Breakfast included: The Spindrift, Anstruther, East Neuk of Fife

Surroundings: The Spindrift gets its name from the spray that blows off tempestuous ocean waves, and on stepping out of the door on a windy, wintery day I think I could taste the salty air.

It's the first house on the left as you drive into Ansturther from the south and occupies a somewhat exposed but dramatic spot. The icean can't be more than a mile away and it's a golfer's paradise, but more to the point, this place has won porridge awards.

But before the oats, the house. It's a handsome stone-built Victorian house with eight bedrooms and a few grand bits and bobs - a huge sideboard, a grandfather clock and big, heavy doors were my favourites - oh, and the whisky-rich honesty bar.

Buffet: The sun-dappled breakfast room was a sight for sore eyes. The central buffet offered muesli, nuts, fruit, jams, honey, oat cakes, yoghurt and juice.

Hot stuff: The porridge was the main event for me. The B&B was a Scott's Porridge Oats Golden Spurtle Award Winner in 2003, and standards haven't slipped since then. The hot smooth oaty mixture came with a spoon made of bone, I think. The toppings included honey, whisky, jam, blackberries, brown sugar, cream and the like. I wanted all of them.

The next course was a little less successful - I wasn't at all sure about the pink, chewy, triangular sausage, but the potato cake was spot on. The eggs were a little too cooked and textured for me. I wish I'd stopped at the porridge.

Details: The Spindrift, Pittenweem Road, Anstruther, Fife, KY10 3DT; tel: 01333 310573. B&B from £32 a night.