Rusty Pig, Ottery St Mary, Devon
Don't necessarily expect a menu when you go for eats at Rusty Pig, that's not how they do things here; instead the chef might come out from the kitchen and tell you what you'll be eating and a bit about it - where it's from, how he's cooking it, and that. You see, it's all about what's available from day to day because they like to use the very best of what's in season locally, including in the woods and hedgerows. But more than that, it has to be sustainable and ethical, supporting local farmers and producers and with very little waste impact.
Think of it as a dining experience, rather than just somewhere to nip in for a bite to eat, because the whole Rusty Pig thing is to be enjoyed. There are two areas to this feasting house in the quiet Devon town of Ottery St Mary; downstairs it's communal, a very sociable space, upstairs you can book individual tables for dinner, or if you've got something worth celebrating, the whole room. There's also a small outdoor area where you can eat, with views across the rooftops to the very remarkable town church.
What you'll get to eat will be a wonderful surprise, you can trust us on that one, but to give you an idea, think locally raised beef and pork, line caught fish fresh from the sea, and game from the nearby woods. Starters might be Rusty Pig cured meat platter with pickles and breads, or Asian style pork ribs with seasonal slaw; mains could be Dexter beef burger with cheese, pickles and bacon, or for the non-carnivorous, Roast pumpkin, lentils and watercress. And pud? Local ice creams, cave aged cheeses, poached pear with chocolate and praline, that kind of thing. Oh, and that cured meat platter - that's all done in-house in the Rusty Pig's charcuterie; if you like it you can buy cooked and air dried meats to take home.
Open: Weds-Sat 6.00am-10.00pm Thurs & Fri 12.00-10.00pm
T: 01404 815580 All information correct at the time of writing