THE PIG Hotels have carved a niche in being classy without being stuffy, luxurious and yet laid-back. Breathing new life into stunning period properties and cooking food so good you won’t baulk at the bill. They’re also partial to a piggy pun which of course I’d never boar you with… Shall we?

THE LOCATION

You’ll find this east Kent PIG hotel located just 56 minutes by train from central London, tucked away on the edge of the historic village of Bridge, and three miles south of Canterbury, bringing all of that gorgeous countryside rustic charm just outside the city.

The hotel sits in a red brick building which, over the past four decades, has been home to some renowned parties and gigs playing host in the ‘70s to Led Zeppelin, The Kinks, The Moody Blues and Manfred Mann. Maybe this is why there’s definitely a cool, lived-in-rock-star feel about the place.

THE LOWDOWN

Having spent the afternoon visiting our favourite spots in Canterbury (for suggestions on local day trips click here) Mr Muddy and I headed to THE PIG – at Bridge Place. And after only 10 mins drive from the city centre we found ourselves turning into the hotel’s gravel driveway on one of those glorious spring afternoons when the sun was first starting to show some promise.

I was first due to review this hotel before lockdown hit – just to give some indication of how long-awaited this moment was – and I can honestly say from that first impression to our departure, it did not disappoint one bit.

It’s owned by husband and wife, Robin and Judy Hutson, founders of the Hotel du Vin chain, who select each venue and go the whole hog when it comes to feel and style. 

Everything here has been personally chosen by Judy, from the light switches to the angle of the books over the fireplace, all designed to make you feel at home despite the building’s obvious grandeur.

Since the birth of the first piglet in the litter – The PIG at Brockenhurst in the New Forest in 2011 – Robin and Judy have been transforming grand, but often derelict, country homes into their former glory. And then some. THE PIG – at Bridge Place, one of the newest of eight hotels in the group, oozes rustic charm by the barrel load.

THE VIBE

THE PIG has cornered the market in shabby chic, country cool. Each PIG has its own identity, each evolved rather than too designed, but each putting the kitchen garden at the very heart of the operation. The result being the stylish interiors feel authentic, rather than contrived – boasting lots of gorgeous period features, including large fireplaces, secret stairways, panelled rooms and endless nooks and crannies.

And the outside is just as stunning – with wonderful local walks on the doorstep or alternatively plenty of spots to sit and be, where you’ll feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of your busy life.

While the setting is luxurious, it’s also very chilled. You never have to worry about what you’re wearing or if the kids are playing up. The staff are fun, friendly and genuinely seem to love what they do and where they work.

Demonstrating the individuality of each hotel we stayed in one of the Kentish Hop Pickers’ Huts – a nod to this local tradition – pictured above. On the rare occasion Mr Muddy and I get a night away we want the experience to be memorable and different, right? And this option is just that – feels like total escapism.

SCOFF & QUAFF

On our way to our evening meal we wandered through the stunning walled Kitchen Garden (pictured below) where several of the staff were busy over-seeing the plots.

To add to the idyllic scene there’s a little stream running alongside the garden, part of the River Nailborne, so you cross the bridge to get to the main house.

The PIG describe themselves as having an obsessive commitment to simple food, done well and you’ll find the emphasis always on the home-grown and if it can’t be produced on site in the wonderful kitchen garden then they are committed to source it locally within a 25 mile radius.

Here, the chef, kitchen gardener and forager work hand in hand to create a menu of uncomplicated and simple British garden food, true to the micro seasons.

One glance at their 25-Mile Menu (pictured above) and it’s clear just how many local suppliers and artisan producers they source from – there’s so many of our Kent favourites.

Also a huge plus of THE PIG – at Bridge Place is it’s less formal outside dining area, which sits in the middle of the Kitchen Garden and on a sunny day has the feel of a laid-back Ibiza dining destination.

In the Garden Oven you’ll find wood-fired cooking and tasty tipples and it makes the perfect destination for a beer post walk or cycle. Or, if that’s too much like hard work, just swing by – it’s drop in dining so an informal way to enjoy the hotel. Check out the Garden Oven Menu here.

The Coach House is home to the restaurant, filled with signature PIG touches but again feeling totally unique at the same time – with a kitchen that opens-up into the space, letting you in on the action.

As well as the open kitchen, the dining area is a light (wonderfully high ceiling) and characterful space – where one wall houses floor to ceiling shelves filled with pickled food curiosities. On sunnier days, there is a pretty outside terrace where you’re free to eat.

We began our meal with a selection of Piggy Bits from the 25 Mile Menu – that included Pickled Cockles and the most delicious Crispy Chard Stalks from the kitchen garden (pictured above).

