.

This is a very local cheese producer with a lovely little cafe attached. The cheese is amazing and gets better every year. The real producers are on hand to moo to as you go in. Dog friendly. Great luncheon food and incredible views. Lovely staff.

Nous sommes tombés par hasard sur cette ferme produisant du fromage bien caché dans la campagne....mais un restaurant où sont servis des produits locaux et bien sûr du fromage. Le saumon avec purée est à goûter absolument...ainsi que le Mac ans cheese.

Lovely way to spend a sunny afernoon having a cup of tea and a scone! Great choice of cheeses to sample and buy and also see the cheese being made.

Had a shared cheeseboard and tea here today. Very attractive tea room with lovely views of farm and coast. High quality food at very reasonable prices. We sampled three local cheeses with lovely cheese scones and oatcakes, butter, grapes, apple and chutney. Very generous serving and delicious. Would definitely return.

Firstly whether a Fifer or a visitor/tourist I suggest you should seek this place out and rate it yourself. Before making my own review up and adding it to those already posted I trawled through the others looking for comparison and comment from others.To be fair I with family & friends have been here before although not for a while. The problem with it is that from the outside it isn’t exactly the most stunning of buildings but the setting and views are lovely, with wide ranging vistas over the Forth and beyond. Once inside it is a tad spartan and first impressions aren’t overly welcoming. Noticeboards with out of date notices of events, some items for sale from postcards to tourist tat but having painted a picture of negativity please walk a bit further and take a seat.We found the staff friendly and the menu is good. Can’t fault the food it was very nice indeed. Hot soup, lovely bread with yummy sandwich fillings and fresh home baking. Good coffee too!However it lacks that wow factor in some ways. I am sure the same photos are on display from the last time I was there a couple of years ago. Without too much attention to detail and a bit more effort this establishment could be something well worth turning off the beaten track for. So near the stunning East Neuk villages and other attractions.I rated it four and justifiably so, but could be a five with ease just a bit of imagination and expense. Good though and well worth a visit. Fine selection of local produce, especially the cheese - not surprisingly!

Having spent 10 years holidaying in Fife I cant believe weve only now discovered this little gem.Food was lovely. We only went for coffee but the coffee and scones were absolutely gorgeous. Service was excellent..There was no cheese making taking place when we were there but having had a couple of samples left with a chunk for both St Andrews Cheddar and Anster cheese. Also purchased a lovely picture of the local area.Will definitely go back and look forward to trying more of their cheese dishes

As I've just had to fish 6 to 8 pieces of eggshell out of my omelette a bit more attention to detail needs to paid to preparation. On the plus side it was nice to see the cheese making in operation and nothing was wrong with the pot of tea.

My partner and I called in to the restaurant in the afternoon for coffee and cake. I remember their fruit slice being very tasty the last time I visited. This was a few years ago.

On previous visits had enjoyed good quality food and service unfortunately this time was a poor reflection of that.

Had 2 visits this week and both were excellent. We never deviate from our choices of home made soup and a warm cheese scone. The baking is also delicious and service great.

When I last visited here,I was most complimentary. Two years later, I am even more complimentary!

This promised to be a good place to have lunch for my wife and I. It was badly let down by the poor quality of the staff.

We were staying in fife for a long weekend.Saw the signs for coffee and cheese barn.A wee bit to find it but was worth it.Lovely staff .we just had coffees and cakes but were lovely . We bought cheese from the shop it was lovely to. We will visit next time in Fife .

A bit out off the path but great food, a good experience, great cheese, good service, certainly would recommend.

Visited twice yesterday and today, food is absolutely delicious we had mac and cheese best so far tasted, omelette are delicious, black pudding dish is a delight and soups best we tasted and the cheese scones are best ever. Great place food arrived well presented like a picture service great must have a great chef who cares. Very accommodating for kids food.

Visited the cheese farm and restaurant today for early lunch. I picked Stornoway Black Pudding served on Ainster Cheese Rostis.. it was absolutely delicious! My husband had home made soup and of course a large cheese scone. We followed up with freshly brewed coffee and a wee bit of home baking. They must have a brilliant cook...so hold on to them. Likewise all three waiting staff were attentive and friendly. We will definitely be back soon.

