New Direction for St Monans Seafood Restaurant

Craig Millar, who made his name as executive head chef and partner at The Seafood Restaurants in St Monans and St Andrews, is embarking on his first solo venture.

From Saturday, 4th June, his name will be above the door at the newly-refurbished St Monans eatery - Craig Millar @ 16 West End.

Craig, who has over 23 years’ experience and, for the past 13 years, has been in partnership with Tim Butler, who will remain in control of the St Andrews restaurant.

He commented: "I’m really proud of everything Tim and I have achieved in the last 13 years but it has always been my ambition to have my own place.

"Initially, I wasn’t keen to use my own name as I thought it might appear a bit pretentious, but then I realised that I wanted diners to know it will be me in the kitchen."

While Craig plans to continue promoting the fantastic seafood available locally, he is keen to take the opportunity to broaden the menu to incorporate more Scottish produce from the land. He said: "There are times of the year when lamb is nicer than a lobster."

The restaurant will offer a set-price lunch menu with a choice of three starters, three mains, two desserts or cheese that will run alongside a cheaper three-course set menu option. For dinner, a set-price menu with three starters, one intermediate, three mains, two desserts or cheese will run alongside a five-course tasting menu.

The recently refurbished 44-cover restaurant sits at the water’s edge in the picturesque fishing village of St Monans in Fife’s East Neuk. With gorgeous views of the harbour and across the Firth of Forth to the Isle of May, it offers diners a visual as well as a gastronomic treat.

Dundee-born Craig started his career with Crest Hotels in Buckinghamshire in the late 1980s, moving back north of the Border three years later. He worked for several restaurants and hotels before embarking on a 13-year partnership with Tim Butler at The Seafood Restaurant, St Monans and later at St Andrews.

During this time the pair won accolades including SLTN Restaurant of the Year, AA Seafood Restaurant of the Year, AA Restaurant of the Year for Scotland, AA Wine list of the Year, CiS Restaurant of the Year and Speciality Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Restaurant Awards.

Both restaurants were named Newcomer of the Year by the Good Food Guide. Craig has also been awarded Seafood Restaurant Chef of the Year and was Taste of Scotland’s lamb challenge winner.

The restaurant at St Monans has held two AA rosettes for 12 years; St Andrews has held three AA rosettes for seven years.

Looking to supply foodservice and fine-dining restaurants? You'll find useful help and guidance in Scotland Food & Drink's 'How Do I...' Guides.