There are many areas where you can relax with seating in the wild- flowermeadow, in the garden and of course in the courtyard. It was a balmy summers evening and we were given a choice to dine inside or outside. We chose inside so that we could see the chefs at work in the open kitchen and at the same time soak up the buzzy atmosphere. The menu was diverse and aswere our choices! Mum opted for some light bites of quails scotch eggs, brown crab risotto balls and crispy oyster mushrooms. I tried the roasted red zebra tomato with black elephant garlic and olive salsa followed by chargrilled Brogdale pork tomahawk with green beans, cider brandy and mustard sauce. Each of our meals was served and paired with a selection of local wines and all expertly served by their resident Sommelier, Luke, who was clearly very knowledgeable. Before our scheduled whistle-stop tour of Canterbury, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of fresh juice, kipper, eggs and maple bacon. The charming city with its famous cathedral, tales of Chaucer and so much history, the heritage and architecture was captivating. Canterbury has many cobbled streets, quirky timber framed buildings and home to World Heritage Sites. There’s lots of independent retail shops, cafes and restaurants and many of the cafes and restaurants have tables outside and roof terraces so you could enjoy the views and the sunshine. One of the star attractions of course is Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England that forms part of aWorldHeritage Site. It is certainly beautiful and is situated in the heart of the city. The highlight of our visitwas a river tour on the Stour in a punt. The 40-minute guided tour firstly takes you to a small Franciscan island, known as The Greyfriars, which is home to a beautiful 13th century chapel which spans the river, it is the oldest example of Franciscan architecture in the country. We then passed under the 12th Century Eastbridge Hospital and the King's Bridge (1134). We punted down river passing me- dieval industrial buildings that included The Old Weavers House, The Kings Mill, and the Cromwellian iron forge. After
Kate’s lovely Coach House room
somewonderful views of the cathedral, the tour passed through the Dominican priories, built by the Blackfriars in the 14th century, ending up in Solly’s Orchard, the site of the old Abbots Mill in the city.We returned passing TheMarlowe Theatre, to our starting point which is also home to the infamous ‘Ducking Stool.’
A 20 minute drive from the hotel lies the harbour town of Whitstable, the ‘Pearl of Kent’ as it is famous for
oysters.Here you can enjoy the working harbour and local seafood. A unique and special place, and one of the prettiest seaside towns in Kent, is Deal.
Deal's unspoilt seafront, full of dangerous smuggling haunts in the 1800s, now has a wonderful collection of colourful buildings complemented by fishing boats that are hauled up onto the shingle beach. There’s plenty to see and do in this area of Kent or you can just kick off your shoes and relax at the hotel, eat, drink and be spoilt like pigs.
They say, ‘you don’t knowwhat you’remissing until you find it’ and this rings true to the ‘PIGS’ hotel brand. Once you have stayed here, you knowwhat you have
beenmissing.NowIwant to return and experience their other hotels.
THE PIG-at Harlyn Bay will open in spring 2020 and THE PIG-on the South Downs will open in summer 2020. (I think I have now developed severe FOMO…Fear of Missing Out!). Thanks Charlotte!
Where is it? The Pigs at The Bridge is threemiles south of Canterbury and just 56 minutes by train from St Pancras.
The Portfolio? There are currently six PIG hotels; THE PIG, THE PIG-near Bath, THE PIG-on the beach; THE PIG-at Combe, THE PIG-in the wall and THE PIG-at Bridge Place.
Room rates start from £145 for a Cosy Room, a rate that continues to endorse The Pigs’ offering of affordable luxury. For bookings call 0345 225 9494 or visit the website
Hard at work at the kitchen counter
www.thepighotel.com. THE ADVERTISER - LOCAL PAPERS COVERING KENT PAGE 67
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