The Pig near Bath – Pensford, Somerset

This may be just one of several rural-themed Pig hotels, but its launch back in 2014 broke new ground for the Home Grown Hotels group: a proper, grown-up hotel that has all the country house attributes (space, proportions, dreamy views), but none of the drawbacks (staid, formal, eye-wateringly expensive). It’s fun and glamorous without ever losing sight of comfort. Once again Judy Hutson created the look: Belgian tiles, quirky wallpaper, velvet curtains, oil paintings and chandeliers, plus a wonderfully louche private dining room based on the Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet: ragamuffins feasting in a castle. As at all the Pigs (there are seven), the kitchen garden is central, with the gardeners and chefs working hand in hand to create plates brimming with seasonal flavours. What they can’t grow on-site is sourced from the best local farmers, fishermen and foragers, the foundation of their signature 25-mile menu. And keep an eye out for some honey-flavoured dishes – the hotel celebrated the first harvest in summer 2022 of their own honey.

Rooms from £260

+44 (0)1761 490490; thepighotel.com

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