The Pig at Combe, Gittisham

The hugely successful Pig brand has just expanded to Devon with its takeover of Combe House. Jo Rees went to see what all the fuss is about

It’s testament to the power of the name that just a couple of months after opening, The Pig at Combe is packed. They’ve built more car parking to cope with the throng of visitors – mostly from the South East – who know what to expect and are keen to try out the new version. The use of produce from the kitchen garden and the 25 mile, brasserie style menu is the thing here, with something from the garden on every plate – even if only a flower.

VISIT to see what they’ve done with one of the South West’s most stunning country houses. Clever re-imagining of the space has seen the great hall turned into a glam bar, the dining rooms into comfy drawing rooms and the panelled function room opened up to become a large dining space. Everywhere are the accoutrements of a fetishised rural wonderland, from the bowl of fresh eggs and cute egg cups at breakfast to a legion of herb pots and pickle jars. Determinedly relaxed, this is a country house hotel experience that you can do in a T shirt.

DON’T VISIT if you are an architectural purist and prone to get teary at the sight of so much shabby-chic distressed wood.

WE LIKED the pimped up bedrooms: gold taps, ginormous and drenching walk-in showers complemented by luscious fabrics. The Chase gin jelly with cucumber sorbet was a winner too, while the new wood oven eatery in the garden looks delightful.