What’s The Curious Pig in the Parlour like?
This quirky pub with rooms is popular with both locals and travellers, and renowned for its friendly atmosphere and fine food. Many guests stay over either before or after flying out of London Gatwick Airport, which is just a few miles away. The Curious Pig in the Parlour is run by the Barons Pub Company.
How dog-friendly is The Curious Pig in the Parlour?
Good. There are nine en-suite rooms at the pub, two of which have been designed specifically with dogs and their owners in mind. Both of these are on the ground floor and have easy access to outside areas. Treats and water bowls are provided in the rooms and four-legged visitors are also welcome in the bar area, conservatory and heated patio garden. There is an additional charge of £15 per night for dogs, but the fee is negotiable for longer stays.
Tell me more about The Curious Pig in the Parlour
There are a range of rooms at the pub, from Cosy Doubles to Deluxe Doubles, and they are all named after pigs, which is quite cute. Our contemporary ground-floor room was decorated in soothing shades of sage green and grey and was very spacious. It also had lovely high ceilings and a super-comfy bed with feature panelled headboard, a handy desk and lots of storage. The complimentary tea, coffee, water and biscuits were very welcome, too.
I loved all the little piggy touches dotted throughout, in things like the door hooks and wall art. And just as impressive was the country-style bathroom, with its cool tiled floor and complimentary toiletries. Once we managed to drag ourselves out of bed in the morning, the powerful shower really helped to get us going. We travel quite a lot but rarely sleep as well as we did at the Curious Pig in the Parlour, so the pub gets a massive tick for that!
What’s the food like at The Curious Pig in the Parlour?
Really tasty. The main menu has a range of pub classics like scampi and sausage and mash, plus burgers, pizzas, fajitas and small plates. There’s a good selection of veggie and vegan options (my burger was delicious) and a separate gluten-free menu, not to mention a sweet Piglet menu for kids. My only complaint would be that the food and drinks were a little on the pricey side – and sadly, we didn’t have time to stop for breakfast.
Before you visit, it’s well worth applying for a Barons Diner’s Card, which will get you 33% off your food bill, plus a birthday bonus and offers throughout the year. The card is valid at all Barons Pub Company venues (at the time of our visit, there were 11) and it costs just £2 to sign up. You won’t get the discount on the day you join, so it’s well worth setting everything up in advance of your stay, or if you think you’ll come again.
Are there resident dogs at The Curious Pig in the Parlour?
No, although you may well bump into some local pooches or other visiting dogs.
Where are the best dog walks near The Curious Pig in the Parlour?
The pub is surrounded by green space and woodland and dogs will enjoy exploring nearby Copthorne Common. Rumour has it that smugglers used to stash their goods in the woods – so see if your dog can sniff out any treasure! There are also several secure fields nearby, including the one operated by Copthorne Canines, just moments from the pub, pictured above. It costs £6.50 to hire the three-acre dog park exclusively for 30 minutes, or £10 for an hour.
Wakehurst, with its beautiful botanic gardens, is also a great place to enjoy a dog walk, and it’s just a 15-minute drive from the pub. The 500-acre site is managed by the same team behind London’s Kew Gardens and a range of walking trails will take you through various green spaces, ranging from the Walled Garden to the Himalayan Glade. There’s a special off-lead area for dogs and a designated dog-walking trail – click here to see it. Adult entry costs £18.50.
What I loved about The Curious Pig in the Parlour
The comfy beds, the powerful shower, the warm and welcoming vibe
How to book The Curious Pig in the Parlour
Rooms start from £100 per night. Breakfast costs extra. For more information or to book, call 01342 716202 or visit The Curious Pig in the Parlour website.