The Keys Bar
Best Bar in Scotland 2014/2015. 2025/2026
Best Whisky bar in Scotland 2017.
Awarded Highly Commended in the Scottish Hospitality awards 2023 for Best Bar.
Finalist in The courier food and drinks awards.
Over 300 Malt whiskies & 150 Gins.
Selection of Scottish Beers & Spirits.
Independently family-run.
BT sport & Sky sports for all your live sporting events
Founded in 1858, The Keys Bar is a refreshingly unique Bar in St Andrews. Come on by, grab a delicious Toastie and get the quality time with your friends that you deserve. We are an independent family run bar, we host Darts & Domino nights and welcome both local community and visitors from all corners of the world
Our History
Much More Than Your Regular Bar
The Keys Bar has been an established Bar Since 1858 that aims to build community by providing drinks that bring people together and an atmosphere that is a hub for local entertainment. The Keys Bar was originally called Stewarts Hotel in the mid 18th century and re-named The Cross Keys in 1858.
In Recent years The pub was owned and run by Carol and Stuart Gordon before being taken over by their daughter Claire who rebranded the bar as we know it now The Keys Bar . The Bar is now under new family ownership with the essence of keeping it's unique character as a family run business. Our approach to delivering only the finest service to our customers starts and ends with our constant desire to exceed expectations. Come join us to see what we’re all about.
Lunch time Combo
Best Toasties in town
Lunch time snack ?!
Why don’t you pop in to The Keys Bar for a pint of Tennents and a toastie sandwich ( your combo of cheese, ham, Haggis, tomato, onion or pickle).
Monday to Thursday All Day offer
only £7.95!
Dog Friendly
dogs are always welcome
All well behaved dogs are welcome here at The Keys Bar we have dog bowls available on request with cold fresh water. Our friendly staff can also offer a wee dog biscuit treat for your loveable family pets.
Latest news
Stay in the Know
16 year old Daftmill
A must try whisky for any occasion
New 16 year old Daftmill arrived in The Keys.
The oldest ever Daftmill to be released is a special edition of two first fill bourbon casks, vol 56.3%
The palate delivers the pastry for that apple pie, along with malted barley cereal notes, digestive biscuit, a hint of banana & ripe strawberries.
The Keys bar very own Limited Edition Scotch Whisky
Get your's while it lasts
Excited to announce the new Keys Bar Limited edition special malt whisky.
Fantastic Miltonduff 12 years, refill in Bourbon HHD Cask and finished in Amontillado Sherry BRQ, 46% vol.
Gorgeous amber colour and sweet, rich, nutty flavour.
Available only in The Keys Bar
Latest Rum selections
Rum for your bum anyone?
It’s not just big whisky selections or gin in here… We have got almost 30 rums too
From our favourite local Reaper's Rum
Through:
New in limited edition salted caramel Kraken
Ninefold white Scottish Rum
Barti spiced rum infused with seaweed
Don Papa aged in oak barrels
And many more for you to choose from
New Edition
Estrella
New in - Esrella Galicia
Premium pale lager 4.7% manufactured by the company Hijos de Rivera Brewery, and located in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain.
Come and try this when dreaming of Spanish sunshine
What We’ve Got Planned
Something For Everyone
Claire Nicoll guide to whisky
Interested in malt whisky, then this guide is a must read. Written by Our very own Claire Nicoll
From a young age I was always intrigued by the distinct aromas of Scotland’s most famous drink. Having grown up as the daughter of a Scottish publican, it was only natural that I would become familiar with the various names of the malts and their distilleries that adorned the walls of my parents bar the Cross Keys. When I was old enough (honestly!) I began to explore the variety of flavours that were produced from these magical looking bottles with their wonderful Celtic names. As I have grown older and now run my family’s bar, I have had the fortune to visit many of our countries distilleries and fully appreciate the subtle changes in flavour that come from the barrel, region, water, malting or other parts the distillation process can bring about. The following are my notes and the Key’s to Scotland’s malts. Enjoy.
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How Did We Do?
Team
Where the Passion Begins
Marta Droszkowska Raynor
Bar Manager
Marta has been with the Keys Bar since 2007 When she came here to St Andrews from her home city Bydgoszcz in Poland.
Marta's passion and dedication is making everone's visit one to remember.
Marta has a big knowledge of all the drinks available in the Keys bar but whisky and vodka are her favourite.
Laura McDermott
Assistant Bar Manager
Laura started at The keys bar back in 2010 whilst studying at St Andrews University. After graduating Laura has continued to work with us Laura has a wealth of knowledge on the Whisky and gins we have in stock.
Kirsty Nicoll
Bar Supervisor
Kirsty is one of our experienced Bar Tenders with Years of experience and knowledge of the hospitality trade. When not working Kirsty can be found on the side lines as a coach, first aider, fundraiser and supporter to the local youth football teams.
Grzegorz Rosowski
Bar Tender
Grzegorz recently joined the team and is fitting in well. Grzegorz is learning on the job and is starting to learn up on all the drinks and whiskies that we have in the bar is is becoming more confident in dealing with the customers.
Skye Reid
Bar Tender
Skye is one of our experienced Bar tenders with experience in the hospitality industry. When not working behind the bar Skye enjoys doing her hairdressing and make up for her friends and family.
Kelly Aiton
Bar Tender
Kelly is another one of our experienced Bar Tenders
Sasha Gordon
Bar Tender
Sacha is another one off our part time Bar tenders. Sacha is in her final year at university and will be graduating this year from Glasgow University.
Part time Bar Tender
Scott Raynor
Cellar man/general organiser
Married to our Manager Marta. Scott is our behind the scenes cellar man/general organiser and problem solver. Scott was a firefighter for almost 30 years.
Specialty Beverages
Whisky's, Gins, Beer, Lagers & Spirits
Our drink list features a selection inspired by everyday freshness meeting deliciousness. Our liquid concoctions have been inspired by classic cocktails, showcasing seasonal ingredients and trendy flavors. There's always something for everyone's taste and desire. Our amazing bartenders will be happy to assist you to make that choice.
Malt Whisky's
Over 300 Malt whisky's from all over the world.
We have a Malt Whisky to suit your taste and preference from peaty, smoky to sweet. Ask one of the experienced Bar staff to talk you through our range and flavours and we will find you a perfect whisky.
Gins
Over 150 Gins for your selection
Let the expert mixologists find the right balance for you with our special gins and mixers. Whether you’re here for a quick drink or a Great day out, our bar staff will soon stir your taste buds in the right direction.
We hope you enjoy our drinks—can’t wait to see you again!
Elite Golf Transport
Operating from the heart of St. Andrews, Elite Golf Transport has over 25 years’ experience in golf transportation throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Let us transport you in our luxury vehicles while you can concentrate on enjoying the best golf courses and hospitality the world has to offer here at ‘The Home of Golf.”
Services we provide are vehicle with concierge tour host to attend all your needs whether it’s a single day tour or for as many days you require
ELITE GOLF TRANSPORT
Happy to support Marta and the team The Keys Bar . Come and meet the locals and not so locals in summer. Friends, sports and a huge choice of whisky and Gin. Just ask your driver to drop you at “The Keys”.
Click on the link below for the Elite Golf website.
Opening Hours
Visit Us
Monday - Thursday 10am last orders 1130pm. Friday 10am last orders 1230. Saturday 10am last orders 1230. Sunday 10am last orders 1130pm.