After reading several reviews, decided to come for a visit before heading home. Went for lunch but menu was rather limited. What we did get was lovely. But still left a bit disappointed

Have made many visits here and it never disappoints. 2 soups to choose from and the most delicious warm cheese scone. Took baking home for later - too much choice !!

Wonderful food in a lovely setting. The choice of cheeses is impressive . I had cauliflower soup and have never tasted soup like it , it was delicious. The Anster cheese and pickle sandwich was equally tasty . Will definitely revisit .

Lovely fresh cooked to order food, served by charming staff. Great location so a nice to be allowed to enjoy the ambieince in peace and quiet, and not hurried out. Been often , never disappointed.

Visited this farm shop and cafe for coffee and to purchase cheese great selection of all farm goods large cheese selection

This place is a great find. We always use it when visiting the East Neuk. Friendly staff and sea views and excellent food.

We visit the East Neuk annually and every time we come we make a point of going to this cheese farm restaurant.The lunch we had today was first class for all for of us. Two had home made soup . One had a variation of eggs benedict and I had a superb salad. In addition the cake selection was fantastic and the challenge was what to chose. It is fair to say all were given top marks.

Left our visit here til late in our holiday otherwise we would have definitely returned. The cheese scones were freshly baked and very tasty. Service was excellent and staff were friendly and helpful. Lunch menu looked very inviting.

Anster cheese is a relatively new local product and this dairy farm with shop and café is its home.Its well signed off the main road has a big car park and amazing 180 degree views of the Isle of May to Berwick Law.Food choices are the usual favourites with a soup sandwich combo but we had the Eggs Benidict and Brunch special both ample freshly cooked and satisfying.They sell their own cheese plus a selection of artisan products from all over the uk though mainly Scotland.There is a viewing area and opportunity to partake in art classes

Found this by accident. Popped in for coffee and left with loads of cheeses. Great selection. Cakes looked amazing but no more room in tum😣

A bit pricey for a farm cafe but good quality food. Gluten free options for savoury and cakes. You can also watch them making cheese and purchase a wide selection of local cheeses.

We arrived for a coffee and cake at 4 pm last Sunday. We sat at a recently used and not yet cleaned table (just crumbs and used sugar packet). The floor was covered in crumbs and debris. Our order was taken by a weary looking server, who returned with excellent coffee and cake. She put our order down and wasn't planning to clean the table, so I asked her to please do it. She did it with bad grace. Having been here before, I was disappointed.

Shocked today by the dreadful customer service We received!

Despite being not very well sign-posted we found this little gem following a recommendation. We were not disappointed, excellent soup and cheese scone, and the farmhouse grill was very tasty. Food is of very good quality and obviously made in-house from local products. Service quick and unobtrusive. Very busy and not too noisy unlike other venues which tend to be a bit hard for conversation.

Been coming to the cheese shop since it opened and make sure we visit every time we visit fife. It never disappoints. The soup and cheese scone option is gorgeous but lots of other nice lunch options. There isn’t always cheese making going on but when there is its fascinating. Thank you.

Visited in July with friends only to discover that there was no cheese making as they were on holiday. Did however taste the cheese which I can recommend

Arrived around 2pm to find the small family owned restaurant very busy. Approximately50 people enjoying wide selection of soup, sandwiches and toasted food.

It has a better than usual restaurant but the cheese selection is great.Plenty of parking and is a great place to have lunch.

Lovely Scottish cheeses! So much temptation! Love popping to this place for lunch. very friendly staff

Dropped in on our way to anstruther and was disappointed on the food to offer as it was overpriced. Cafe was not much better.

Busy restaurant when we visited. Staff were very helpful. We tasted a selection of different cheeses and bought three different kinds. Asked about tour but only DVD available that day.

My wife and I had lunch here on 2nd July. We sat outside and enjoyed the glorious views of the East Neuk and the river Forth out to the May Island.

