THE PIG, BROCKENHURST

Nestled amongst fields of heather in the heart of Britain’s New Forest, lies The Pig, Brockenhurst. A 30th birthday treat, we booked our weekend away through boutique hideaway specialists i-escape.

Only an hour or so South but a world away from the bustle of London life, the charm of this 17th century manor house and its sweeping, picturesque grounds is instant. The brainchild of hotelier Robin Hutson (of Lime Wood House and Hotel du Vin), the former royal hunting lodge has been transformed into a shabby, comfortable and cosy yet effortlessly stylish country retreat. Perfect for Londoners who love the big city but crave wood fires, wilderness walks and a rural escape every now and then.

Once inside, we’re greeted by a warm welcome and the comforting scent of wood burning on the open fires. The library and drawing rooms evoke a sense of heritage with mismatched antiques, huge sofas, shabby leather armchairs and a plethora of taxidermy and majestic paintings. By night, spirits and wines can be ordered to either room from the enchanting wooden bar.

Rustic and romantic, the charming bedrooms continue The Pig’s tasteful interiors. Comfortable, laidback luxury with a hint of effortless grandeur — the bathrooms feature huge monsoon showers and freestanding baths. Choose from a room in the main house or opt for a home away from home in one of the newly built cosy cabins and lodges, complete with log burners and kitchenettes. The perfect space to hole up for the weekend and free your mind from the chaos of everyday life.

A self-proclaimed restaurant with bedrooms, food takes centre stage at The Pig. The conservatory dining room continues the hotel’s shabby-chic theme with brightly coloured mosaic flooring and foliage-covered tables and trellises.

Headed up by Chefs James Golding and Dan Glover (previously Savoy, Le Caprice and Soho House New York), the menu is a collaboration between Chef, Gardener and Forager. The fresh dishes are made with either produce grown on-site in the Pig’s very own kitchen garden, or sourced locally within a 25-mile radius. As huge foodies, the Chef’s passion for responsible produce and British traditions makes the dining experience that bit more enjoyable.

The food truly is out of this world. Delicious and beautifully presented with a scattering of edible flowers from the gardens, we honestly enjoyed each and every dish. If you’re feeling brave, The Pig’s ‘Extraordinary Bath Chap’ is without a doubt the showstopper. Served on a huge wooden board with crackling cooked to perfection and homemade sweet apple sauce, it really was extraordinarily delicious. But be warned, the portion size is not for the faint hearted.

Breakfast is served in the dining room, a banquet of freshly baked bread, boil-your-own-eggs or a traditional British full English on order.

A favourite of ours, on warm summer evenings enjoy the mouthwatering pizzas, flatbreads and meatballs baked in the outdoor wood-fired oven which can be eaten beside one of the terrace’s crackling fireplaces, or cosied up in the rustic drawing room. 

We recommend: The menu changes daily! We loved the ‘Piggy Bits’ Scotch Eggs followed by the ‘Extraordinary Bath Chap’ with Roast Local Rainbow Carrots and finish with the Forced English Rhubarb and Custard Ice-Cream.

THE PIG, BROCKENHURST | Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7QL

https://www.thepighotel.com/brockenhurst/

HERB HOUSE SPA AT LIME WOOD HOUSE HOTEL

For a change of scenery, we spent the day at sister property Lime Wood House’s award winning Herb House Spa.  The majestic forest setting and minimalist design instantly evokes a sense of calm. We spent the morning in the hydro pool overlooking the rich forest foliage followed by a Bamford Signature Treatment, the perfect way to relax and unwind. Inspired by nature and the great outdoors, many of the treatments feature natural ingredients grown in the rooftop herb garden and grounds of Lime Wood House. Completing the detox, lunch consists of fresh salads, wraps and health juices served at the spa’s own eatery, Raw and Cured.

LIME WOOD HOUSE HOTEL | Beaulieu Rd, Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO43 7FZ

http://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk

HARTNETT HOLDER & CO.

Another foodie favourite, we spent one evening dining at Angela Hartnett’s, iconic Hartnett Holder & Co. at Lime Wood House and it didn’t disappoint. The Italian inspired menu was outstanding and the setting romantic, classy and laidback 1920’s inspired elegance.

We recommend: The menu changes daily! We loved the cured smoke house board to start, braised beef risotto (which was sublime) and truffle tagliatelle. A favourite of ours, we finished with the tiramisu of course.

HARTNETT HOLDER & CO | Beaulieu Rd, Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO43 7FZ

http://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk/hartnett-holder-and-co