Geoffrey Smeddle to take over Peat Inn

Geoffrey Smeddle, head chef of Conran's Glasgow eaterie Etain, is leaving to take the helm at Peat Inn restaurant with rooms in Cupar, Fife, next month.

Smeddle paid over the £750,000 asking price for the three AA-rosette, 18th-century former coaching inn, which is also AA Restaurant of the Year 2006. The business, which includes a 48-seat restaurant and eight two-star suites, has been built up over the past 35 years by retiring owners David and Patricia Wilson.

Smeddle, who trained under Michelin-starred chef Herbert Berger and Chris Galvin, helped Conran Restaurants open both Etain and the Zinc Bar & Grill in Glasgow three years ago.

Six miles from the golfing and university town of St Andrews, the Peat Inn is a popular haunt of championship golfers, politicians and celebrities.