“If you think that the latest Pig in the burgeoning litter must be a repetitious pastiche of its own pastiche of a rural idyll, then think again. Many visitors have declared it the best yet – quirky, characterful, fun and stylish.”
“If you think that the latest Pig in the burgeoning litter must be a repetitious pastiche of its own pastiche of a rural idyll, then think again. Many visitors have declared it the best yet – quirky, characterful, fun and stylish.”
Hotel Review
Just like human beings, every Pig in this magnificent litter of rustic chic country hotels has its own personality. This, the sixth, which opened in May 2019, is no exception and if its rock-n-roll vibe is immediately evident, that’s because the intriguing old building, set in the Nailbourne valley outside Canterbury, and sporting a handsome red brick façade and ornate Jacobean interior, has been a musical honeypot for the past four decades. The likes of Led Zeppelin and Eric Clapton have gigged and partied here and now it’s your turn to have a ball, amidst a wealth of period features, secret stairways, panelled rooms and endless nooks and crannies. As with every other Pig, the kitchen garden and restaurant, where local Kentish wines as well as produce feature prominently, sit at the beating heart of this new property. If you’ve pigged-out on the other Pigs, come here: you will be seduced, charmed and ready to party all at the same time. Choose from a room in the main house, one in the sympathetic, newly built Coach House or a Hop Pickers’ Hut. These are ranged along the Nailbourne stream, accessed via a boardwalk and are romantic little wooden boltholes, beautifully finished (Bakelite light switches and telephones, roll top baths, monsoon showers, wood burners). One does service as a charming treatment room.
Written by Fiona Duncan
Recommended For
- Families
- With kids menus, plenty of space, and self-catering cottages on offer — this is a good option for a family getaway
- Total relaxation
- Offering a tranquil location, laid-back dining and the Potting Shed spa rooms (which are utterly spoiling)
- Country Escape
- Just 56 minutes outside of London and set in beautiful countryside this is the perfect rural bolt-hole
- Romantic Break
- Choose one of the Comfy Luxe Rooms with an in-room bathtub for a romantic getaway
- Other Activities
- For seafood lovers, head to Whitstable to try their renowned oysters. Deal and Margate are also close by
- Sights nearby
- Canterbury and its cathedral surrounded by pretty cobbled streets, plus punting on the River Stour
- Wildlife Area
- Howlett’s Wild Animal Park is close by and home to rhinos, tigers, leopards, gorillas and more
- Wine tasting
- Simpsons Wine Estate, for those interested in Kent’s wine makers, is two miles away
- Cycling
- Borrow one of the hotel's bikes and explore the area on two wheels
- Short break
- Exactly 56 minutes from London making it an easy weekend escape
- Restaurant
- Like all Pig hotels the restaurant is a real focus with a 25-mile menu and much of the produce grown or raised on-site
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Hop Pickers' Huts have decks with Adirondack chairs and Coach House Rooms have small terraces
- Spa
- The potting shed spa with its two treatment rooms, uses bespoke Bamford products
- Good wine list
- Full of character
- Historic
- Country House
- Village
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Luxury
- Charming
- Traditional
- Wellbeing
- Disabled access
- Antiques
- Child friendly
Facilities
- Restaurant
- Like all Pig hotels the restaurant is a real focus with a 25-mile menu and much of the produce grown or raised on-site
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Hop Pickers' Huts have decks with Adirondack chairs and Coach House Rooms have small terraces
- Spa
- The potting shed spa with its two treatment rooms, uses bespoke Bamford products
- Good wine list
- Garden
- Massage
- Outdoor dining
- In room DVD
- Disabled access
- Fireplace
- Bicycles available
- Bar
- Parking
- Wifi
- Child friendly
Activities
- Other Activities
- For seafood lovers, head to Whitstable to try their renowned oysters. Deal and Margate are also close by
- Sights nearby
- Canterbury and its cathedral surrounded by pretty cobbled streets, plus punting on the River Stour
- Wildlife Area
- Howlett’s Wild Animal Park is close by and home to rhinos, tigers, leopards, gorillas and more
- Wine tasting
- Simpsons Wine Estate, for those interested in Kent’s wine makers, is two miles away
- Cycling
- Borrow one of the hotel's bikes and explore the area on two wheels
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
The Pig at Bridge Place
There’s a real buzz to this place, a sense of having unearthed something rather special. It’s not just a new, edgier, meatier Pig but a game-changing address in a rich patch of the country that’s on the cusp of receiving the recognition it deserves.
Originally published by CNTraveller (view article)
The Pig at Bridge Place
The sixth Pig hotel in the burgeoning litter has seen a historic Grade II* listed Kent house transformed into a haven of fun, good living and hospitality, with all the much loved elements of The Pig group in place, plus a gentle rock 'n' roll vibe that recalls the recent past of the building.
Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)
The Cool Hotel Guide: The Pig at Bridge Place
A fascinating past accompanies the latest in the Pig group’s litter: Bridge Place started life as a 17th-century mansion, then in the Sixties became a rock club, where Led Zeppelin and the Kinks played. The deliciously quirky style reflects that history. Original oak fireplaces, wood panelling and small stairways leading to heavenly snugs rub shoulders with a bar done out in deepest burgundy — even the ornate ceiling — while posters in the loos advertise the rock performances of old. It’s shabby chic with a twist.
Originally published by The Times (view article)
