Before taking over The Old Rectory Inn in 2006, Maxine and Spencer Barrie had already established a highly successful restaurant in Kirkcaldy called Bartons which they ran for six years.

Maxine and Spencer met while serving their apprenticeships as chefs in Glasgow. Working at acclaimed establishments such as Stravaigin and Papingo, they quickly developed the skills and experience necessary to run their own restaurant.

Bartons was opened in 2000 and within months was receiving rave reviews. The quality of the food and professional service quickly established it as one of the premier eateries in Fife.

Being a boutique restaurant, Bartons only had a handful of tables and limited space. With no room to expand and growing numbers of regular customers, in 2006 the time came to move on.

The Old Rectory Inn was run by David and Gareth North for 18 years. Only a short distance from Bartons, they shared many regular customers. In 2006 the North’s also decided to move on and the opportunity was presented to Maxine and Spencer to take over.

Now The Old Rectory Inn benefits from the best of both worlds. Regular customers continue to enjoy the old favourites and experience the unique enhancements Maxine and Spencer have brought, while Barton’s regulars benefit from a wider choice of menu and more room at the Inn!