The Criterion - St Andrews
Reviewed By : Alastair Turnbull
Date : July 2011
Pub Name : The Criterion
Location : 99 south street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9QW
Marks Out Of Ten : 7
Review : This is a more, up market, Bar compared to most bars in St Andrews. The prices are slightly higher but it has a great selection of real ales and coffee's. The decor is also very nice with a lot of wood finishes. The staff are friendly and quick to serve, whether you chose to sit at the bar or outside at one of the tables.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Name
Robert Thompsett
Comment (July 2014)
A sordid pit!! After arriving, I was treated offhandedly, apparently as I was English. Before even being able to buy a drink, right in front of the bar tender, my wallet was snatched and passed around the bar by a bunch of boozed up low lifes. The bar tender did nothing about it apart from tell me it was my own fault for complainingabout the place. When I threatened to go to the Police, I was told "Go ahead but your wllet wont be here when you come back." I was finally given my wallet back and summarily thrown out of the bar and told not to come back of face a "DAMN GOOD HIDING".
I have been or lived in 14 countries but nowhere have I been so abused by a bunch of vile low lifes, acting like a shark feeding frenzy than here. This place is the rock bottom of creation.
Note From Alastair: (Author of The Drinking Man's Guide To Scotland - July 2014)
I've been in this bar a few times over the years and I stick with my original review - I find it to be a nice wee pub and have had any trouble here. I'm sorry that Mr Thompsett had a bad experience here and hope he had a better experience in the next pub he went to.
Name
Hazel Latto
Comment (Sept. 2015)
Mr Thompsett
Can I just confirm this is the criterion bar in St andrews Scotland you are discussing?
I am the current owner of this bar and nothing of this nature has happened in the time I have had the bar. It certainly does not sound like any of our customers or staff. I would be pleased to discuss this matter with you further.
Kind regards
Name
Gerry Evans
Comment (May 2016)
Thank you to the Englishman who called this place a "real sorrid pit" - totally made us want to go there even more!! It was fantastic! Staff were so accommodating and friendly! Knowledgable and very sweet - thanks Greg for making out visit a memorable one!!!
Robert Thompsett
Comment (July 2014)
A sordid pit!! After arriving, I was treated offhandedly, apparently as I was English. Before even being able to buy a drink, right in front of the bar tender, my wallet was snatched and passed around the bar by a bunch of boozed up low lifes. The bar tender did nothing about it apart from tell me it was my own fault for complainingabout the place. When I threatened to go to the Police, I was told "Go ahead but your wllet wont be here when you come back." I was finally given my wallet back and summarily thrown out of the bar and told not to come back of face a "DAMN GOOD HIDING".
I have been or lived in 14 countries but nowhere have I been so abused by a bunch of vile low lifes, acting like a shark feeding frenzy than here. This place is the rock bottom of creation.
Note From Alastair: (Author of The Drinking Man's Guide To Scotland - July 2014)
I've been in this bar a few times over the years and I stick with my original review - I find it to be a nice wee pub and have had any trouble here. I'm sorry that Mr Thompsett had a bad experience here and hope he had a better experience in the next pub he went to.
Name
Hazel Latto
Comment (Sept. 2015)
Mr Thompsett
Can I just confirm this is the criterion bar in St andrews Scotland you are discussing?
I am the current owner of this bar and nothing of this nature has happened in the time I have had the bar. It certainly does not sound like any of our customers or staff. I would be pleased to discuss this matter with you further.
Kind regards
Name
Gerry Evans
Comment (May 2016)
Thank you to the Englishman who called this place a "real sorrid pit" - totally made us want to go there even more!! It was fantastic! Staff were so accommodating and friendly! Knowledgable and very sweet - thanks Greg for making out visit a memorable one!!!
Name
Robert Davidson
Comment April 2018
The best pub I'm St Andrews by a long way. Plenty of regulars with English backgrounds. Friendly staff and locals. I do not recognise Mr Thompsett's description of the pub or it's usual polite and quiet clientele.
Robert Davidson
Comment April 2018
The best pub I'm St Andrews by a long way. Plenty of regulars with English backgrounds. Friendly staff and locals. I do not recognise Mr Thompsett's description of the pub or it's usual polite and quiet clientele.
