How We Prep a Pig for the Perfect Hog Roast at Hog Roast Paignton

Hog Roast PaigntonThere’s something truly special about a hog roast. But, it’s a process that takes care, time, and proper preparation. If you’ve ever wondered how Hog Roast Paignton get a pig ready for roasting, you’ve come to the right place.

First things first: the pig. We always source high-quality, locally reared pork where possible. A well-fed, ethically raised pig has better flavour, better fat distribution, and better texture. Size matters too; we choose the pig based on your guest numbers, ensuring there’s plenty to go around (and ideally, a little extra for seconds). If we do think that one pig may be cutting it fine, then we’ll source additional meat to ensure that everyone has their fill.

Hog Roast PaigntonOnce the pig arrives from our quality local farmers, it’s all about preparation. We start by cleaning and scoring the skin—this is key for achieving that signature crispy crackling. Using a sharp blade, we make shallow cuts across the surface of the skin. This helps the fat render out during cooking and gives that satisfying crunch. The pig is then thoroughly seasoned—sea salt is a must for the skin, and sometimes we’ll add herbs, garlic, or a special rub for extra flavour. Next, we secure the pig onto the spit and make sure that the weight is evenly distributed so it cooks properly and turns smoothly. A proper hog roast is never rushed—the magic happens low and slow. Depending on the size of the pig, cooking can take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours, therefore, we’ll arrive at your venue in good time to get the process underway.

Once the pig is cooked through—juicy on the inside and beautifully crisp on the outside—it’s time to carve and serve. Watching guests go back for seconds (and thirds) is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. We know that we’ve done our hog roast justice, here at Hog Roast Paignton.

So, are you keen to find out more about booking Hog Roast Paignton? Then get in touch with us now.