The cafe was quiet when we came, and it was a bit misty so we could enjoy the view across to the sea. The staff were friendly and helpful and didn't mind at all when we took our time in choosing the cheese to have as part of the cheese board. This came promptly, with mini cheese scones as well as a variety of locally made oat crackers which ranged from thin and crispy to think and crumbly, together with a delicious raspberry and apple chutney. We also had the eggs benedict, with lovely soft avocado and egg on a cheese scone, all covered in a wonderful hollandaise sauce. The scone was freshy baked and dreamily delicious, as was the entire dish. Well worth taking the trouble to find.

The Cheese Farm is not exactly near anywhere (apart from perhaps Kellie Castle which is also in the middle of the countryside) but do not let that put you off finding this little gem of an eatery! The coffee is excellent, but only full cream milk, but the baking is beautiful. Try either the butterscotch tart or the rhubarb pie which we had today. We had one between us and that was plentiful, not sure if I could have managed one on my own. It was stunning!

This place has the best food I’ve tasted in Fife. Everything was so fresh and tasty! Also has the added bonus of taking away some special cheeses for eating later. A must for all visitors to the area

Took a little detour to check out this place. It is a lovely and quiet cafe with lovely views. When we arrived there is a sign saying to wait to be seated but all 3 members of staff ignored us so we just seated ourselves. In fairness they were quite busy. Apart from this small hiccup the service was good. Despite arriving late in the day there were still plenty of fresh cakes. I got a lemon meringue pie which was outstanding and went well with the coffee. They also have a lovely little gift shop.

Saw a sign after a long hard drive, needed liquid.

We stopped by to sample the cheeses and see the cheese making process. It was a wonderful stop. We sampled 2 bleus and a cheddar and enjoyed hot ginger beer, cheese scones, and oatcakes as well. One of us loved her Victoria sponge, too!

Very quiet on the morning we visited. Had coffee and cakes. Service was friendly. Nice little gift shop area. Didn't see any cheese production, and not sure I would make special trip to revisit.

We have visited this place on several occasions in the past and were always impressed by its good service and nice food. We went there for lunch last Friday. It was not particularly busy but was clearly understaffed. The girl behind the counter did not look in our direction, the one guy clearing tables similarly did not take us on. We stood for ages to be seated but were ignored. We walked out in disgust. Ok places can be busy and sometimes there are unavoidable reasons for staff shortages, but to be treated in this contemptible manner is not acceptable in an establishment boasting 4 stars from the Scottish Tourist Board. I see from other reviews this lack of staffing is an ongoing issue: whatever the reason customer care has fallen by the wayside and that is a great pity. We certainly won’t hurry back.

We visited today for lunch, but were very nearly put off by the recent negative reviews. Please, don’t be put off...

Stopped for lunch today but sadly food very disappointing with no apology or recompense offered. I am afraid we will not be calling again.

Came for lunch, nice menu and the gentleman serving us was top notch.

Popped into the cheese farm for a spot of lunch with the whole family today (7 in total) ... I have been in the past and the food is always lovely and I wanted to take my visiting family there... After being told by one of the staff to take a seat we then waited and waited and waited for someone to take our order... There was an abundance of staff behind the counter, most of whom appeared to be doing nothing apart from avoiding our gaze... We waited for 30 minutes and when we still had no service decided to leave... I would have understood had the place been heaving but there were lots of tables free... I'm afraid I won't be back if this is how you treat your potential customers..

Came here for lunch and was sadly a bit disappointed after a good visit a couple of years ago. After waiting a bit for a table it then took a while for the order to be taken. I went for the black pudding my boyfriend an omellete not stuff you would expect to take long. 30 minutes later our food came whilst 2 tables who arrived after got their food. A table which had ordered omelettes. A mumbled apology was given with the excuse of only one chef working. I can't complain too much as tables after us were still waiting for food. The food itself was ok the black pudding a touch on the dry side. My boyfriend's omelette looked like it has been dumped on the plate with not much care. The total came to £21 a touch on the high price fine if the service was efficient. Won't go out my way to come back.

A bit out of the way, especially when then the nearby road has been closed. We sought it out especially, had a nice coffee and look around. It was a pleasant enough refreshment stop and the more substantial meals others were having looked good but not sure it would be worth a detour again.

