Whilst I am sure there must be some kind of Internet law against posts containing any kind of Christmas stuff, I had to give you a little guided tour of the hotel we stayed at for a winter weekend of peace a few weeks ago.
There are several Pigs dotted about the south of England marketing themselves primarily as restaurants with rooms, and our Pig – The Pig at Combe, an old Elizabethan manor just happens to excel at being incredibly festive, but would make a wonderful place to stay (and/or eat) whatever the time of year.
As a group, they have a reputation for excellent accommodation, wonderful service and some of the best food. I had wondered whether with such a reputation our Pig could live up to the kind of high standards that everyone who visits tells you about, whilst managing to steer clear of any and all stuffiness and pretentiousness. I am happy to report that this particular Pig can happily wallow in the glory of being one of the nicest hotels I have stayed in (so far!) in the UK.
Having booked on a whim with the objective of staying in a “good room” as we were away for my usual Birthday weekend away a deux last year, we somehow managed to end up with one of the nicest rooms in the entire place (there aren’t that many rooms mind you so make sure you book in advance if you do want to secure a particular room) – what used to be the old Laundry room… The lounge area still features the enormous drying rack (secured to the wall) on the ceiling, and a stove covered in the irons for the house. The bathroom contains what can only be described (although I am sure this wasn’t an original feature), the largest copper bath I have ever seen. It could easily have dealt with an entire week’s worth of washing for a house of this size, or maybe even a rugby team… The bedroom was home to the most sumptuous bed, and little touches such as classical music already playing on the radio on arrival set the tone for a really relaxing weekend. It’s the kind of place where they really have thought of everything. The Laundry room is also set away from the main house so if it’s peace and quiet you are after…
As for the food… Much of it comes from the walled kitchen gardens that you are free to explore (you should, you might even find a few very useful recipes!). Across the six different Pigs, they actually produce over 17 tons of their own fruit and veg each year – not an ounce of packaging or a single food mile in sight! They also strive to only select produce from within a 25 mile radius of each location, meaning that everything on the menu is not only seasonal, it just tastes that much better as it’s so fresh. We had dinner though on both evenings, and couldn’t fault a thing. As for its recycling and sustainability ethos, I think a few of us could take a leaf out of the Pig’s book…
A few points to remember, book all meals well in advance of your stay. This Pig is hugely popular with non-residents, and it’s not uncommon for the whole restaurant to be fully booked out (although I am sure you could order meals to your room, they aren’t going to let you starve!). I loved the slight smugness of enjoying a meal in the candlelit restaurant and knowing that we were staying the night whilst everyone else trudged out to waiting cars in the cold!…
Do make sure you explore the grounds if you can tear yourself away from your room, they are gorgeous, and that way not only can you investigate what’s growing for tea, you can stop off at The Folly for a cup of tea, or something slightly stronger (the cocktails are particularly good at The Pig!)…
Although it might seem like a ridiculous idea, get up early for breakfast one morning, enjoy the peace of an empty dining room over a leisurely (amazing) breakfast, before luxuriating in the fact that you can go back to sleep for a while afterwards. Possibly the most relaxing stay I have had ever, anywhere…
It wasn’t exactly a cheap weekend, but for the level of peace, the attention to detail, the excellent food and the wonderful service The Pig was worth every single penny…
what a cosy place!
Just so cosy! Thanks Tanja!
I’m glad you had a nice visit. The photos look stunning and it seems like such a neat little place to visit.
It was so lovely. Definitely booking to go back! :)
Oh this looks beautiful. I can imagine the restaurant is very popular, so great tip to book in advance.
Yes, it’s a must book! :)
What a stunning place to visit and stay, you’re room looked beautiful. That copper bath!
So special! Thank you! :)
I’ve wanted to stay in one of the Pig’s hotels for a while. That bath looks amazing. Such a beautifully designed hotel. I love the look of the dining room. You have made me want to go even more now
Go Mellissa, I think you would love it!
I love it that they produce so much of their own fruit and veg – no food miles there!
Great isn’t it? Thanks Becky!
I love all your piccys – this looks amazing. I know what you mean about cost sometimes it is worth more for peace and quiet x
Definitely!! Thanks Melanie! :)
The decoration at The Pig is really nice! There are not a lot of hotels out there that produce their own fruit and veg – which is, for me, something that would count when comparing hotels…
It’s great isn’t it? Thank you! :)
Oh wow this place looks absolutely beautiful and the perfect spot for some relaxation and time to de stress! I love that they grow so much of their own fruit and veg and that bath…. just WOW! I don’t think I would ever want to get out lol!
I honestly couldn’t fault a thing! :) x
A great Review on what looks a fantastic place to stay and visit, Loving the bath, but the whole place seems a lovely relaxing experience.
Thanks Liam! :)
The Pig looks like a wonderful place to stay. I love that plenty of the food comes from their very own walled gardens and that copper bath looks absolutely incredible!
It was so lovely! Thanks Rebecca! :)
Wow that copper bath looks amazing, I’d love to take a relax in that. This sounds like such a lovely chain, albeit not one I’d heard of before x
I know you would love it Rhian! :) x
What a perfect place to be. A bit of a step back in time. I love it.
The history in parts of it is just incredible! Thank you!
Wow, this place looks so cozy. I love all details in your pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! :)
I have never heard of these hotels before but will certainly be checking them out! The room sounds gorgeous, I love it when old features are kept in! That bath though… oh that bath!!!!!!!
The gardens are gorgeous, the place looks gorgeous – I am glad you enjoyed your stay, it all does sound very relaxing… :) Sim x
Thanks so much, it really was the perfect weekend!