History is ingrained in every beam and Inglenook of The Blue Pig – There has been a pub here for hundreds of years-and this version is over 200 years old. Stagecoaches once stopped here to change horses and even the name itself reflects stories and legends surrounding this part of Warwickshire. Once called The White Boar-(Richard III’s emblem), after defeat by Henry at nearby Bosworth Field, many hostelries with this name hastily painted their signs blue- for the Blue Boar was the emblem of the Earl of Oxford, Henry’s chief supporter. hence the Blue Pig. You can read more about the history of the pub including name changes, by reading the detailed boards inside.
The Romans were here, the Knights Templars were here and Wolvey was recorded in the Domesday book in 1086. Warwick The Kingmaker and the Duke of Clarence were reputed to have refreshed themselves here, and Elizabeth the First waited in Wolvey whilst horses were changed during a journey between Leicester and Coventry. On a cold winter’s night there is still always a big log fire roaring in the enormous pub fireplace, and as the wind tugs the trees in the grounds of Wolvey Hall opposite, it remains what it has been for centuries-a welcome refuge for the weary traveller seeking good ale good conversation and good honest pub grub.
With whitewashed walls and beautiful hanging baskets it is as welcoming here in the Summer as in the winter. Morris Dancers come to perform or Traditional Folk Music wafts from the open windows. On balmy Summer days, with rooks cawing overhead, a warm sun and the parasols fluttering over the picnic tables, and Hall Lanes winding off into open countryside, at times it is hard not to believe you have suddenly been transported to Cornwall or Dorset.
There is a large restaurant area set to one side. It is big enough to host special functions. Diners also spread to other areas of the pub, and outside in the picturesque terraced garden during good weather. The food is truly home cooked on the premises and the meat has been selected from a local butcher. The wine list is varied and has been selected from a local supplier .
Wolvey is a popular recreational spot for visitors and tourists. There is good walking to be had locally, and Ramblers often use it as a start or finish point. There are several good cycle rides nearby, whether for family groups or Cycle Clubs. Anglers and Golfers both have several venues nearby too. And it is within walking distance of local camp sites. It is no exaggeration to say that The Blue Pig has a fame beyond the immediate area. It had a mention on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night TV programme and it has featured several times on BBC Radio broadcasts. The pub is well known and well loved in the area!
The ambience overall is of an informal friendly, welcoming pub with no airs and graces and a very proud tradition. The clientele is an easy mix of locals, business people, the farming community, and visitors. You can always judge a pub by counting the locals-they know a bargain when they see one! “ The Pig” offers honest, reasonably priced fare which caters for all. Children and pets are welcome. It has Disabled toilets and there is easy access for those who are frail, infirm or in wheelchairs.
