Harden's says
This new Pig hotel is situated in Grade II-listed Madehurst Lodge near Arundel, boasting the largest kitchen garden in the Pig group and also the first vineyard. As with previous Pig properties, the restaurant will be supplied with locally sourced ingredients by farms within a 25 mile radius.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Given the reputation of the chain of Pig Restaurants/Hotels, we were looking forward to a very enjoyable evening; and it was enjoyable… but not because of the food”. Too many reports this year had significant reservations about this branch of the famous shabby chic hotel chain, where “the conservatory restaurant is very pleasant on a sunny day with long views across wooded Sussex downland”. “Rammed and noisy, with a car park full of expensive motors, this beautiful spot in the South Downs (reached by a narrow lane)” can “ultimately seem more style than substance” for a number who comment. “The food is pleasant, nice, but nothing special… better than adequate but not worthy of their reputation”. “The menu focuses on sourcing ingredients from within 25 miles, including some zero-miles vegetables grown on site – but the cooking doesn’t justify the prices. It’s at the level you might expect in a pub that serves decent enough food but with no pretensions to being noted for its cooking”. “In other words, a restaurant in lovely surroundings living on their reputation not their quality”. “Service is satisfactory but a touch amateur at times” and at others “disengaged”.
Summary
“A favourite Pig in the litter to date, thanks to the splendid view across the lawn, the vineyard and across the South Downs” from “a conservatory dining room laid out with an eclectic mix of tables and chairs, likewise the crockery (must be a nightmare stacking the cupboards!)”. “Like all the Pigs, it has a good buzz” and “friendly and helpful staff” are also noted in feedback. “The food’s not complicated, allowing local sourced produce to shine”.
Summary
“What a lovely setting” – on a hilltop in the South Downs National Park – for a “very typical ‘Pig’”: Robin Hutson’s well-known litter of shabby-chic hotels (now sold to private equity). At almost two acres, the kitchen garden enables “a good exhibition of farm-to-fork”, although the most critical diners feel “the cooking is not particularly interesting or exciting (possibly because it has been replicated by so many)”. There’s a “great list of Sussex and Kent wines”, soon to be joined by bottles from the estate’s own vines – a ‘Pig’ first – and a herd of South Downs sheep.
Summary
“You really can’t go wrong with Pig food... great bar, great restaurant full of people all enjoying themselves with tasty food and wine” at the eighth and latest in the shabby-chic litter of Pig hotels, in a “stunning location” on the South Downs. It also serves “great local wines”, which will soon be joined by bottles from the 4,000 vines planted on the estate, due to be harvested for the first time this year. A small but vocal minority complain of “bistro food (just!), London prices and cafe service”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Pig in the South Downs?
Madehurst, Arundel, BN18 0NL
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £28.50 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £16.00 | £35.00 | £11.00 | £9.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £34.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £4.50 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Madehurst, Arundel, BN18 0NL
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
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