VisitEngland’s recent survey demonstrated a rise in demand for gastronomic hotels (or “gastrotels”) throughout England as the country becomes an increasingly popular destination for foodies. According to the survey, 13 million daytrips in England were centered on visiting a food festival or farmers market in 2013, and approximately 76 percent of the population is interested in dining at restaurants serving local dishes. With more and more travelers interested in authentic destination experiences, the new gastrotels opening across the country are sure to be a hit.
The Pig
The Pig currently has two properties in the New Forest and Southampton, and the brand will open two new properties in Bath and Studland, Dorset, in 2014. Both properties will feature The Pig’s signature 25-mile menu, serving food that is grown in an onsite garden or sourced locally.
www.thepighotel.com
Heckfield Place
In Hampshire, Heckfield Place is an 18th-century estate that is currently undergoing renovations to transform the property into a gastronomic countryside getaway. The hotel will feature a new restaurant in the late spring of next year, which will be supplied with produce from its 330-acre farm.
www.heckfieldplace.com
Laverstoke Mill
Laverstoke Mill, a Bombay Sapphire Distillery, will also open in Hampshire next spring. The property will run tours of the distillery and offer a bartending school on site.
www.laverstokemill.co.uk
