The Pig is a small chain of hotels with five locations across the south of England. As a self-proclaimed “restaurant with rooms” The Pig is a dream getaway for foodies so treating ourselves to a night at The Pig near Bath was the perfect way to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.
Wanting to make the most of our time away we headed out of Bristol just after lunchtime and checked in at The Pig in the early afternoon.
Opting for a ‘Snug’ room (The Pig’s smallest, cheapest option) certainly didn’t feel as though we were scrimping in terms of luxury at all. The lovely room, with its Pinterest-worthy bathroom, huge bed and gorgeous countryside view was perfect for us and included all those little touches that make a stay feel that bit more special. I’m almost certain you won’t find such a well-stocked room fridge in any other hotel! As tempting as it was to just don robes and stay in bed all day devouring the contents of the mini-larder, heading out to explore the grounds won out.
The gardens at The Pig near Bath are some of the best kitchen gardens I’ve ever had the pleasure of wandering around. I think we were especially lucky to visit at what, in my opinion at least, is the best time for gorgeous produce; surely there is nothing better than a greenhouse full of pumpkins?! We had such a dreamy afternoon wandering around the grounds, admiring the abundance of veg, visiting the resident pigs and deer. We also shared a pizza from the outdoor oven and enjoyed a couple of beers in the September sun.
One of the things I love about The Pig near Bath is how many different spots there are to just stop and sit and enjoy your surroundings. There’s just something that delights me so much about a well-placed bench in a secluded spot or a vintage armchair in a cosy nook – it conjures up and encourages ultimate relaxing experiences – drinks on the terrace, conversations under the trees, watching the sunset over the deer field, reading by the fireside. Of course, all this luxuriating and relaxing can be taken to the next level as The Pig has a potting shed spa treatment room – next time maybe!
Starting with a celebratory cocktail in the bar, dinner was divine. In our typical indecisive nature, we opted to share a selection of ‘Piggy Bits’, starters and small plates to try as much of the menu as possible. Everything was delicious with Will and I agreeing that the cured salmon, which is smoked on site, was honestly some of the very best smoked salmon we’d ever had; and despite all the amazing things we sampled our resounding favourite dish was the bacon jam on toast!
After dinner we decided to retire to the library room to enjoy a cheese board and another couple glasses of red wine, we even found our favourite board game. Sat in the cosy room by a roaring fire, playing backgammon with cheese and wine we felt quite at home.
The breakfast spread at The Pig is what I imagine mornings must look like in heaven – fresh sourdough, homemade granola, boil-your-own eggs; plus we ordered from the cooked breakfast menu to boot!
Determined to squeeze every last moment out of our stay, we ordered a final coffee after we checked out and whiled away another hour with a book in the comfort of the drawing room. Can you tell I would have happily stayed at The Pig near Bath forever!?
I’m a girl who enjoys life’s simple pleasures so to me, true luxury is feeling totally relaxed in beautiful surroundings accompanied by good food… that said, what can’t be improved on by a sea view and fresh seafood? Pig on the Beach I’ve got my eye on you for the next special occasion!
