From plot to plate at The Pig at Coombe
Hidden away in Devon’s picturesque Otter Valley lies a Grade 1 listed Elizabethan gem —The Pig at Coombe. Last week I was lucky to be invited with a select group of creators, for an tour of the gardens and lunch at The Folly. I’ve been looking forward to experiencing this honey-coloured Devon treasure for a long time!
A bit of background
The Pig empire consists of eleven hotels in the South of England. It is owned by Robin and Judy Hutson, founders of the Hotel du Vin chain. Their personal touch is evident in every detail of the venue, from location selection to ensuring a consistent feel and style across their properties. Judy’s influence as Creative Director can be seen in everything from the roll-top baths to the plates on the dressers, creating a welcoming and homely atmosphere within the grand setting of the building.
From Plot to Plate: A Garden Adventure
The Pig’s commitment to home-grown and local produce isn’t just marketing speak – it’s their obsession. During our garden tour, we explored a wonderland of polytunnels, greenhouses, vegetable patches, and raised beds, each bursting with seasonal produce.
Like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory (but with vegetables!), we tasted our way through the gardens. The Szechuan pepper left me with an amusingly numb tongue while the wasabi rocket delivered a delightful kick. The highlight? Chilean guavas – a unique fruit with an intriguingly herbal-floral flavour and high sugar content that was entirely new to my palate. The chocolate mint, reminiscent of an After Eight, was another fantastic discovery.
Lunch at The Folly
Tucked deep in the gardens, The Folly is a chic, derelict-style hideaway serving wood-fired flatbreads, Kitchen Garden salads, and seasonal vegetables. Our feast began with a refreshing non-alcoholic gin and tonic, followed by shared plates that showcased The Pig’s culinary philosophy: simple food done extraordinarily well.
The spread included
- Hummus and flatbread
- A selection of cured meats
- Mackerel pâté
- Braised Pork Shoulder & Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi (which literally melted in the mouth)
- Wood-fired flatbreads topped with garden-grown mushrooms and local cured meats
The pork crackling with apple sauce deserves special mention. I don’t know about you, but I find nailing crackling difficult – This was a masterclass in crispness!
Behind the Scenes: The Hotel Tour
Post-lunch, we explored the hotel itself, each room tells its own story. The Pig’s philosophy of “going with the grain of the place” shows in every detail – from vintage fabrics to reclaimed wood and old furniture to carefully chosen paintings.
Judy Hutson’s approach is to imagine the characters that would have lived in their hotels. This is expressed in the interiors, every room feels personal, lived-in yet luxurious, with indulgent bathrooms that make you want to stay forever.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy room for two, a space with spectacular views, or accommodation for your whole group, The Pig at Coombe has something to suit every need.
Treat yourself
In the corner of the gardens is The Potting Shed, featuring two treatment rooms where guests can indulge in bespoke facials or massages using oils and infusions made from plants freshly picked from the Herb Garden.
Recommended
The Pig at Coombe perfectly balances luxury with authenticity, creating an experience that feels special and wonderfully unpretentious. It’s a place where the food story begins in the soil, and ends on your plate and where every corner of the property uncovers another surprise.
Practical Information
- Kitchen Garden tours run daily at 11 am (open to both guests and day visitors)
- There are three dining options:
- The Restaurant (relaxed dining in the main house)
- The Folly (chic derelict-style hideaway)
- The Restaurant Terrace (relaxed indoor dining)
- Dog-friendly stays are available
- Booking is essential for both stays and meals
