Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-exterior-2-1.jpg" alt="The Pig in the Wall Southampton review" class="wp-image-25716" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-exterior-2-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-exterior-2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-exterior-2-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-exterior-2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-exterior-2-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN </h2>



<p>Tucked away in the medieval walls, close to the city docks, the THE PIG-in the wall Southampton is the indie hotel group&#8217;s super-relaxed, boutique bolt-hole. Originally built as a private residence around 1820, the grand Georgian building was a pub, the Royal Standard from 1866 to 2007, briefly becoming a restaurant, before entering the fledgling PIG fold in 2012. </p>



<p>Still the smallest in the group’s ‘litter’ of eight hotels, a decade on from when this little Piggie opened, with its homely, local sourced menu and on-point service, THE PIG-in the wall is still as popular as ever. Book early if you plan to stay: rooms are regularly snapped up for city breaks, pre-cruise layovers and overnighters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>THE PIG-in the wall is far smaller than it&#8217;s country pile counterparts, but very on-brand. If you&#8217;ve dined at one of the bigger PIGS and loved the vibe, it won&#8217;t disappoint.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2018/10/The-Pig-In-the-Wall-Southampton.jpg" alt="The Pig In the Wall Southampton Bolt Hole WInter" class="wp-image-8381" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2018/10/The-Pig-In-the-Wall-Southampton.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2018/10/The-Pig-In-the-Wall-Southampton-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2018/10/The-Pig-In-the-Wall-Southampton-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2018/10/The-Pig-In-the-Wall-Southampton-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/Wall-Milligan-Hi-Res-14.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-17552" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/Wall-Milligan-Hi-Res-14.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/Wall-Milligan-Hi-Res-14-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/Wall-Milligan-Hi-Res-14-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/Wall-Milligan-Hi-Res-14-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-chair.jpg" alt="The Pig in the Wall restaurant hotel review" class="wp-image-25702" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-chair.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-chair-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-chair-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-chair-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-chair-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Arriving on a blowy Saturday lunchtime, we quickly warm up in the open plan lounge. Décor-wise, it&#8217;s a shabby-chic blend of rustic wooden tables and chairs, kitchen garden greenery, antique lamps and ornate fireplaces. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-and-quaff">SCOFF AND QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Mezze-Pig-in-the-Wall.jpg" alt="Sharing plate mezze Piggie Bits, The Pig in the Wall restaurant hotel review" class="wp-image-25701" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Mezze-Pig-in-the-Wall.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Mezze-Pig-in-the-Wall-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Mezze-Pig-in-the-Wall-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Mezze-Pig-in-the-Wall-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Mezze-Pig-in-the-Wall-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Saturday lunchtimes are made for a sneaky beer. We&#8217;re recommended two great craft ones; a Unity Pale Ale, made nearby in Southampton and a tasty pilsner from the Andwell Brewing Company, in Hook. </p>



<p>To kick-off, we wallop our way through a plentiful Piggie bits platter. On it are hummus, soft cheese, sourdough croutons and gorgeous olives. They make a great starter, but it strikes me they&#8217;d taste fabulous with a negroni. </p>



