Independent shops

Fyfe Smokery, Dunfermline, Fife

Elaine Hardie was cooking oxcheeks when the gas engineer who was fixing her gas asked her if she’d like to manage the Fyfe Smokery with him. Peter Murphy realised that the oxcheeks were a clue to someone who was obsessed with cooking and food in general and could bring that passion to the independent fish retailer & smokery in Dunfermline, Fife. That was in 2013 after Murphy’s long career as

Sherry is not just for Christmas

By Paul Rudge, Reuben’s Wine Store, Dunfermline Ever since Sir Francis Drake raided the Port of Cadiz in 1587 and looted more than 3000 barrels of sherry or `sack` as it was known in those days, the Brits have been mad for the famous Spanish tipple. Britain has long been the most important export market for Spain’s most noted fortified wine. During its heyday it enjoyed an unrivalled position as

Reuben’s Cafe & Winestore shortlisted for best independent eatery award

Reuben’s Cafe & Winestore has been shortlisted in the Best Independent Eatery category for The Scottish Independent Retail Awards. David Austin and Paul Rudge will be representing the Dunfermline store at the awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow on Sunday 7 February. Owner of the Dunfermline store, David  said: ‘We’ve worked hard to establish Reuben’s as a quality food and drink destination in Dunfermline. We opened 5 years ago

Festive cheer at the Biscuit Gallery & Cafe, Culross

The Biscuit Gallery & Cafe, Culross is getting into the festive spirit serving complimentary mulled wine and mince pies at their late night shopping evening this Friday. Cafe owner Niall Campbell has just heard that his application for a licence was successful and the cafe/shop can now serve wine. Customers and locals will also be able to buy prints, accessories and ceramics – many of the ceramics are made in

Potter About Cafe & Ceramics, Burntisland, Fife

The small town of Burntisland is not the bustling economy it once was but there some attractions for families if you are in the area.  It’s produced it’s fair share of famous sons and daughters as well –  David Danskin, the founder of Arsenal Football Club as well as pioneering female mathematician and astronomer who also has an Oxford College named after her, Mary Somerville. There’s the blue flag beach

Champagne by Reubens Wine Store, Dunfermline

Champagne is still the drink we choose when celebrating a special occasion, whether it is a milestone birthday, getting hitched, the birth of a child, winning the division one play-offs. It is a luxury product, but when you know the difficulties the wine growers have to overcome in the vineyard cycle then you realise why. The Champagne region lies in northern France, 80 miles north-east of Paris, just below the

Night Market at Balgove Larder, St Andrews

Inspired by similar night markets from around the world two local girls Jamie Craig-Gentles and Liana Nickel started the Night Market in 2014 at Balgove Larder near St Andrews. Wednesday 24 September was the last of the summer markets but we’ll keep you posted as soon as the next one is in the diary. Stalls include Dunfermline chocolatier, Gill and Stan Lyth of Hello Chocolate.

McTaggart’s Cafe, Fife Coastal Path, Aberdour

The ever popular Fife Coastal Path has a number of great pit stops along the way. In March 2013 another cafe joined the route when Lis McTaggart gave up language teaching at Woodmill High School and opened McTaggart’s in Aberdour. Taking her inspiration from Delivino in Crieff, Perthshire, Lis commissioned Burns Design, who also design Tom Kitchin’s places, to create the interior. The menu includes salads, breakfast, panninis as well

A Village Affair – a shop full of treasure in Townhill, Dunfermline

Any shop that welcomes you and your dog in out of a rain and thunder storm and is happy for you to drip water all over the place as you look around is ok in our book. Other than this kindness to wet strangers however, A Village Affair in Townhill, Dunfermline is worth a visit. Packed with a regularly refreshed selection of secondhand furniture and oddities – we spotted a fine antique

Anna Karenina and Paloma Faith: hat shopping in South Queensferry?

If Anna Karenina and Paloma Faith need to go hat shopping then South Queensferry is where they should head. Joyce Paton opened Paton, the unexpectedly exotic store in the historic Scottish town at the end of March 2014.  Fur pill box hats with beautiful plumed feathers, which were created for catwalk shows and photoshoots, are on display alongside less extravagant pieces. For weddings and events Joyce can create low key