The Pig - At Combe
A Coastal Start & A Warm Welcome
There’s nothing quite like switching off and heading to the countryside to spend a few days amongst nature with good food and wine. We decided to head out early from London and stopped to stretch our legs at of the most iconic natural limestone landmarks of Dorset - Durdle Door. The walk worked up an appetite, so we grabbed a bite to eat and made our way to the hotel.
Honey, I’m Home!
As we drove up to the secluded site surrounded by lush greenery, we were in awe of the magnificent honey-coloured Elizabethan house tucked away in the Otter Valley.
Entering through through main doors, we were engulfed by the warm embrace of a roaring fire place perfectly complimented by those socks on, “I’m not going anywhere” style sofas. Of course, a glorious wood panelled cocktail bar sat across from this perfectly dreamy setting.
Finally making our way around the corner, we were greeted by the wonderful front of house team that made us feel right at home from the start.
Life’s Better in Pyjamas
Nothing makes a stay more special than having a peaceful, clean and spacious room with a touch of luxury country design to end the days with. Think wood cabin interiors, coffee reading nooks, antique lamps and cosy armchairs, vintage bathroom fittings with a walk-in monsoon shower.
Our room was in the old stable yard, a short walk from the main house. It provided the perfect tranquil end to busy and adventure filled days. The daily little touches of impeccable service from the team elevated what had already proven to be a great getaway.
Boots, Boats, Cream Teas & All That Jazz
We did manage to tear ourselves away during the days. There is much to be explored in Devon.
If you’re feeling sporty, an hour away from The Pig are the towns of Torbay/Torquay which offer some great water sports activities. Also an hour away, we visited the town of Sidmouth where the Sidmouth Jazz Festival was being held at the time in early June. Needless to say, we sampled cream teas at both of the above. It’s a must.
Before the drive back to London on our final day, we decided to go on a short walking trail for our last injection of nature for the trip. Map in hand, wellies on (both provided by the hotel) and off we went.
The Kitchen Gardens
With child-like excitement and Rafiki in hand, my green-fingers rose early to spend time walking around their kitchen gardens in the morning light. The gardening team are the beating heart of the hotel - the produce grown on site leads the menus in the kitchen. There is even a section of the garden dedicated to bar infusions for their extensive cocktail list. The treatment rooms which were part of this area meant there was a sense of calm about the gardens - serene and lush.
Field To Fork
We dined at both the hotel’s restaurants. The 25-Mile Menu Restaurant in all its vintage wood and foliage glory showcased a menu like none other - seasonal, simple & fresh with a touch of creativity and elegance. The Folly met up to its expectations too - think chic, rustic interiors with chargrilled, smoky dining.
True to their commitment to seasonal homegrown produce and supporting local suppliers, both eateries proved that food always tastes better when it's homegrown and nurtured with true passion and care with flavour at the heart of it all.
Life’s Too Short To Drink Bad Wine
The wine-enthusiast in me was glad to find that The Pig extends their ethos from the food they cook to the wine they serve. We were fortunate enough to pair some beautiful wines with our meals.
Now, picture this. A warm summer’s evening; it’s golden hour. The orange glow and crackle of a log fire, some blankets, horses grazing in the distance, a backdrop of the main house and a glass of beautifully balanced red wine in hand. Need I say more?
Take Me Back
Hospitality was at the centre of all the beauty surrounding it; the service was second-to-none. Nothing was too much of an ask - everyone from the team at reception, to house keeping to the gardeners. It, therefore, came as no surprise to me when I heard they had won the AA Hotel Group of The Year 2022 and Small Hotel Of The Year, Gold at the South West Tourism Awards 2023. To the team at The Pig - we couldn’t have asked for a better stay, thank you.