5 Star Fayre at The Pig on the Beach

Many of our guests are keen to experience a special place to eat out whilst on their holidays in Dorset. One of the places we often recommend is The Pig on the Beach in Studland. The hotel and restaurant is set in a stunning country house on the Purbeck cliff tops with unrivalled views across Studland Bay towards the beaches of Poole and Bournemouth.

It can be reached from our campsite by either heading through Wareham and Corfe Castle or for an added adventure you can take the chain ferry over from Sandbanks. If you fancy leaving the car at the park you can also take the bus so you can relax and take in the views and a few drinks! If you do bring the car then parking is free and you can say hello to the actual pigs which they rear on site.

A warm welcome

We have always found the staff at The Pig very friendly and happy to welcome family members of all ages. Booking is essential here as they are often fully booked for lunch and dinner reservations many weeks in advance. However when you do manage to secure a table you will be guaranteed excellent service. Interestingly the time you book your table is the time they would like you to be seated so be sure to add some extra time so you can enjoy a pre lunch or dinner drink or two. Their cocktail list is extensive, and if you are a gin lover then they have a tremendous selection of gins to choose from.

A foodies delight

One of the best things we love about the food on the menu is that is all stems from what is ripe and in season in their very own kitchen garden. The chefs provide uncomplicated and simple British garden food, which is linked to the seasons and influenced by the Dorset coast. The emphasis here is firmly focused on fresh, clean flavours. What can’t be grown in their Kitchen Garden, or in the extensive vegetable and fruit beds, is sourced locally true to their commitment of their 25 mile menu.

Here’s a selection of main dishes from their current sample menu:

• • Chargrilled Shoulder of Samway’s Pork – Rainbow Chard, Garden Apple & Elderflower Puree 
  • South Coast Hake – Pea Puree, Black Pudding & Crispy Courgette 
  • Middle White ‘Tomahawk’ Pork Chop – Garden Greens & Mustard Cream Sauce 
  • Jurassic Coast Cuttlefish – Ram Rod Onions, Rocket Pesto & Pickled Carrot 
  • Chargrilled 8oz Purbeck Sirloin Steak – Thrice Cooked Chips & Bernaise Sauce 
  • Studland Spider Crab Pappardelle – Portland Crab & Pickled Fennel 
  • ‘Sam of Ladram’ Turbot (on the bone) – ‘Polytunnel’ Tomatoes, Red Onion & Samphire 
  • BBQ Piddle Valley Chicken Breast – Charred Corn, Leeks & Spring Onion 

For up to date sample menu options take a look at The Pig on the Beach website.

Walk off the food

Once you have had your fill of delicious locally sourced there are some fantastic short walks near. Within 5 minutes or so you can be on the beach or the South West Coast Path. Head on up to Handfast Point (or Old Harry Rocks as it’s more commonly known) for some breath taking scenery. Here you can see from above the giant white limestone stacks which appear to have been thrusted from the sea.