It’s always a real treat to visit the Dorset coast particularly when you have the opportunity to be the guest of ‘The Pig’ – on the beach part of the Home Grown Hotel group one of the best small Hotel groups in the UK. With awards galore from the ‘Times’ best hotel of the year 2014 to Mr and Mrs Smith worlds best hotel 2015, suffice to say VIVA were very excited to see for ourselves what they had to offer.

From the moment we arrived at The Pig with it’s stunning views across Studland bay we felt relaxed. There is no laborious and time consuming signing in process as you are taken straight to your room where everything is taken care of with ease by a very friendly member of staff. The room was from the outside like a small cottage screened either side with evergreens and a variety of shrubs, lavender, thyme, rosemary, grasses and geraniums and two comfy wooden chairs to view the uninterrupted views of the Dorset coastline. Double doors open into the comfortable and tastefully decorated bedroom with carefully selected furniture that adds to that ‘cottagey’ feel and calmness to the room. The luxury extended to the large bathroom with its roll top bath and large walk in shower that was more than enough for two.

Before dinner we had a drink and a chat with Luke the deputy general manager about the hotel. Talking to Luke you immediately get the feeling how passionate he is towards making it all work but at the same time doing it in a relaxed and friendly way. the 23 bedroom hotel does get very busy but we were assured that they will do the upmost to accommodate their guests and is worth a call to check dates.

Dinner is served in the conservatory which has an old world charm about it with pots of herbs along the window sills and old watering cans nearby with tables and chairs that are a mish mash of styles, well worn but comfortable. The menu is carefully thought out by Chef James Golding and Head Chef Andy Wright and caters for all tastes with much of the fresh produce coming from the hotels own extensive and well maintained walled kitchen garden and what can’t be grown in the garden is sourced from local farms within a 25 mile radius. With the influence of the coast, you can imagine there are some mouthwatering fish dishes to choose from, Dorset crab, Poole Bay mackerel and char grilled Cuttlefish to name but a few.  Away from the flavours of the sea there are lamb and pork dishes that are a speciality of the the Pig and added to freshly picked greens from the kitchen gardens one can imagine being in gastronomic heaven and all served by the very knowledgable staff. The wine selection is extensive and once again there is something for everyones tastes.

The morning brought clear skies and sunshine across the bay and just by looking out to sea from this magical spot, you can understand why the Pig is so popular. A walk around the grounds and you come across a pair of shepherds huts that have been transformed into  massage rooms which can be booked for head to toe pampering. There are paths that take you just a short walk to the fine sandy beaches that have become synonymous with the Dorset coast. Just down from the hotel is Fort Henry which has historical significance as it was an observational bunker built in 1944 for Winston Churchill, King George VI, Eisenhower, Montgomery and Lord Mountbatten to watch the rehearsal for the D Day landings.

Although the stay was brief it was a memorable one as we came away feeling relaxed, well fed and happy from our time at the Pig on the beach and we unquestionably recommend that you give it a go for a relaxed, gastronomic experience with the added bonus of stunning views.

www.thepighotel.com/on-the-beach

The Pig on the beach

Manor House

Manor Road

Studland, Dorset

BH19 3AU

01929 450288

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