A Toast to Tradition at Ham’s Hame

This article is kindly sponsored by the Old Course Hotel.

Perched proudly at the intersection of the Scores and aptly-named Golf Place stands the historic Hamilton Grand. Boasting views of the Old Course, sea, and town, the Hamilton Grand represents one of St Andrews’ nexus points, bridging the town’s recreational and residential aspects.

Standing at this corner, nestled in the ground floor of the Hamilton Grand, you will find Ham’s Hame, a tidy, homely, but modern spot. For twenty years, the bar has served both locals and visitors alike, offering a menu of elevated Scottish pub classics including a selection of pies, burgers, sandwiches, and chips; their extensive list of appetisers and desserts are no item to skip, either. 

Much to many students’ reprieve, and in delighted contrast to St Andrews’ abundance of libraries, computer rooms, and study halls, Ham’s Hame is decidedly non-monastic. In other words, 21 Golf Place provides what tedious revising, long essays, and reading lists cannot: fun, to put it simply. Ham’s Hame opens its doors to ‘the evening out’; whether it’s offering reservation bookings for society events, hosting weekly quiz nights, or, more fundamentally, serving hearty, mouthwatering food and beer, the bar advertises an ample diversity of post-(golf, revising, class, work, swim?) entertainment. What’s more, with the flash of a student ID, Ham’s Hame offers a pocket-friendly fifteen per cent discount on food and drink, for a maximum of four guests.

As alluded to earlier, centrality is one of Ham’s Hame’s many appeals. Via the Old Course, a warm meal is a literal stone’s toss (not even throw) from the 18th hole. From central Market Street, a mere ten-minute walk will find you knocking at its door. Five minutes from the bus station will have you seated with a pint in your hand. 

The pub was bustling and full of people as we walked in. Despite being at a fairly lowered level, the area was still full of light flooding in from scenic windows during the middle of the day. We were taken to a table for two, up against a wall full of framed photos of bygone times in St Andrews. One of Ham’s Hame’s finest qualities is the rich, historic, and ambient atmosphere it offers to guests. 

All the framed pictures were in black-and-white, of St Andrews’ oldest and most historic buildings, set against the wood panelled walls. The pub boasted a retro but cosy appearance to its many visitors on the August day of our visit.

The Ham’s Hame menu is concise and easy to look through and choose from. Each dish available is well-selected and freshly made; the burgers that the two of us ordered were authentic and filling, and even more satiating when served with the several sides on offer. Prior to the arrival of our food, we were able to choose from a selection of cocktails and drinks, which all came promptly before our meals were served.

In addition to Ham’s Hame’s excellently made pub food, there was moreover an inviting and tempting array of desserts to choose from. The food, drinks, and service on offer is both student and family-friendly, as all meals are reasonably priced, and the pub offers plenty of room and atmosphere to its customers. The waiting staff was friendly and prompt, and the meals we had ordered came in hardly any time, despite the large number of clientele present. 

Of course, aspects of the restaurant experience such as the menu, food, and drinks all contributed towards making an enjoyable and pleasant afternoon — yet it was the pub’s atmosphere and environment that set it apart from other similar institutions in St Andrews. 

In Ham’s Hame, one gets the sense of being tucked away from the contemporary, everyday happenings of this town and its three streets. Instead, to sit with a friend on a table next to a wood-panelled wall full of old photos, we could easily imagine ourselves to be in the St Andrews of yester-year. Being inside the pub takes you back to a simpler time, and, more importantly, offers an ambience that is unique to this town and its culture. 

Its cosy and scenic interiors are a fitting contrast to the pub’s proximity to both the Old Course and the Scores, nestled in one of the most prime locations in all of St Andrews. With its rustic look, vintage furnishing, and beautiful windows, Ham’s Hame offers its visitors and customers an atmospheric and picturesque getaway, despite how centrally located the restaurant is.