Words by Lydia Paleschi
Found on the brilliantly blue and beautiful north coast of Cornwall, THE PIG at Harlyn Bay offers country chic accommodation with far-reaching sea views in one of the area’s oldest country houses. Self-proclaimed as ‘really restaurants with rooms’ it is perfect for foodies and those with an interest in locally-sourced cuisine, showcased best in their 25-mile menu.
That being said, declaring their accommodation as merely ‘rooms’ wouldn’t be doing THE PIG justice. With everything from quirky self-contained garden wagons, rooms with four poster beds, and main house abodes with both original features and oceanic scenery, THE PIG at Harlyn Bay is a well-deserved contender for accommodation with some of the best hotels in the UK.
It is also worth mentioning that this visit delivered some of the most down to earth and naturally affable hospitality I’ve yet to experience. Non-intrusive but highly attentive, I was met with smiles and excellent customer service everywhere I turned.
Hotel
Part of a collective of hotels owned by UK-based hotelier Robin Hutson and his wife Judy, THE PIG at Harlyn Bay strikes a meticulous balance between laid back luxury and exceptional customer service without the pomp. A 16th century Grade II listed building brought to life by Judy’s exceptional interior design, today it is a labyrinth of well-purposed rooms dressed in understated glamour and a medley of vintage furniture.
On the ground floor, a collection of comfortable drawing rooms offer a place to relax surrounded by an eclectic selection of nick-nacks, oil paintings and maps of the local area. Around the corner sits the bar, where plush sofas meet floral wallpaper and none of the quirky mismatched drinking glasses are the same. Adjoining it is the restaurant, where floor to ceiling panelling meets muted light for a laid-back romantic feel in the evening. From here, descend a few small steps into the scullery come breakfast room, which bears resemblance to a light and airy country kitchen.
Room
As part of our stay, we spent the night in one of THE PIG’s ‘big comfy luxe’ rooms, which certainly lived up to its name. A large ensuite in the main house with soft grey walls, floral curtains and dark brown furniture, there was a traditional yet cosy feel, largely in keeping with the rest of the house. A chandelier hung above the bed, bringing a touch of extravagance, further accentuated by a vibrant rug which cloaked the original wooden floors.
In the bathroom a stand-alone roll top bath was positioned to enjoy the views over the well-preened patio gardens. The large monsoon shower provided an alternative and equally enjoyable way to lap up the scent of the locally made lavender toiletries. Perhaps most exciting was the well-stocked mini bar, complete with everything from revitalising cider vinegar shots and kombucha to locally made biscuits and fudges. There was also a selection of THE PIG’s own-brand cocktail and wine mixes, along with all the usual mini bar staples.
Food and drink
THE PIG at Harlyn Bay sits within close proximity to some of the UK’s best food suppliers. With top quality meat sourced from the likes of Trevethan Farm and delicious cheeses from Trewithen Dairy, it comes as no surprise that the area has been a draw for celebrity chefs including Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth.
In addition to a rich supply of local suppliers, THE PIG employs three full-time gardeners to work year-round on their very own kitchen garden. This means vegetables, salads and herbs grown on-site can be tasted year-round. THE PIG’s commitment to home-grown and local produce is showcased best in their popular 25-mile menu, which promises over 80% of fresh ingredients will be sourced in the local area.
My experience of the menu started with beef carpaccio, which was arranged with parmesan shavings and a delicately balanced duo of vinaigrettes. Soon followed by pork cooked to perfection, accompanied by a red currant jus and a delicious medley of fresh vegetables.
Instead of dessert I sampled the cheese board complete with five local varieties, which most certainly should earn Cornwall a place on the cheese map. It is also worth mentioning the divine homemade breads, particularly the oat and treacle, which I could have happily eaten a loaf of in one sitting. All was complemented by choices from the equally talented and well-humoured sommelier, Cadi. Her extensive knowledge brought a range including well-bodied reds to limited edition Japanese bottles to the table, for a truly unique tasting experience.
In the morning, the breakfast included all the expected cooked options, made with only the best ingredients of course, alongside a selection of locally made cinnamon buns, granolas, compotes, yoghurts and a multitude of other delicious pickings. Overall, the food at THE PIG did not disappoint in any way.
To do
Perhaps the icing on the cake to my stay at THE PIG at Harlyn was the fantastic treatment I received in one of their quirky on-site spa rooms – otherwise known as the potting sheds. Found at the rear of the kitchen gardens, the resident therapist delivered a fantastic hot stone massage in one of the converted shacks, which had my eyes rolling into the back of my head.
Afterwards, I took a short drive of several minutes, past Trevose Golf and Country Club towards Trevose Headland, to lap up panoramic views of the rugged coastline. Here, fascinating geological rock formations and cavernous sea caves create a wild and dramatic landscape. Peering into the ocean, I spotted many grey seals bottling in the water below, meanwhile, seabirds soared overhead to make the experience nothing short of wonderful.
There are plenty of other things to do in this corner of Cornwall, including visiting the National Lobster Hatchery, Tarquin’s Distillery or Prideaux place – all less than ten minutes away from THE PIG at Harlyn Bay by car. For those looking to make the most of the Cornish scenery, there are numerous sandy beaches to explore or perhaps swim at. The Camel Trail also starts a short drive away and includes 18 miles of cycling trails between Wenfordbridge and Padstow.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from £255 per room per night.
Address: THE PIG at Harlyn Bay, Harlyn, Padstow, PL28 8SQ
Phone: 0345 225 9494 or 01841 550240
Email: info@thepigatharlynbay.com
Website: thepighotel.com/at-harlyn-bay