I go regularly to the Cheesefarm for lunch. The food is always good, as are the coffees & cakes!! The...

Called in for lunch and was surprised to see that you could view cheese being made whilst waiting for your...

Really great place for lunch if you are in the area. Food quality was exceptional. Service friendly but efficient. Very...

Popped along to this place today for a late lunch and we were not disappointed. Great service in a lovely...

My husband and I stopped off here for lunch. Driving up to the restaurant it doesn't look like much. As...

Lovely clean shop and cafe and the cheese is to die for, very helpful staff and you can taste the...

Been a few times and always great food and delicious cheese. Kids love the macaroni and the specials can be...

Popped in for lunch. Omlette came with choice of 3 fillings- so tasty with Anster cheese, ham and mushrooms and...

Just finished lunch here and has to post. I had soup and a cheese board from a massive selection of cheese. I would highly recommend making a journey here for lunch no matter how far you stay away!!

Took family for lunch and was not disappointed! Lovely and clean and the food was delicious. Don't leave without having tea and their homemade scones, FABULOUS!

We visited the cheese farm primarily because we like cheese. We found a pleasant restaurant , which catered for families.It featured a viewing room to see cheese production.It had a small selection of food orientated gifts for visitors. Our only disappointment was they didn't have some of the cheeses we would have liked to try available.

This was my first visit to this restaurant although my wife has been there several times. Menu selection was excellent and between us we chose different options. We were all more than satisfied. Definitely value for money and table service was friendly and efficient. Setting is in keeping with the type of restaurant it purports to be. I enjoyed my visit and undoubtedly will be back. As a specialist chess location perhaps a little over stated?

Great restaurant with fantastic views Live locally and visit often. Great choice of food on menu. All made on the premises. Service first class Good value for money Would highly recommend Can also view the cheese making process

Great for a soup and cheese scone lunch. All homemade. But you need to get in early in summer or at weekends. Nice to be able to sit out with the dog enjoying lovely view over the Forth.

Nothing really to see. Cafe: wanted to be seated although almost empty. Small selection of cheese readily available in normal shops. Tasting bowls were covered but had to use fingers. Not happy staff, tea poor.Gift shop very expensive. Opportunity missed as no cheese board on the menu.Just a waste of time

We were ignored by 2 female staff at the wait to be seated sign as they were to busy chatting, and there were no prices on the cards beside the cakes so we just had coffees, When paying the bill the senior woman was very miserable taking the money so will not be back.

Lovely place to visit Lunch - blue cheese and walnut salad, toasted with nice thick bread, cheese platter with oatcakes chutney and grapes - you get to choose which 3 cheeses.This includes Anster cheese smoked and normal, St. Andrews cheddar and many other Scottish cheeses - they are all listed on the menu and you can then buy some to take home.They have outside sitting area - good god the dog

You can view the cheese making while you are here, have something to eat and drink, and of course take home some local cheese. Very nice friendly staff, and the food is good.

Stopped off for lunch with family group. I opted for the soup of the day which was carrot and cumin served with a cheese scone, others had macaroni cheese, omelette or toasties, all were delicious. Not much room for a wheelchair so we sat outside, even though it was a bit windy we enjoyed the great view.

Lovely cafe that served me a divine cheese & ham toastie, cheese inside & outside melted to perfection. Great cuppa in a lovely cafe. Great service too and of course you can sample and buy their cheese which you can see being made. Their cheddar is lovely a very strong mature taste

This is the second time we had visited this place as a family and the food is excellent and served promptly. No cheese making displays both times, but video explaining the process and some cheeses to taste. Lovely if, not a rather remote location, but worth hunting it out. Just above Pittenweem and Anstruther. on the East Neuk of Fife full for small fishing villages. Would recommend.

We went for lunch and the food was ok but the service very hap hazard. We came in and orders taken from 4 later tables first. Staff not particularly friendly, food not wonderful and the cheese menu isn't the cheeses they have. In fact only a small amount of cheese behind the counter. I'd forget this place and go somewhere better.

Great food and coffee. We loved the soup, delicious sandwiches (Anster cheese and pickle was particularly tasty). If they have chorizo and tomato soup on offer, and supplies of the grilled goats cheese order them! Sadly, our visits never seemed to coincide with the cheese making - perhaps a good excuse for another trip to this beautiful part of Fife...

