Five minutes drive from the Sandbanks to Studland Chain Ferry off the Ferry Road, you will find  The Pig- On the Beach Hotel and Restaurant in Studland, Dorset.

Set on the Studland Bay cliffs looking out towards Old Harry Rocks this hotel has some of the best coastal views in the country.

Locally sourced food

The pigs…..

Flat breads from the outside bar

By the way…..

We visited the restaurant for lunch on a hot day in May. After a bit of a ‘stand-off’ we were granted a table outside on the terrace. The restaurant’s rather confused outside seating policy appears to depend on who you are! Hotel guests and regulars definitely have priority although outside tables clearly stated available for lunch bookings. The head waiter tried his best to avoid allocating them even though there were a few unreserved empty tables. On a warm day, an excellent cheaper alternative is to eat at the outside bar which served affordable flat breads with delicious toppings.

 ( See the restaurant website for days when flatbreads are available)

Restaurant Kitchen Garden

The Pig doesn’t pretend to be a bargain restaurant but the flavours of the food are clean and exquisite. Unless, you are a resident from Sandbanks, I would suggest this is a venue for special occasions only. We went thanks to a Christmas present from my daughter. But you can still get the great views by visiting the outside bar which is open to non-residents.

Cured Meat Board

Lemon Sole with Tarragon Sauce

Pork Loin with Rhurbarb Vinaigrette

The food …..

We shared a starter of Saddleback Crackling and Apple sauce (watch your teeth!) and A Pinch of Salt’s Hampshire Cured Meats Board with garden pickles. Followed by Pork Loin with Heritage Carrots & Rhubarb Vinaigrette, Lemon Sole with a Tarragon Sauce along with Thrice Cooked Chips. The meal was excellent but a special mention goes to the Heritage Carrots with onion sauce, Tarragon Sauce, crispy chips and the lovely waiter that served us. All produce is either sourced from the kitchen garden or within 25 miles of the hotel.

The Bovey

Seated lawned areas

Rustic posh outside loo

Shepherds Hut

After lunch we walked round the stunning grounds and fields leading to the coastal walk. For those looking to stay away from the main hotel there are romantic locations such as shepherds huts looking out to sea or The Bothy, a dovecote near the kitchen garden.

And finally ……

Strangely, for such a lovely area producing such great food, we have found it difficult to find good places to eat. The Pig definitely deserves a return visit if only to try the flatbreads and gaze at the amazing views!

For more information…..

https://www.thepighotel.com/on-the-beach