A RANGE of rare English pigs are being hand-reared by an Eden pub owner who will be serving the animals on his Christmas menu.

Customers at the George and Dragon at Clifton will be able to sample dishesincluding pork from Gloucester Old Spots, Oxford Sandy and Blacks and Tamworth crosses.

The pigs are being reared by owner Charles Lowther and his girlfriend, Juno Leigh, in a paddock at his home just a few miles from the pub. Previously the pork served at the George and Dragon has come from Charles’s farm but was reared on a commercial basis.

Paul McKinnon, head chef, said: “It’s been good to watch them grow over the past few months and it makes a massive difference knowing exactly what they’ve been fed and how well they’ve been kept. I’m lookingforward to doing them justice on the menu.”

However, whilst trying to remember thedelectable outcome to keeping pigs, Juno and Charles have realised that the pigs don’t just make for a great dish on the menu.

“Pigs are a joy to look after and they’ve all got such great characters. It’s pretty hard when it’s time for them to go,” said Juno.

The new additions to the menu come just after the George and Dragon has been awarded four stars by VisitBritain. Anassessor from the internationally recognised on-line guide book made a secret visit to the George and Dragon and gave it a glowing report.

Charles said: “We’re delighted to get suchpositive feedback from VisitBritain. We’ve got a great team which together ensures the pub, restaurant and accommodation are all run to a high standard and that all our guests are welcomed and well looked after.”

The George and Dragon, which opened last year after extensive refurbishments, will be featured in a number of 2010 guide books including The Good Food Guide, Sawday’s Pubs and Inns and Michelin’s Eating out in Pubs guide.

The pub has also been featured in many national magazines and newspapersincluding The Times, The Guardian, GQ, Conde Nast Traveller and Country Living.