On to the Mains – where dishes make the most of the Garden of England, North Sea & Channel all on the doorstep. For Mr Muddy it was the South East Coast Fish Stew (trout, haddock, cod and clams – pictured above).

I had the Catch of the Day special (pictured above), which was wonderfully fresh lemon sole caught off the Kent coast in the Gemini fishing boat. Photos won’t do it justice – this was super light, perfectly-fall-apart-on-the-fork, flavoursome fish. Very impressed.

So keen was I to tuck into my Kentish Raspberry Tart that I forgot to take a photo before enjoying a mouthful! You get the idea. Mr Muddy chose the Crème Brûlée pudding and quite frankly he’s not stopped banging on about it since.

From the fish to the garden greens and the raspberry curd and fennel syrup pudding – the flavours of everything on the menu truly sings – so fresh and clean.

Both Marshall, the Restaurant Manager, and Brad, the Sommelier, were welcoming, fun and informative. Mr Muddy is a big foodie – he’s all about the taste and experience. I’m a pescatarian, heading towards veggie / vegan – with a keen eye for accountability and provenance high on the agenda. We were both equally delighted.

And what better way to finish the evening than a cheeky cocktail in one of the comfy seating areas near the bar?

PILLOW TALK

There’s a unique mix of rooms here – with far reaching views out across the Kent countryside, and all finished in THE PIG signature style. There are 7 characterful bedrooms in the main house, 12 light and spacious rooms in the Coach House, 2 family friendly lodges; and The Barn, a rustic romantic two-storey hideaway in the old stables.

Additionally, 7 Kentish Hop Pickers’ Huts on stilts sit alongside the river in the grounds, each has been made from reclaimed materials and has a double-bedroom with fitted bathroom and wood burning stove. A wonderfully quirky and cool nod to Kentish tradition there.

PAMPER TIME

And as if that wasn’t enough for you (cheeky) sitting between the Hop Pickers’ Huts and the Kitchen Garden, and into its Potting Shed Treatment Rooms, where you can enjoy a brilliant variety of revitalising body and facial treatments in peace.

KID-FRIENDLY?

Yes indeed. We visited at the start of a Half Term break and there were lots of families. That’s not to say it made the slightest bit of difference to our grown-up time away – there’s so much space here that kids or no-kids, you’ll find your space and pace. And there’s absolutely loads of family friendly stuff to do right on the doorstep here (see Out & About below)

ANYTHING ELSE?

It’s been recently confirmed that this boutique hotel chain is opening two new venues – one of which being THE PIG at Groombridge Place near Tunbridge Wells, so a second venue in our very own Kent (bringing the total national number of Piggy hotels up to 10).

With the expected opening to be early 2025, and subject to approvals, THE PIG-at Groombridge will see the resurrection of Groombridge Place, one of the most renowned and historic buildings straddling the border of East Sussex and Kent.

The stunning moated manor house in the village of Groombridge southwest of Royal Tunbridge Wells has provided the backdrop to numerous films including the 2005 production of Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley. Watch this space.

FESTIVAL FUN

THE PIG – at Bridge Place is also host to the Smoked & Uncut Festival, which is taking place this summer on Sat 12 Aug 2023. This year Razorlight will be headlining with epic street-food, bars, family activities in The Den, massages at The Field Spa or browse their pop-up artisan market tent. A few remaining glamping and feasting tickets are still available so go, go, go!

OUT & ABOUT

If the weather is good enough, take some time to explore the extensive grounds – you (and the kids) can even borrow a pair of Hunter wellies if you have forgotten your own. Stroll along the River Nailborne which runs through the back garden and take in the gorgeous views.

You are only moment from the characterful, cobbled streets of Canterbury with the cathedral, theatres and river boat rides on offer. For shopping head to Superstore Vintage (for your teen – they might even thank you) and Lilford Gallery (for your good self). For loads more day trip ideas check out our guide: 9 things To Do within 30 mins of The PIG at Bridge Place.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: There’s no reason not to love THE PIG. It’s just a fun, luxurious experience. Every effort is made to create a special meal or stay. Which is what you want when really treating yourself – breaks away should be a mini celebration – which is the feel you’ll get here.

Not for: Luxury doesn’t come cheap and THE PIG’s prices, though competitive with other high-end stays in the area, are a bit chewy. But for a special occasion or to treat yourself you can’t go wrong here – plus, don’t forget there’s the Garden Oven Menu for a less formal meal. Dogs – not allowed inside the hotel, though they’re welcome in the grounds.

THE PIG – at Bridge Place, Bourne Park Rd, Bridge, Canterbury, Kent CT4 5BH, thepighotel.com/at-bridge-place, reservations@thepighotel.com, 0345 225 9494