Entering the New Forest always feels like a new discovery. Although we only live less than an hour away from the pretty market town of Lyndhurst, it could be a million miles away – life slows down as you pull off the A27 and enter a different world. The ‘Forest’ as the locals call it, is steeped in 1950s nostalgia – a time of strong local communities, clipped BBC accents, sports jackets, old fashioned sweets such as flying saucers, kola cubes and buttered brazils, and of course austerity.
The Pig would fit well in a world of post-war rationing – a sort of Private Function meets Babe. It is a classic country house hotel which prides itself on its self sufficiency and reliance on a lovely walled garden where all manner of produce is grown – although at this time of the year heavily dependant on poly-tunnels and fleece! The pigs themselves are Gloucester Old Spots living behind the house next to the chickens.
The concept behind The Pig is that not only is the produce organic but that it should be sourced from within 15 miles of the hotel. Much of this is done by James Golding, the chef (formerly at The Ivy) foraging in the Forest. It sounds a very expensive way of running a restaurant but the prices are very reasonable – £125 for a very comfortable room – and about £30 per person for dinner without wine. The rooms are small but beautifully done– the beds are fabulous and our room in the Stable Block had a lovely big bathroom upstairs with a Monsoon shower for two, freestanding bath and a chaise longue. Next to our bed were books on rearing pigs, caring for bees and keeping chickens.
We thought we were coming to a pub – but the only similarity was that relaxed feeling that pubs offer – the staff at the Pig are young enthusiastic and chatty and there’s a really informal atmosphere. The Pig is a smart Georgian House with carefully distressed details – shabby chic – with a great deal of style. I am a great fan of The Pig’s big sister Lime Wood, but I loved The Pig’s imperfections – the exposed brickwork and battered furniture it has a wonderfully “lived in” feel.
I can’t think of a better place to spend an old fashioned Christmas or winter break – heavenly and romantic.