<p>Handily, it&#8217;s on the bar menu, along with a Forager’s Highball, a mix of floral Seedlip Garden with lime juice, lime, mint and kombucha. <em>Very </em>quintessential PIG. Note to self &#8211; cocktails o&#8217;clock when next in town&#8230;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-pie.jpg" alt="Chicken leek and bacon pie The Pig in the Wall restaurant hotel review" class="wp-image-25704" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-pie.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-pie-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-pie-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-pie-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-pie-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>On to the mains. THE PIG-in the wall&#8217;s deli selection looks tempting but after our chilly walk here we&#8217;re in the market for hot, hale and hearty sustenance. We find it in a chicken, leek and bacon pie (check out the piggie on the crust!) and a curried red lentil stew, which is absolutely packed with tasty veggies.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Curry-Pig-in-the-Wall.jpg" alt="Veggie curried red lentil stew The Pig in the Wall Southampton review" class="wp-image-25700" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Curry-Pig-in-the-Wall.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Curry-Pig-in-the-Wall-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Curry-Pig-in-the-Wall-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Curry-Pig-in-the-Wall-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Curry-Pig-in-the-Wall-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The produce (meat and veg) comes in from the main Brockenhurst PIG as part of the ‘25-mile&#8217; super locally-sourced menu. If you&#8217;re staying and fancy eating a little later (supper is served until 8pm) or fancy giving both local Piggies a whirl in one hit, there&#8217;s a complimentary return transfer service to THE PIG in the Forest at Brockenhurst.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Apple-Crumble-ice-cream-Pig-in-the-Wall-1.jpg" alt="Apple crumble, The Pig in the Wall Southampton" class="wp-image-25699" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Apple-Crumble-ice-cream-Pig-in-the-Wall-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Apple-Crumble-ice-cream-Pig-in-the-Wall-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Apple-Crumble-ice-cream-Pig-in-the-Wall-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Apple-Crumble-ice-cream-Pig-in-the-Wall-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Apple-Crumble-ice-cream-Pig-in-the-Wall-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>And so &#8211; to pud! We plump for an absolutely spot-on Dorset apple crumble, two spoons and huge scoop of Jude&#8217;s vanilla ice cream. And yes, it really did taste as good as it looks&#8230;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay">STAY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-Room-7.jpg" alt="Bedroom Pig in the Wall" class="wp-image-25727" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-Room-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-Room-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-Room-7-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-Room-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Pig-in-the-Wall-Room-7-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The 12 shabby chic rooms at THE PIG-in the wall come in three sizes. &#8216;Snug&#8217; rooms are built in the eaves, rising in size to &#8216;comfy&#8217; and &#8216;spacious&#8217;. All have lovely vintage touches like a Roberts radio and Bakelite phone.&nbsp;Breakfast is £10pp on top of the room rate for a continental selection or £14 for the &#8216;Piggy Pan&#8217; meaty or veggie cooked breakfast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-and-about">OUT AND ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Sea-city-museum.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-25722" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Sea-city-museum.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Sea-city-museum-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Sea-city-museum-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Sea-city-museum-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/Sea-city-museum-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Just around the corner, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Merchant's House (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/medieval-merchants-house/" target="_blank">The Merchant&#8217;s House</a> delves back in time into life in the old town (reopens April 2022). Also in the neighbourhood, Southampton’s <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="SeaCity Museum (opens in a new tab)" href="https://seacitymuseum.co.uk/" target="_blank">SeaCity Museum</a> (above) has a brilliant Titanic exhibition (and some fantastic Victorian arcade machines). </p>



<p>Further along the city walls on Western Esplanade, there&#8217;s the massive <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="West Quay (opens in a new tab)" href="https://seacitymuseum.co.uk/" target="_blank">West Quay</a> complex, and the bars and indie restaurants at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Oxford St (opens in a new tab)" href="https://visitsouthampton.co.uk/blog/oxford-street-home-of-independent-dining" target="_blank">Oxford St</a> are both less than 10 minutes&#8217; walk away. Blockbuster theatre tours regularly come to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Mayflower (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/" target="_blank">The Mayflower</a>, around 20 minutes&#8217; from here on foot.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;Friendly, on-point service and simple yet tasty dishes with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that shine. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Late night dinner dates (although it would be a great pick for pre-theatre). There&#8217;s plenty to please but the menu isn&#8217;t huge. </p>



<p><strong>£££:&nbsp;</strong>Wines by the glass are £4-£11.25, bottles £23 &#8211; £47. Cocktails are £6-£10, beers £5.50-£6.50. Piggy Bits are £3.95 each, smaller dishes £7.50-£13.50, larger plates £13-15 and deli counter salads are £4 for 1 spoon, £9 for a mixed plate. Puds are £6.50-£7.95, ice cream and homemade cake are £4.</p>



<p><em>THE PIG-in the wall 8 Western Esplanade, Southampton, SO14 2AZ. Tel: 0345 225 9494.  </em></p>


Review: THE PIG-in the wall, Southampton

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