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Is this the Prettiest English Countryside Retreat ever?

The Pig is a small chain of boutique hotels situated in the UK which are characterised by vintage, shabby-chic styling and (my favourite part) a farm-to-table style restaurant which serves an amazing array of locally sourced produce.

For both my visits to The Pig, I’ve stayed at the hotel located just outside of Bath, which is about two hours’ drive from London. Coming up the driveway, you arrive at a majestic Georgian country mansion whose front door is guarded by two enormous pig statues - just in case you doubted you were at the right hotel! From there, it’s through to a beautifully decorated lobby, well stocked with smiling, hip laid-back staff, as well as lots of spare pairs of Hunter wellies and umbrellas in case the weather turns murky during your visit.

 

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Rooms at The Pig are plush and comfortable; each of the rooms I stayed in were equipped with velvety armchairs, delicious toiletries and a “larder” full of yummies including local fudge, nuts and gourmet crisps (hey, you’re on a luxe mini-break remember - indulge a little) and a nespresso machine. Don’t you love it when you get a nespresso machine?!

Gorgeous rooms aside, it’s the area surrounding The Pig that’s really the standout feature. The “kitchen garden” is much, much more than just a humble plot of herbs. At The Pig you will find rows and rows of fresh fruit and vegetables growing just outside your hotel room. Walking in amongst the fresh produce, gawking at the enormous cabbages and kale sprouts, giggling at the scarecrow and peeking into the little greenhouse… it’s healthy, refreshing and heavenly. Beyond the garden, you’ll also spot a big chicken coop and a herd of deer, too.

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Now, now. Fragrant body wash and glorious gardens aside, let’s get down to one of the most important aspects of a visit to The Pig - the FOOD.Peeps, this place ain’t going to let you down. The Pig prides itself on a 25-mile menu, supplementing its extensive kitchen garden crop with cheese, meat, fish and other bits and bobs from local producers. It all comes together in a feast of a menu that changes depending on what’s available. Fit foodies, there’s plenty of healthy stuff on offer; you can order massive sides of kale, roasted squash, baby carrots, cox apple mash...need I go on? I’m also gluten-free and that was catered for too (including seeded GF bread).

 

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Waking up the next morning, high-tail it right back to the restaurant to experience the breakfast buffet. While not as extensive as The Hilton, The Pig gives you a tastefully-curated spread of yummies, including farm fresh eggs that you boil at the little boiling station (complete with timers), cheese, fruit, pastries, homemade cakes and granola bars, natural yoghurt and various yoghurt toppers like poached fruit, nuts and muesli. If you want more, you can also order something from the kitchen like eggs benedict, kippers or a warming porridge.

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I’m really looking forward to visiting a different branch of The Pig while I’m over in the UK. Add a stay to your diary if you’re planning a trip!

Monique Cormack - London Health Correspondant

Monique is a trainee nutritionist (and lawyer by day) who is currently completing a bachelor's degree in Health Science (Nutritional Medicine). Originally from Sydney but currently based in London, Monique is passionate about encouraging everyone to eat and enjoy simple, natural whole foods which leave you feeling energised and nourished. She publishes healthy recipes and blogs nutrition tips on her website nourisheveryday.com.

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