The Crusoe Hotel is located in the fishing village of Lower Largo tucked between Leven and Elie on the Fife Coast. It sits in and I mean ’in’ Lower Largo Bay where the waves lick the solid, old building.
The hotel's namesake Defoe’s castaway was inspired by a local 17th-century sailor, Alexander Selkirk and in the village there is a statue of him dressed in goat skins peering out to sea. He spent four months stranded on the uninhabited Juan Fernández Islands.
Silverburn Park, Largo Law Hill, and sandy beaches make Lower Largo an enjoyable leisure destination, while the new Levenmouth railway link makes it more accessible to Edinburghers for a carbon-friendly trip out of town.
The Crusoe was acquired in 2021 by Graham & Rachel Bucknall who also own The Ship Inn at Elie and The Bridge Inn, Ratho. They have executed a tasteful, clever refurbishment and polished up this traditional jewel.
A bustling gastro-style restaurant sits on the second floor adjacent to an old-world nook repurposed as a bijou cocktail lounge with bay views. A dog-friendly pub sits below (note: dogs can stay at the hotel for £25 per night) and there is outdoor seating and pier tables. Hop down the rocks for a quick dip and maybe get a beer from the horsebox on your way up or a BBQ if the weather is good.
When we visit, boats bob in the water with the wind so we are seated in the restaurant. It’s Sunday lunch and full. I am pleased to see plenty of wines served by the glass and of course, there is a Selkirk Merlot from the renamed Selkirk Island, the refuge of the seafarer.
Staff are attentive, professional and friendly and inform us we can choose from Sunday Roast, Specials, Bar & Terrace and Restaurant menus.
Mr. Bite plumps for Pea Soup and Roast Beef while I choose Salmon and Crab Roulade and Spinach and Butternut Squash Risotto. A large glass of Alabarino is just the ticket to complement my starter.
The food is hearty, quality, and fairly priced and local suppliers feature prominently. Mr. Bite comments on the focaccia accompanying his soup and the waitress tells us it comes from Barnett’s Bakery in Anstruther. He also says the rosy roast beef is excellent while I particularly like my roulade of crab encased in smoked salmon. There is a good local seafood and fish presence on the menu with suppliers such as Roy Shields of Lower Largo Harbour. You can hardly get fresher.
It’s Sunday so we indulge in Sticky Toffee Pud and Milk Chocolate Brownie respectively. Both more than hit the spot, I would say they smashed it.
I am not surprised that The Crusoe won "Romantic Hotel of the Year" at the 2024 Scottish National Hotels of the Year awards. A seaside/harbour setting, dramatic views, location on the Fife Coast and tummy-pleasing eating and drinking options tick all the boxes for a variety of occasions/ (S. Wilson)
The Crusoe Hotel, 2 Main Street, Lower Largo, Leven, KY8 6BT - 01333 406775
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