Slightly disappointed in the cafe side, but the display of so many quality Cheeses is what this is all about, in my mind. Not quite as large as what you'd find in the Wensleydale Cheese Farm, down in Hawes, but very, very tasty nonetheless.There's a good selection of honeys, and various organic foods, on sale.Close by is Kellie Castle so, taking in both, makes for a very pleasant half day outing!

Having been to this lovely cafe for lunch and coffees several times before over the years of visiting this area on holiday, we were very disappointed with the service and freshness of the cakes. There is a wide variety of lovely looking cakes but some were certainly past their best. Will think twice about returning when there are so many lovely alternatives in the area.

We'd heard good reports of this cafe and thought we'd go along and try it for ourselves. First impressions are positive as the location is very scenic and the interior of the cafe looks spacious. On the negative side, the menu is rather limited and prices are higher than you'd expect for this type of establishment. I was under the impression that visitors could watch the cheese making process but there was nothing to see other than a large vat through a window. Overall a bit of a let down.

Very nice Farm Shop cafe. Nice ambience. Pleasant staff. Good food. Unusual cheeses on sale if you're interested. There was nowhere reasonable at St Monans.

2nd visit this year! Cheese platter is fantastic - you choose any three cheeses from a large menu. Platter has home made oatcakes, fruit and delicious home made chutney Coffee was full of flavour and nice and hot. Great cakes too and friendly service.

The food here is always great but they don't seem to be able to get the service right. The staff are friendly enough but seem to wait a long time before taking your order and have on more than one occasion forgotten to bring an item that had been ordered. One of the reasons I like to return here is because of the most amazing fresh cream meringues they do, they are huge and just the way I like them, crispy on the outside and chewy inside. However they often run out of them!

5 adults and 2 children arrived for lunch on what felt like the coldest day in February. A warm welcome fantastic service and delicious food for all. Cheese platter especially delish. What could be better.

Really good place for morning or afternoon tea or coffee, and they do light lunches as well. At certain times of day you can watch them make their own cheese. On a back road between pittenweem and anstruther.

Come here every six weeks or so for soup & cheese scone - fabulous ! My husband loves the baking so I buy some to take away.

Nice to have a meal and watch cheese being made picture's of the local area painting's for sale along with various products of cheese,jam,books of local food

Firstly, et me say that we had a really good light lunch comprising of a very tasty omelette and a toast. The service was very friendly and helpful. We followed up with a very nice gluten free 'whole orange' cake and a 'lemon drizzle' (really just lemon) cake - both delicious. The position of the café is great with views across the countryside towards the Forth and beyond. Highly recommended but what is the place called? It is listed in Tripadvisor as Anster Cheese Farm and restaurant, their website calls it St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company and the restaurant is called the 'Butterpat' and is it a coffee shop, café or restaurant? Not sure why the confusion but go there anyway, it is rather good.

We have been to this restaurant many times. Today was no different welcoming and pleasant staff. We asked for a ham and cheese toastie to share, we were delighted to see it arrive on two plates, with side salad and crisps on both plates. It was delicious. Lovely coffee also.We will continue to support this business.

We called in for lunch recently and were rather disappointed by the limited choice and above average prices. My husband had soup and sandwiches - the soup was ok but the 'doorstep' shaped sandwiches had been hastily put together and were unappealing both visually and flavour-wise. I chose to have a cheese omelette, which was described in the menu as being a 3 egg omelette served with salad leaves. I chose this carefully as I am allergic to both tomatoes and peppers, so I was unimpressed by the small side dish of SALAD, including tomatoes and peppers and tired-looking, brown edged, shredded Iceberg lettuce, without any dressing of any kind, which was delivered to me. The omelette may have been made with 3 eggs, if so they were very small ones. The cheese inside it had not been in it long enough to melt. The table service was slow, and our order, once placed, was very slow to be prepared and served. I know for a fact that this business has been running under the same ownership for some time but the day we were there it gave every appearance of being run by slightly inept amateurs.We shall not be going back.