The Pig, Windermere

The Pig is one of two main establishments owed by the Dutton empire in the village of Windermere.

The second being Brown Sugar, a café, standing in place of The Lighthouse, which now boasts an outdoor balcony.

As we walked into The Pig, we worried about finding a table, as there were bums on every high bar stool-esque seat.

It certainly felt cosy.

People chatting were chatting away while music played overhead.

Several people were tucking into large cooked breakfasts.

We found a table in a quieter area behind the bar.

The extensive menu offers “Light bites, sides and lunches” salads and pizzas and the mains selection entitled “rather large.”

After five minutes I went to the bar to order as no one had appeared.

The busy barman told me to take a seat, and five minutes later a waitress appeared to take orders from tables behind us.

We heard her apologise for the wait and that it was due to the fact they were short staffed, which was a surprise considering it was the weekend of the Windermere Christmas Celebration, so naturally you would expect extra staff to be on duty.

Despite the pressure she was under she took our order with a smile.

Whilst we waited for our food I noted that last time I came here with her grandmother she found it hard to get up into the high seats, and indeed a child behind us needed help getting down from theirs.

When our food arrived, I can confirm that our “rather large” choices lived up their name.

My boyfriend ordered the “Individual platter,” a platter paying homage to the pig itself.

The platter consisted of a large scotch egg, two full size pigs in blankets, a quarter of a pork pie, scratchings, apple sauce, corn on the cob and and the largest chips I’ve ever seen (£18.95).

I ordered the Moules Marienère which came with a small loaf of sourdough and a mug of the wedge like chips (£15.95). It was one of the creamiest Moules Marienère I’ve ever had and the mussels were fresh and juicy.

I dipped my chips in the garlic mayonnaise which came with it, which was delicious.

My brother ordered the Pig Feast pizza (£14.95) an 11-inch pizza with a thick layer of mozzarella cheese with halved pigs in blankets on top, and a side of pork scratchings (£3.95).

He dubbed the pizza tasty and filling, but as a result couldn’t finish it.

The pork scratchings were as expected, and he was slightly disappointed they no longer seemed to serve the two varieties, which over a year ago had included a smoked flatter scratching, which had been his favourite.

Happily, with no room for pudding, we left.

I noticed a cocktail board which listed a “Butter Beer” offering, which fans of the Harry Potter books may be interested to try.

Ratings

Food 5

Service 3

Value

Atmosphere 4

Pros

Some might consider it pricey but the portion sizes make it good value.

Cons

Due to popularity and lack of staff prepare for a wait. You won’t have room for a pudding unless you opt for a lighter bite!