Opening the heavy wooden door reveals a spacious yet instantly cosy downstairs lounge with wood burner , plump sofas and a huge pantry with everything from fresh milk and eggs to coffee and a mini bar . Upstairs you ’ ll find the master suite with king-size bedroom and huge bathroom complete with roll top bath . Effortlessly melding the charm of its historic surroundings with a modern , sophisticated ambience , it makes for an exquisite haven for those seeking a retreat that seamlessly marries luxury and authenticity . It honestly is as wonderful as it sounds .
Reluctant to leave my newfound PIG abode , there are of course a few key lures ... Aside from the gin bar of course , guests can treat themselves to a reinvigorating massage at the delightfully secluded Potting Shed treatment rooms and of course there is the taste-bud tempting food-miles driven dinner menu too .
Driven by the unwavering ethos of garden-to-plate dining that underpins every PIG , the farm-to-table approach celebrates the county and indeed THE PIG at Bridge Place ’ s own kitchen garden produce to create a collection of hyper local , hyper seasonal dishes . Created by a triangulated team of chef , gardener and forager , with fresh ingredient simplicity at its core , dishes are served in a rustic-luxe dining space filled with signature PIG touches : wooden tables set with herbs , bountiful jars of preserved and pickled fruits and vegetables , and in a nuance to other PIG offerings , unobstructed views to the bustling yet calm open kitchen pass .
The 25 Mile Menu is carefully structured into ‘ Bits ’ – think ‘ Garden Bits ’ such as crispy gherkins and mushroom vol-au-vents ; ‘ Piggy Bits ’ such as crackling and apple sauce , and my personal fave , honey and mustard chipolatas ; and ‘ Fishy Bits ’ like haddock fritters and whipped cod ’ s roe , and starters before reaching its fully ‘ eat-local ’ fanfare of ‘ garden , greenhouse and polytunnel ’ grown salads and sides and the ‘ Garden of England , North Sea and Channel ’ main course offerings that read like a who ’ s who of Kentish producers : Brogdale chicken , Iden Green partridge , and Dungeness cod …
We were salivating even before the baked Rye Bay scallops with Tempus No . 8 nduja and pickled fennel , and Broxhall farm beef shin , slow cooked and smothered in red wine sauce atop cheesy mash ( a fabulous recommendation from our attentive server , Acacia ) arrived .
For our main , although tempted by the likes of fillet of line caught bass , chargrilled Tamworth pork chop , and a black garlic risotto , it was another house recommendation of the daily special bone-in steak sharer that won out . Delectably charred and served with triple-cooked chips , peppercorn and bearnaise sauces , and a cheeky extra side ( of highly recommended ) crispy tobacco onions it was promptly devoured !
Unable to choose between the mouthwatering array of desserts while clearly letting the hotel name dictate our eating habits , having been sated enough with our bits , starters and steak , we allowed Acacia to continue with her faultless recommendations , ending our feast with a heaving slab of treacle tart and decadent house chocolate mousse with fresh garden raspberries .
Morning led us back to the now sun-filled restaurant and a heaving farmhouse table of freshly baked breads and pastries , The Wooden Spoon preserves ,
homemade granola and local berries , signposting the way to the à la carte breakfast menu offering their own hen ’ s eggs , avocados , salmon , local sourdough , and the legendary Full Pig Out breakfast .
With an emphasis on elevated experience with a personalised touch , you can make a stay at THE PIG exactly what you want and need it to be . Socially charged dining ? Tick . Summer festival vibes ? Tick . Exclusive hideaway of massage , wine tasting , and garden exploration ? Tick , tick , tick … and it will all be underpinned by impeccable service , attention to detail and a commitment to providing an unforgettable experience wrapped up in a harmonious blend of historic charm , modern luxury and first-rate culinary values .
THE PIG , at Bridge Place Bourne Park Road , Bridge Canterbury CT4 5BH www . thepighotel . com / at-bridge-place
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