It's been said that if you're lucky enough to live by the sea, you're lucky enough. And, that's how we feel at Soil and Surf.
We're based in Pittenweem - 'the place of the caves' - and it's the most enchanting village you may never have heard of...until now. This ancient Pictish coastal settlement is tucked away like a pirate's hidden treasure in Scotland's East Neuk of Fife. If you're lucky enough to find your way here, like many others, you may fall under its spell and never want to leave.
Now home to an eclectic, vibrant mix of people; fishermen, artists, makers, growers and multiple generations of locals, incomers, part-time residents and regular visitors, Pittenweem also attracts the interest of holidaymakers from all over the globe. The village has been featured in some of the world's most glamorous publications too, including Conde Nast Traveller, Gourmet Traveller, The Times and Coast Magazine. Unsurprisingly, some of our area's best known attractions have been well publicised.
On the other hand, without local knowledge, it's easy to miss what's happening beneath the surface - what you'll learn from a travel journalist is really just a drop in the ocean! If you're a new visitor or recently-arrived resident, learn to live like the locals and discover the simple pleasures of everyday life in Pittenweem. It's the perfect way to support the community - and become a part of what gives our seaside village its spirit!
So, what are you waiting for? Take the plunge....
- take a morning stroll on the high street, buy a loaf from the artisan baker and visit Pittenweem Hub, a modern day village shop on the market square
- make eye contact, smile and say hello to strangers
- be a fisherman's friend; visit the nearby fisheries museum, support RNLI or The Fisherman's Mission
- choose local gifts for your loved ones, from a boutique like Funky Scottish or the Weem Gallery and Framer.
- visit the local pub and get to know real people, real fishermen, real stories....
- ramble along the coastal path to a string of postcard-perfect east neuk villages
- get to know the side streets, discover the 'neuks' and crannies
- live in the outdoors - plant a colourful garden and grow your own fruit and vegetables - or ask Soil and Surf to help with creative gardening.
- indulge in handmade, chocolate specialities from The Pittenweem Chocolate Company and experience their signature hot chocolate in the Cocoa Tree Cafe.
- venture along School Wynd, Bruce's Wynd, Cove Wynd, Water Wynd, Calman's Wynd, West Wynd and the well-hidden "Ghosty Wynd" - know the wynds and you know the village
- visit the Funky Scottish cafe-gallery-boutique for an Illy coffee and delicious hand-made cakes.
- love your local farmer and enjoy the fruits of his labour - there's an abundance of local produce being grown in the fields behind Pittenweem.
- Experience alfresco dining and outdoor entertaining in your own beautiful garden - featuring stylish, functional and weather-proof furniture created by Soil and Surf from reclaimed and beachcombed materials.
- stop for coffee or lunch or dinner at Bistro Dory on the harbour.
- place an order with celebrated Penmans Butcher of Crail...and have it delivered to your door!
- take a deep breath of the fresh sea air - it's so good for you!
- get your fish & chips from our local favourites - the little retro chippy on Pittenweem's high street. Or visit the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar in our neighbouring village.
- strike up a conversation with your neighbours
- keep the coast clear - say no to single-use and reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle
- source lobster and crab, straight off local boats, from our fisherman + seafood specialist at Soil and Surf. A licensed buyer and seller of shellfish, with 30+ years fishing experience, he can also share his expertise and enthusiasm at demonstrations to educate, encourage and excite the palate. Having worked with everyone from the Scottish Government and Marine Scotland to Anstruther Harbour Festival and Crail Food Festival, we now take bookings for corporate, private and community events. Discover more about dressing a crab, catching and cooking, the life of an East Neuk-based fisherman and celebrating sustainable, creel-caught shellfish.
- be kind to the ocean and support a marine life rescue or marine conservation charity
- be inspired by the local water babies...and go wild swimming at our outdoor pool
- take part in local festivals in the area; food and arts...and more arts.
- eat an ice cream from the little seafront shop, watch the waves as your worries melt away...
- play on the seaside swings
- visit the old church, learn about the 'weem witches and get keys to St Fillans cave - on Cove Wynd - from The Pittenweem Chocolate Company.
- If you need a place to stay, choose accommodation with character in the heart of the village. We can especially recommend self-catering at Driftwood Cottage, The Cooperage and Kirkgate Cottage.
- Walk along the coastal path or take a short drive to the Ardross Farm Shop for delicious, locally grown vegetables and local, artisan foods.
- relax, you're on the coast, the pace is slower and that's a good thing....
Welcome to Pittenweem!
Credits
Boat image via Visit Scotland
Wild swimming image via Ben Howard - Every Kingdom (great seaside music)
Ice cream shop image via Conde Nast Traveller.