Through local charity outreach with The CRUMBS Project, THE PIG-on the beach boutique hotel and restaurant in Dorset has raised over £12,000 to support vital work empowering disadvantaged adults with the skills they need to succeed.
First originating in Brockenhurst in the heart of the New Forest, THE PIG is a collection of 9 food-forward hotels (plus one Village Pub!) across central and southern England.
Supporting Society is one of the group’s three key sustainability pillars, and looking after their local community plays an important part in this. Each PIG location has a dedicated, local partner to help make a positive impact in the communities they are rooted in.
Partnering in hospitality
In Dorset, THE PIG-on the beach has become a modern icon along the Jurassic Coast, celebrated for its laid-back luxury, kitchen-garden dining and stunning sea views.
Since the start of 2025, THE PIG-on the beach has partnered with The CRUMBS Project as its local partner.
The Bournemouth-based charity works to address the social and economic disadvantages experienced by adults with disabilities or neurodivergences, who make up around 20% of the working-age population but suffer from an employment gap of 27.9 percentage points.
The CRUMBS Project directly addresses this gap by supporting people with disabilities, neurodivergences, or mental health conditions to gain skills to access employment in the UK, providing structured Hospitality-based training and support tailored to each individual’s needs.
This mission resonates strongly with THE PIG team, as they are passionate about learning and developing through the hospitality industry.
Volunteering brings personal and professional growth
According to research by Charities Aid Foundation, 70% of employees feel it is important that their employers take an active role in addressing inequalities and social challenges.
As part of THE PIGs’ commitment to delivering societal and environmental benefits, each team member has up to three paid volunteering days per year, enabling them to give their time to assist charities and support their local areas.
Through this programme, team members from THE PIG-on the beach’s restaurant volunteer their time to support Showcase Meal events and Cookery Masterclasses at The CRUMBS Project’s training centre in Bournemouth.
Cookery masterclasses promote confidence and creativity
Working in The CRUMBS Project’s fully equipped training kitchen, the charity’s trainees and staff have observed live cookery demonstrations by THE PIG-on the beach’s Head Chef, James Shadbolt and Sous Chef, James Rothnie, before recreating the dishes with their expert support.
“I was so impressed by the attitude, application and genuine passion from the trainees. Hospitality is somewhere anyone can express themselves and show their personality; anyone who has the right attitude can succeed.”
James Shadbolt – THE PIG-on the beach
Showcasing skills creates personal impact
Alice, Demi Chef de Partie from THE PIG-on the beach has joined James Shadbolt to help stage Showcase Meals at The CRUMBS Project. These events are held quarterly to provide the charity’s trainees with the opportunity to showcase their cooking skills, creativity, and cultural identity through different themed menus.
For Alice, working directly with the charity’s beneficiaries brought personal compassion, connection and fulfilment.
“The CRUMBS Project provides professional hospitality-based training for adults with disabilities or mental health conditions. I couldn’t think of an organisation that aligns with my values more. It was an absolutely incredible experience. I loved using the skills that I have learnt at THE PIG Hotel | B Corp to support and encourage others, and I can’t wait to work alongside this incredible organisation again soon“.
Alice, THE PIG-on the beach
The partnership between THE PIG’s and The CRUMBS Project is promoting learning and development through the hospitality industry by providing opportunities for industry professionals, like Alice, to volunteer with the charity and develop skills, empathy, and a sense of shared purpose.
£1 on the menu helps to change lives
Another way THE PIG-on the beach is supporting The CRUMBS Project is through a voluntary £1 donation scheme. Restaurant guests are invited to add £1 to their food bill, a small amount which really adds up.
Since the partnership first began, THE PIG colleagues and customers have raised over £12,000 to support The CRUMBS Project’s vital work, while also helping to raise awareness of the charity’s purpose and mission. This unrestricted funding is essential in enabling the charity to address priorities, plan strategically, and maximize its impact.
Alex, who is 27 and has Down’s syndrome, is an example of someone who has directly benefited. Despite his warm, friendly nature, people often notice his disability and difficulty communicating verbally before recognising his interests and abilities. Joining The CRUMBS Project has enabled Alex to develop his professional, digital, and life skills.
He has gained a Certificate in Basic Kitchen and Customer Service Skills, accredited by the Craft Guild of Chefs and endorsed by the Institute of Hospitality. Earlier in 2025, Alex achieved Level 2 in Food Safety & Hygiene accreditation, his first professional qualification, and started regular voluntary employment at a café in Dorset.
Commenting on what this means to him, Alex said:
“Me grown up. I am a man now. I speak louder, and tell people what I need. Work makes me happy! I am like everybody else. I feel needed.”
Trainee Alex, The CRUMBS Project
Supporting local causes helps communities thrive
The CRUMBS Project charity has a success rate of over 90% of their trainees gaining employment in the hospitality industry in Dorset at the end of their training. These individuals gain professional and life skills, which means they are three times more likely to remain in employment after 2 years than non-disabled peers.
By partnering with The CRUMBS Project and genuinely believing in their mission, THE PIG-on the beach’s team are directly contributing to this success and to making a difference in the lives of individuals like Alex. They are able to support the cause in the most effective ways – not only through financial contributions, but also by offering their time, skills, influence, and voice.
Who THE PIGs are: THE PIGs are a bunch of laid-back hotels where the restaurant is at the heart of the house, tucked away in some of the most stunning corners of the British countryside and coast. From seriously good local food and knock-out drinks to cosy bedrooms and unmissable experiences, every visit invites you to settle in and slow down.Perched on a cliff above Studland Bay on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, THE PIG-on the beach is a mellow yellow hotel with sweeping sea views. Expect Kitchen Garden food, roaring log fires, gargoyles and a path that leads to golden sands and salty air.
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