The Inn at Kingsbarns
SECTOR
Hospitality
DELIVERABLES
Brand identity
Website development
Copywriting
Search engine optimisation
The four-star Inn at Kingsbarns is a charming 19th-century coaching inn nestled in the heart of the village, close to the Fife coast. With five en-suite bedrooms, a welcoming bar and restaurant, and a sunny beer garden, it offers a warm and characterful home from home for both locals and visitors.
In 2022, the inn entered a new chapter when it was purchased through a community buyout led by the Kingsbarns Community Benefit Society. This marked the beginning of an inspiring vision to revitalise village life and expand local facilities in this picturesque corner of Fife.
Today, the inn is a thriving hub of activity, hosting a lively programme of events and serving as a gathering place for the community. Exciting plans are also underway to introduce a village shop and café, further cementing the inn’s role at the heart of Kingsbarns.
The Kingsbarns Community Benefit Society approached The Malting House to develop a brand identity and website that would reflect both the heritage of the inn and the ambitious, forward-looking spirit of the community behind it.
Our aim was to create a brand that felt rooted in tradition yet modern and welcoming. Drawing inspiration from the inn’s rich history, we developed a visual identity and colour palette that balances rustic charm with a contemporary feel.
The website was built to serve both locals and visitors alike, showcasing upcoming events, menus, accommodation, and the broader vision for the inn. With intuitive navigation, warm imagery from local photographers, and clear calls to action, the site invites users to explore everything the inn, and the local area, has to offer whether booking a stay, popping in for a meal, or learning more about the community project.
Located in the stunning East Neuk of Fife, the Inn provides a fantastic base from which to explore numerous sights and attractions. The Activities page on the website showcases local walks, distilleries, legendary golf courses and historic local villages, all with useful links to find out more.
Using the intuitive Wix platform, the website has added functionality to manage table bookings, promote upcoming events and share local news.
Links to social media platforms, sign-up forms, and contact forms make it easy for users to find up-to-date information and communicate with the Inn.
The Malting House team delivered in-person training to staff and volunteers so that they can add events, blogs and manage bookings as well as make updates to the site.
Since the launch of the new website, The Inn at Kingsbarns has seen a significant increase in visibility, both within the local community and among visitors planning trips to the East Neuk. The refreshed brand identity has helped establish the inn as a welcoming and professional destination while still retaining its charm and community roots.
The website has become a vital tool for promoting events, taking bookings, and sharing updates on future developments. It’s played a key role in supporting the Society’s wider goals, helping to build momentum, attract new visitors, and bring the village’s long-term vision to life.
In February 2025, The Inn at Kingsbarns was crowned Community Inn of the Year at the National Hotels of the Year Scotland Awards. Manager Mark was honoured with a Manager Gold Medal, while chef Allan received the prestigious Chef Excellence Medal, a fantastic testament to the team’s passion, professionalism, and community spirit.
