Rooted in Charm: Inside THE PIG, England’s Cult-Favorite Country Retreat
Just over an hour from London, this restored 17th-century manor blends rustic charm with farm-to-fork dining, cozy interiors, and lush gardens
Top off a visit to London with a peaceful sojourn in England’s scenic countryside at the garden-inspired PIG hotel, just over an hour train ride from the busy city. In the county of Hampshire, the restored 17th-century country house is a lovely retreat situated in New Forest National Park amid gentle hills and ancient woodland. The landscapes of Hampshire are reminiscent of Jane Austen novels, being the author’s inspiration for much of her descriptive prose.
THE PIG bills itself as a restaurant with rooms—homegrown in every way—and takes its name for being keen on dinnertime. The hotel’s dedicated farm-to-fork culinary creed features seasonal ingredients harvested from the kitchen garden and from farmers, fishermen, and foragers within 25 miles. “From the start we wanted the kitchen garden to be the heart and soul of the place,” says Robin Hutson, co-founder of THE PIG hotels.
The large brick-walled garden and greenhouses are tended by three full-time gardeners who work closely with the chefs; produce and flowers are picked daily. Menus vary but generally include “Piggy Bits” (a variety of appetizers), pigeon breast, cottage pie, fresh vegetables, and legumes served in the Victorian greenhouse restaurant. On the back terrace, bountifully topped flatbreads are wood-fired and offered with local wines and craft brews.
Guest rooms ooze character, each uniquely styled with rich fabrics and a touch of luxury such as tea, snacks, and fresh milk in the mini fridge. Throughout the manor, comfy nooks and roaring fires invite relaxation in antiques-filled drawing rooms, a cozy bar, and sunporch. Spa treatments are offered in quaint, Mr. McGregor-style garden sheds called the Potting Shed and Sheep Hut.
The original PIG at New Forest opened in 2011, and since that time the litter has grown to nine PIG hotels in the UK. Some of the newer locations include Devonshire, Cornwall, Bath, and the Cotswolds, with two additional hotels slated to open soon. Each PIG boasts a unique setting and personality but all operate with the homegrown ethos and expansive gardens. The brand’s unpretentious style and focus on authenticity, coupled with a simple approach to serving fresh local foods, have been a winning combination.
As one guest remarked, “THE PIG manages to mix poshness and deep comfort with low-key casual. I love that you just feel like a guest in a friend’s home—muddy Wellies at the door, bring your dog along, and roam the gardens to see what’s for dinner.” thepighotel.com
