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.