The Pig at Harlyn Bay - Cornwall

I admit to being a bit cynical about UK hotels - I always feel slightly disappointed when I leave. However, The Pig has made me reevaluate my sentiments. We had a fantastic 3 night stay over Christmas. We had booked one of the ‘cosy’ rooms, and indeed it was cosy. But the shower more than made up for the lack of space. The staff were outstanding - professional, relaxed, friendly. They have absolutely nailed it. A particular shout-out to housekeeping for both the morning and evening service and to Jordan for his enthusiastic advice on wine.

We had a much needed two night break at the end of November. I chose The Pig as it looked like it would allow us to have a quiet, cosy and relaxing couple of days and I’m so glad I did. After unpacking in our lovely, spacious and pristine comfy luxe with terrace room, we started our stay with a cocktail in front of the woodburner in the bar area (great advice from the bar staff when I didn’t know what to choose!). Our evening meal on the first night was delicious, tasty and so good that I had the same main course on the second night (monkfish tail). The service was excellent, with attentive and smiling staff. On the second day we both treated ourselves to a massage with Harrie which was wonderful, relaxing and snug in the potting shed (with a heated bed which I just wanted to take home with me!!). While my husband was having his massage I settled into one of the cosy lounges (all with wood burners). The lady who served me my coffee was so kind, regularly checking to make sure the fire was still ablaze. Thank you. After an excellent and tasty lunch in the restaurant we went for a long walk, taking advice from the lovely young lady on reception who provided us with a map. That left us tired but happy and ready for another cocktail and a delicious evening meal. We were made to feel so welcome by the gentleman (sorry I don’t know his name) who signed us in for dinner on both nights that we really felt like part of the family. Finally, a word about the breakfasts. We had a choice of a large spread of breakfast items or something cooked. On both mornings we opted for the buffet spread as it was so delicious. The muffins were so tasty and the choice of granola, boiled eggs, toast, pastries, fruit etc was more than enough for us but the cooked food did look very tasty too. We’re so glad we chose The Pig, it provided just what we needed and we really hope to be back as soon as we can as we’d love to explore some more of the local beaches and walks.

My wife and I love all The Pig Hotels. Harlyn Bay was no exception. It’s beautiful. Sadly the experience in my case was not so great and I expected better. My wife had an amazing Bloody Mary. I ordered a Cappuccino that arrived beautifully presented but unfortunately cold and too frothy. I also ordered a pastry. The person went to look what pastries they had and never returned even though she walked past me numerous times. I asked someone else and was told they had none. I wanted my coffee with a pastry, now undrinkable and eventually a lovely girl arrived and said they have biscuits and chocolate brownies. It took a good 5-7 mins for the chocolate brownie to arrive. Too many staff walking around and too little focussing on delivering service. When you are lucky they do, they are exceptionally pleasant.

The comfy luxe room we had was a disappointment. It is basically in the eaves of the barn with no window to look out of. There is restricted height all round the room except a central corridor which we were not advised of. The bath, shower and basin are in the room and the lavatory is in a cupboard. The bath follows the recent trend for in room bathing however a shower with a transparent door is a step too far in my view. The emphasis appears to be on informality but calling everybody ‘guys’ is wearing and not all the staff were friendly or helpful. One was surly. Breakfast is extra and at £277/night that seems mean. Tap water at the table is charged for and the food is passable but not memorable. All in all an over-priced disappointment. We won’t bother with another Pig.