In the neighbourhood: East Neuk, Fife

Not a neighbourhood in the traditional sense, the East Neuk of Fife strings together old fishing villages along the coastal path from Elie to Crail. ‘Neuk’, the Scots’ word for ‘nook’, feels apt for this tucked-away edge of the ancient Pictish kingdom. What it lacks in urban cohesion, it makes up for in walkability – you’re always just a wind-tousled amble (or 10-minute drive) away from a beach, pub, or farm shop. Done in a day, it’s a bite-sized sample; over a weekend, a slow, salt-sprayed immersion in one of Scotland’s most quietly beautiful corners.

Bowhouse

At this foodie hub on the Balcaskie Estate, market weekends bring together some of Scotland’s best small-scale makers. The Grass to Grill tours offer a deeper look at regenerative farming, ending with long-table feasts of wood-fired lamb in wild garlic, just-dug potatoes slicked in butter and crowdie cheese drizzled in local honey. bowhousefife.com

Baern

Neighbouring Bowhouse, this bakery turns out sourdough loaves, flatbreads and smoked sugar knotted buns that sell like hot cakes, especially on market days. Menus are dictated by the day’s produce and rewritten often, with near-zero waste – vegetable scraps turned into preserves and whatever can’t be used sent back to the soil. baern.co.uk

Futtle

A small organic brewery on the edge of St Monans, where beers are shaped as much by hedgerows and seaweed foraged from the shoreline as by grain. The taproom pours farmhouse-style beers, natural wines and house-made ferments, with toasties and vinyl adding to the appeal. futtle.com

Balcarres Estate

An inland counterpoint to the coast, the Lindsay family estate unfolds across woodland and horse-roamed hills. The self-catering stays come in the form of converted gatehouses, historic lodges and a former drover’s farmhouse, each set up for outdoorsy escapes. balcarresestate.com

Ardross Farm Shop

A go-to for provisions, this family-run farm shop is well stocked with home-reared, grass-fed meat, kiln-smoked salmon, homemade jams and wedges of sharp farmhouse cheddar for an epic beach picnic. ardrossfarm.co.uk

Elie Seaside Sauna

Angled to the sunrise and sunset, this pair of wood-fired saunas dot the dunes at Elie Harbour. The original is a converted horse trailer and the recently added Harbourmaster is built using sustainably grown larch from the Scottish Borders. elieseasidesauna.com

The Kinneuchar Inn

A 17th-century pub with a serious reputation. A daily-changing menu sometimes shifts to popular supper clubs, while the much-talked-about fried chicken specials sell out almost immediately. kinneucharinn.com