
The Rule
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Quick info
About The Rule
The Rule is a pub at 116 South St in St Andrews, with a bookable "Secret garden" out the back where covered booths give groups and pairs a place to sit outside. The kitchen works through an 11-dish menu that includes Crispy Chicken Wings, Sweetcorn Riblets and a smash burger. Sourdough pizza and a boozy brunch are also on offer. At the bar, the craft beer list includes Iron Brew lager, and the cocktail menu includes espresso martinis, with the bar staff on hand to recommend drinks. Sport plays on the TVs inside. Dogs are welcome.
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Menu & Prices
11 dishes- Crispy Chicken Wings
- Sweetcorn Riblets
- Cheesy Garlic & Parsley
- Sticky BBQ
- Carolina Reaper Hot
- Franks RedHot Buffalo & Ranch
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention boozy brunch, smash burger, sourdough pizza and cocktails and espresso martinis.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention boozy brunch, smash burger, sourdough pizza and cocktails and espresso martinis.
Customer Review Summary
Boozy brunch is what reviewers return to most, with several describing repeat visits and praising the food, cocktails and value, including espresso martinis and off-menu cocktails from the bar team. Close behind are the burgers, with a smash burger called juicy and a Fat Santa burger at a Christmas meal, plus a sourdough pizza described as delightful. Reviewers repeatedly describe the staff as friendly, with bar staff giving drink recommendations and a manager helping one couple through the menu. The garden and lively student crowd come up too, along with a good beer and wine selection and food called basic but tasty. The complaints are specific. One reviewer was told the Iron Brew was a lager, found it very sweet, and was refused an exchange at the bar. Another found the pizza crusts black, hard and burnt, and the dessert cakes very hard. One also found the cider selection disappointing. One reviewer suggests getting in early for a table, and another suggests downloading the MiXR app to save a little on brunch.
Customer Review Summary
Boozy brunch is what reviewers return to most, with several describing repeat visits and praising the food, cocktails and value, including espresso martinis and off-menu cocktails from the bar team. Close behind are the burgers, with a smash burger called juicy and a Fat Santa burger at a Christmas meal, plus a sourdough pizza described as delightful. Reviewers repeatedly describe the staff as friendly, with bar staff giving drink recommendations and a manager helping one couple through the menu. The garden and lively student crowd come up too, along with a good beer and wine selection and food called basic but tasty. The complaints are specific. One reviewer was told the Iron Brew was a lager, found it very sweet, and was refused an exchange at the bar. Another found the pizza crusts black, hard and burnt, and the dessert cakes very hard. One also found the cider selection disappointing. One reviewer suggests getting in early for a table, and another suggests downloading the MiXR app to save a little on brunch.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Had a lovely experience when I was in for some drinks with my friends. The lovely Ilana served us at the bar who gave us some tasty drink recommendations which went down a treat. The service was quick and friendly, we will definately be back.”
- Google user
“The Rule is a pub that is kid friendly and has tons of options to eat located in the heart of St. Andrews. I had the sourdough pizza which was delightful and my wife had a double cheese burger. We will def be back when we visit St. Andrews again. Louise the manager was also super friendly and helped us navigate menu! From Kev of Black Birdie Golf”
- Google user
“I asked at the bar if the Iron Brew was a lager, and the lady at the bar said yes. I ordered it, but upon tasting it, I realised it was very sweet. My friends suggested I ask her to exchange it, since she hadn't mentioned it was a lager with a distinctive flavor. I’m not Scottish, so I didn't know a beer like that existed; I just wanted a standard lager. I politely asked if she could swap it for me, but she refused. I find the lack of attentiveness and effort truly disappointing. It wouldn't have been hard for her to explain that it was a flavored lager when I first asked about it. Terrible service.”
- Google user
“I LOVE THE RULE!!!! Today we were served by Scott, Pam, Mackenzie and Rachael and they are all fab (although all the staff are always fab hehe), we had a boozy brunch and it’s such good value for money, defo recommend downloading the MiXR app though to save a bit as well!!! Rachael made some fabulous cocktails, even going off menu for us, couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Food was yummy too! Every time I go in here it’s fantastic!!! (We couldn’t resist taking a sip of the espresso martinis before a photo whoops)”
- Google user
“I had an amazing experience here! The breakfast was absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. Later, I tried the smash burger and it was incredible: juicy, packed with flavor, and easily one of the best I’ve had in a while. The service was fantastic as well. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made the whole visit even more enjoyable. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re looking for great food and excellent service!”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Slow-cooked dishes, ribs and burgers, plus craft beer, in a modern pub with a garden and TV sport.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Location
Bars near The Rule
- Hams Hame Pub & Grill4.35330.3 miReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
mac and cheese, fish and chips, burger
- The Strathkinness Tavern4.73643.1 mi
cheese and garlic scones, live acoustic music, whisky selection
- Guardbridge Inn4.54173.7 mi
fish and chips, comfortable beds, sunday roast dinner
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| The RuleWheelchair accessible | 4.11,491 | — | boozy brunch, smash burger, sourdough pizza |
| Hams Hame Pub & GrillReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.3533 | 0.3 mi | mac and cheese, fish and chips, burger |
| The Strathkinness Tavern | 4.7364 | 3.1 mi | cheese and garlic scones, live acoustic music, whisky selection |
| Guardbridge Inn | 4.5417 | 3.7 mi | fish and chips, comfortable beds, sunday roast dinner |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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