The Pig on the Beach offers a relaxing stay on the stunning Dorset coast, with an enticing focus on food
Words: Selma Day
Situated along Studland Bay, the Pig on the Beach offers uninterrupted views of the long stretches of Dorsetâs sandy coastlines and of Old Harry Rocks â the most eastern point of the Jurassic coast, but you are also in a beautiful rural spot, so you really do have the best of both worlds.
As with all of the Pig hotels (currently, there are eight), the ethos is all about caring for people and the planet. And in recognition of its efforts, the group has recently been B Corp Certified, which means it meets the high standards of social and environmental impact that is required.
The kitchen garden is at the core of the hotel, with food at the centre of the experience. The menus use produce grown on the estate, along with sea foraged food and, as with all the hotels in the group, champion suppliers within a 25-mile radius. The focus is very much on fresh, clean flavours, with a selection of garden dishes including grilled walled garden courgettes; broad bean caesar salad; starters such as Brixham Harbour sardines and Berkeley Estate venison carpaccio; and mains include South Coast fish stew and Texel Cross lamb rump.
Menus change daily depending on whatâs available that day. Foodies mustnât miss a tour of the estate, which includes an orchard; deer park; a smoke house where the salmon is smoked with a blend of honey, white pepper, lemon, sea salt and oak; a mushroom house; and fruit cages. In the grounds, youâll also find meat pigs alongside resident pet pigs; chickens and quails laying eggs daily. The greenhouse and polytunnels act as the nursery as well as a place to experiment with specialist plants.
During the summer months, the Wood Oven terrace serves delicious flatbreads with a mix of local and freshly picked toppings, alongside chilled local ciders, beers, wines and English fizz. Itâs the perfect spot to while away a sunny afternoon with friends or family while enjoying the spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast.
As for the accommodation, the rooms are all higgledy-piggledy, homely and full of character â some with sea views, while others look out over the surrounding countryside. They range in size from âSnug Roomsâ â cosy rooms in the main house with walk-in monsoon showers and countryside views to âThe Lookoutâ â the larger of two dovecotes with views of the kitchen garden and coastline. The bedroom is on the ground floor with a four poster bed and the bathroom is on the first floor with a free-standing bath and monsoon shower. It even has its own beach.
After a day on the beach or a walk along the headland, you might want to relax with a massage or facial in one of two treatment rooms â sheep huts nestled away in a quiet sheep field overlooking Old Harry Rocks. The products are from Voya, a brand that uses organic, seaweed-based products using botanical ingredients and aromatherapy oils, although for those with fish-based allergies, Bamfordâs body range is offered as an alternative.
Once youâve stayed here, you will be hooked and will, no doubt, want to try all the other Pig hotels â and the good news is that there are more openings in the pipeline.
