[Originally published by On:Yorkshire Magazine: http://www.on-magazine.co.uk/food/food-features/spotlight-the-peppered-pig/]

The Peppered Pig in Turnbridge near East Cowick is a delicatessen, tea room and nursery by day and a busy 45-cover restaurant by night. The combination of businesses in one custom-built venue is a reflection of owners Sam and Glen Mitchell’s passion for providing a wonderful experience for children and local foodies alike.

Sam and Glen started their business by establishing Turnbridge Day Nursery in 2003. Sam explained that she had worked for several years as a long-haul air hostess but after they had their first child she struggled to find a nursery she wanted to send them to so, she decided to re-train and set-up her own.

Cooking has always been one of Sam’s passions, so six years later her and Glen decided to expand the building to house a small restaurant that could seat 26 covers. Sam went back to study cooking and was the Head Chef for about 18-months before employing a team of talented cooks to oversee the running of the kitchen.

With a small selection of ‘pub grub’ venues in the vicinity, Sam wanted the Peppered Pig to be a great place for locals to have the chance to enjoy gourmet food on their doorstep. Needless to say, the restaurant went from strength to strength and after 3 years of consistently being fully-booked the building was extended again to allow up to 45 covers in the restaurant and to create a separate bar/lounge area (where the old 26-cover restaurant used to be) and the Pig’s Panty delicatessen at the back of the building.

The building itself, much of which Glen designed, is striking with exposed wooden beams and most of the walls and ceiling are made from large glass panels offering diners beautiful views over the surrounding countryside.

The Pig’s Pantry deli and tea rooms are open five days a week and offer a selection of homemade artisan breads, pastries, scotch eggs, cakes and tarts to either be taken away or enjoyed in the restaurant. The daytime menu also includes a full breakfast featuring free range pork sausages and bacon (£8.95), various cold sandwiches like coronation chicken (£5.25) and Harrogate blue, bacon & marmalade (£5.35), along with a rather indulgent Afternoon Tea that I enjoyed taste testing. It is a great way to sample all of the best bits the deli has to offer – at £11.95 per person you can tuck into: four open sandwiches from the menu; delicious mini scones with jam and cream; a slice each of the millionaire’s shortbread and zingy lime and raspberry cake; a decadent pot of lemon brulee and a generous portion of succulent chicken, sausage and stuffing pie. I love a good Afternoon Tea and this one was exceptional with the added treats from the deli making it even more special.

Even though a nursery and a food business don’t seem the most obvious pairing, what The Peppered Pig does offer is a place for parents and grandparents to meet-up before or after nursery or, with 10% off all takeaway food and drink for nursery users, a great place to grab a quick morning coffee and cake or a tasty lunchtime treat.

The evening menu is a foodie’s delight full of epicurean dishes prepared using locally-sourced fish, meat and vegetables. I went along to eat at the restaurant on a Friday night and the food, drink and atmosphere were all brilliant. The place was fully booked and there were several large parties dining showing that it is the perfect place for a celebration as everything on the menu feels like a treat – especially the wonderful deserts. The whole restaurant can be booked out for a private party and they also have a marquee that can be used for bigger events with options for both hot food or a delectable buffet spread available. As is true with all of their business expansions, Sam and Glen very much have their customers’ needs at the heart of their decisions and this is reflected in their expansion into offering outside after receiving several requests for local events.

It’s clear that Sam and Glen are always looking for ways to improve on and expand their already successful business with new ideas – their latest addition is the opportunity to enjoy a vintage Afternoon Tea in their pristine green split screen Volkswagen camper van.

Whatever you visit The Peppered Pig for you are guaranteed a memorable experience thanks to their small team of friendly, helpful and attentive staff. Plus, it is a given that no matter the menu you choose from, the food will be delicious.

Evening Restaurant:
Wednesday-Saturday: 6.30pm – Late
Sunday: Noon – 4pm

Deli Counter & Tea Rooms:
Tuesday-Saturday: 9.30am – 5.00pm

The Peppered Pig
Turnbridge
Snaith Road
East Cowick
nr Goole
DN14 9BY

To book a table call 01405 839888 or email info@thepepperedpig.co.uk