The Historic Pig and Whistle Inn
268 Kowie Road
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Why people book this hotel
“I liked the colonial style hotel, solid feeling of the structure, antique furnit…”
“Lucille, the owner was the perfect and very kind hostess- we had a great 2 days …”
“The breakfast was excellent and the location in the heart of the village was mos…”
“Did not have breakfast Location is excellent”
“Great location within Bathurst and the room has old school charm”
“Spacious room”
“The live music on the verandah on Sunday was great as was the roast dinner, brea…”
“breakfast was good and the service from staff was excellent”
“Neat surroundings and well-informed hosts”
“The rooms was good and very clean- the beds were very comfortable”
“I loved the location, very good and helpful staff, food with fair prices”
“The restaurant opens from 18h00-20h30, definitely worth a sit down in the fire h…”
Overview
Set in a historic 19th-century house, The Pig and Whistle offers country-style rooms with free Wi-Fi. South Africa’s oldest pub is located here, and it includes a terrace overlooking the garden. Featuring original rooms from 1825, each simply furnished room at the Historic Pig and Whistle comes with a fan. Most include a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy a drink in the pub, which has air-conditioning and a flat-screen TV. They can relax with a hot tea in the garden or visit the on-site antique shop. Port Alfred is a 15-minute drive away, and the Waters Meeting Nature Reserve is 20 minutes’ drive. Free private parking is available at The Historic Pig and Whistle Inn.
Traveller reviews
Zikhona
solo_traveller
April 27, 2026
Nothing the place is dirty and melling there is nothing like in the picture
Mark
extended_group
February 4, 2026
“An opportunity to appreciate the heritage of the Eastern Cape at a very good price.”
The breakfast was excellent and the location in the heart of the village was most convenient and atmospheric.
Sephiri
family_with_children
February 3, 2026
“I couldn't wait to leave.”
Jackie
couple
January 24, 2026
“Cosy, charming great location and atmosphere”
I liked the colonial style hotel, solid feeling of the structure, antique furniture, excellent restaurant, cool pub and great service by the staff.
Naomi
extended_group
January 20, 2026
No hairdryer in the room and left already by eight no one in sight
Erika
couple
January 19, 2026
“Was lovely”
Did not have breakfast Location is excellent
Tharin
couple
January 19, 2026
“I will recommend it to anyone who has the time to visit a little town and its quaint hotel”
Enjoyed the historic essence of the town and hotel. Neat surroundings and well-informed hosts.
diane
couple
January 12, 2026
“The hotel is full of character as are the wonderful, friendly locals.We had a greatl 2 days.”
The hotel is old and full of character- lots of history. The rooms was good and very clean- the beds were very comfortable. The location is wonderful, very close to Port Alfred. The live music on the verandah on Sunday was great as was the roast dinner, breakfast was also very good. Lucille, the owner was the perfect and very kind hostess- we had a great 2 days in Bathurst.
Khumalo
couple
January 12, 2026
I loved the location, very good and helpful staff, food with fair prices.
Nicholas
couple
January 9, 2026
“A unique stay but some work needs to be done to make the experience more comfortable for guests”
Great location within Bathurst and the room has old school charm.
Karien
extended_group
January 4, 2026
“Clearly a neglected gem.”
Interesting location
Peter
solo_traveller
December 28, 2025
“Historic pub with good basic food”
Some staff were really friendly and helpful. Good food. Historic building.
Nokwanda
couple
December 27, 2025
Spacious room
Mhlaba
family_with_children
December 24, 2025
“value for money”
breakfast was good and the service from staff was excellent
Vuyokazi
couple
December 14, 2025
I loved the fact that that when we initially disagreed about something with staff...they were prepared to listen and to resolve my issue...Proper Customer Care right there
Jacques
couple
December 3, 2025
The history of the place and the furniture to the theme of the place. Food was Devine.
Lee-Anne
couple
November 29, 2025
We had a very late arrival and were starving, the staff were very accommodating and ensured that there were warm meals ready and waiting. A lovely experience.
Candice
couple
November 6, 2025
“Very welcoming and comfortable”
The staff were all wonderful. Friendly and attentive, creating a great welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The rooms were spacious, clean and very comfortable. Food at the pub was delicious!!
Steve
solo_traveller
September 29, 2025
“Historic establishment, excellent staff and hosts.”
Patrick
couple
September 12, 2025
“There's no thirst like Bathurst”
What a marvelous piece of history! The furniture in the rooms and around the inn are from a bygone era, truly classic! Very friendly staff, and the owner shared some great history about bathurst and the Pig. The restaurant opens from 18h00-20h30, definitely worth a sit down in the fire heated bar or dining area.
Facilities
Activities
Billiards, Darts, Live music/performance
Food & Drink
Wine/champagne, Special diet menus (on request), Kid meals, Restaurant, Bar, Breakfast options
General
Non-smoking rooms, Family rooms, Non-smoking throughout, Designated smoking area
Internet
Internet services, Free WiFi, WiFi
Outdoors
Outdoor pool, Outdoor furniture, Outdoor fireplace, Garden, Terrace, Outdoor pool (all year)
Parking
Parking, Free parking, Parking on site, Street parking
Pool and wellness
Plunge pool, Swimming pool, Swimming Pool
Reception services
Invoice provided
Safety & security
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguishers
Safety features
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
Services
Shared lounge/TV area, Meeting/banquet facilities, Private check-in/check-out, Packed lunches, Fax/photocopying
Double Room
Offering a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe and parquet floors, this double room includes a shared bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double Room with Private Bathroom
The double room provides a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Economy Double Room
Providing a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe and parquet floors, this double room includes a shared bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.
Superior Double Room
This spacious room has a seating area and a private bathroom.
Small Twin Room
This twin room features a shared bathroom, a tea and coffee maker and parquet floors. The unit offers 2 beds.
Twin Room with Private Bathroom
This country-style room comes with a fan and tea and coffee making facilities. It has a private bathroom. This room cannot accommodate an extra bed.
Twin Room with View
This twin room has a shared bathroom, a tea and coffee maker and parquet floors. The unit has 2 beds.
Hotel Policies
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