The Pig, New Forest

We recently visited the gorgeous Pig Hotel http://www.thepighotel.com/hotel-in-the-new-forest/explore.aspx in the New Forest for our wedding anniversary, it's a must for all foody fans out there! They describe themselves as a restaurant with rooms, as opposed to a hotel with a restaurant attached, and upon entering the beautifully shabby chic house you can see why. 

The whole place is centred around good British grub, their chef only sources food from within a 25 mile radius, and much of what is cooked is grown or reared on site. They have a gorgeous walled garden full of fruits, herbs and vegetables, pens of quail, pigs and chickens and I even spotted some bee hives beside the pond.  If you are in to sustainable food then this is the place for you! 

There are two dining options on site, a gorgeous covered outdoor terrace where one can order deliciously salted 'piggy bits' (crackling) served with a sweet homemade apple sauce, while you're drinking local ale or sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail. You can also order flat bread 'pizzas' here to nibble by the roaring outdoor fire. I whiled away much of the afternoon sitting here watching the dancing flames and having a tipple or two!

The main restaurant it set in a stunning, chic conservatory with coloured mosaic tiles, casual wooden furniture, dancing candlelight and an abundance of fresh herbs.

The food here was hearty and delicious, homemade breads served with Rosemary infused oil and smoked salt to start, followed by a ham hock terrine and delicately pickled vegetables which were perfectly balanced, next was veal tongue with roasted lettuce which was divine, salty, smokey and perfect with our bottle of red. 

The mains were not for the faint hearted, or the vegetarian! I opted for a pork chop with chard and confit potato mash, a real treat! Christian had "the extraordinary chap", essentially a pigs jaw complete with teeth and a head of cracking, served with tart and sweet apple sauce on the side. Now it may seem odd dismembering a pigs head at dinner, however once the crackling was lifted off the pig cheeks contained therein were soft and sweet and delicious! 

We couldn't face a dessert each, so shared a lovely light lemon tart, divine! 

All in all it was a delightful stay, a stunning house, beautifully appointed rooms, excellent service and, well, a hotel centred around great British food, my idea of heaven!