Pigging out at The Pigs

Yesterday, my Dad treated my boyfriend and I to lunch at The Pigs in Edgefield, Norfolk. We all loved it and concluded that it could possibly be the perfect pub.  I love the cook book library out the back, being able to see into the kitchen (and when looking into the kitchen I could see […]

Yesterday, my Dad treated my boyfriend and I to lunch at The Pigs in Edgefield, Norfolk. We all loved it and concluded that it could possibly be the perfect pub.  I love the cook book library out the back, being able to see into the kitchen (and when looking into the kitchen I could see them making their own bread) and mostly because you can bring in your home-grown/ caught/ shot produce and exchange it for beer and food credits! We had the full works – starting with ‘iffits’ (Norfolk tapas), hearty mains, warming desserts all washed down with local beer and ice-cold white wine.

We shared four ‘iffits’ between the four of us. From the front (of the picture below) we had corned beef hash with brown sauce onion jam, lemon, thyme and garlic chicken wings with roasted garlic dip, honey, Colman’s mustard and marmalade glazed pork ribs and dirty beef dripping, sea salt and toast. Really impressive, really fun and all of it was really good tasting.

I couldn’t resist  the ‘Pig Pieces’ on the specials board which was served per person. We ordered for one, with the iffits, for us all to give it a try. I’m so glad we did – we got crispy bits of pig ears, pork belly chunks, haselet fritter, crackling and apple sauce, gorgeous sausages and potted ham topped with a gherkin. For £4.95 this would make a perfect porky lunch, especially with a side order of bread.

I was a little bit jealous of my Dad’s smoked haddock and egg puff pastry pie. I loved the way it was served in the tin with a big pile of bright green savoy cabbage on the top. I didn’t get an opportunity to taste it, so it must have been good!!

Our desserts were also great – I tried to go for a lighter choice with a Norfolk Biffin (baked stuffed apple) but my planned failed with the addition of ice cream, and the fact that I ended up trying everyone else’s anyway!

The whisky and marmalade bread and butter pudding was really good – with a really crispy, buttery crust and served with proper, thick custard.

Tapioca was made with double cream and served with Adnam’s sloe gin stewed prunes.

Headed up by Tim Abbott, with influences from Richard Hughes ( Lavender House , Brundall) and Iain Wilson ( Byfords , Holt), we were certainly in good company. They have a local food and drink sourcing policy,  so I was happy to be supporting Norfolk producers and retailers. I love the way they are so proud of this and identify their suppliers on their menus.

The service was excellent, toilets immaculate and we had a sneaky peek at one of their rooms (the one with the 8ft bed!) which was gorgeous. Definitely worth a visit or a stay while in North Norfolk, just don’t forget your [insert your produce of choice here] to barter for your beer with!