Ambitious plans at Balcaskie grow with introduction of restaurant

Balcaskie Estate, the driving force behind the Bowhouse project, has bought the Kinneuchar Inn.

The popular pub and restaurant has been a focal point in Kilconquhar for nearly 300 years.

The village itself dates back to the 12th century and was winner of ‘Best Wee Village in Fife and Scotland’ in 2011.

Kinneuchar Inn’s present landords, Tom and Marion Beecher, have been looking to retire for a number of years and the business originally went on the market back in 2008 and latterly was inviting offers over £385,000.

With Balcaskie Estate now taking ownership, the inn should be safeguarded as a pub and a well-celebrated eaterie on the tourist trail – and is seen by the new owners as “the final link in a local food chain”.

Toby Anstruther of Balcaskie explained: “Balcaskie Estate is one of many local farms producing high quality and nutritious ingredients, and we are in the process 
of converting to organic status.

“As a founder of Food From Fife, I am passionate about encouraging the production of excellent local food and we are currently developing a number of food production units at Bowhouse Farm for local producers to use their talents to turn those ingredients into delicious products made in Fife.

“The Kinneuchar Inn offers us the opportunity to deliver the best of local produce direct to the public, both the local community and visitors to the area.

“ I look forwarding to joining the Kilconquhar community and working with them to see what else we can offer for the village.”

The Beechers have run the Kinneuchar Inn for 28 years and will continue to run the pub through the summer, with Balcaskie Estate taking over in the autumn.

“We have enjoyed our time at the Kinneuchar Inn,” they said. “To be part of such a wonderful community has been an honour and a pleasure. We are pleased to be able to pass on the pub to Balcaskie Estate and welcome them into Kilconquhar.”

It was in early 2014 that Balcaskie Estate revealed its plan to develop redundant steadings at Bowhouse, creating units to produce food and drink.

The Bowhouse development was also to include a community growing space for use by residents to grow their own food and, potentially, trade any surplus. It was also hoped to hold a monthly indoor farmers’ market.