My snorty weekend HOTEL inspector
The Pig in the Wall Southampton
THE WELCOME
We were shown to our room, but now we’re in the Covid new normal, staff didn’t come in. Instead they called from reception and talked us through all the amenities and features of the room. There was also a little hygiene pack waiting for us that came with gloves, masks and antibacterial wipes.
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
The hotel is set into the medieval walls that mark the historic quarter of Southampton. The old town has over 90 listed buildings and more than 30 ancient monuments, with medieval churches and Georgian houses. You are also near the main cruise terminals and the yachting marina is a short walk away, where you can enjoy a drink in one of the many waterfront bars.
The double bed was piled high with pillows you could disappear into. The en suite bathroom was a burst of colour with a rainbow of tiles. Our comfy bedroom was the mid-range option of its 12 rooms. They also have snug rooms in the eaves or for a larger room with a standalone bath, opt for the spacious category.
THE FOOD THE ROOM
The Pig chain’s focus is on local suppliers and homegrown goodness and that’s what you get at the deli bar, with snack boards, salads and hearty plates. Its menu was created with ingredients sourced from the kitchen garden at its flagship hotel in nearby Brockenhurst. The bedrooms are also stocked with a larder of local snacks for your midnight cravings. THE SERVICE
As friendly as social distancing would allow.
THE SCENE
The decor conjures images of fireside cosiness, where vintage portraits hang on walls next to stuffed birds.
LOVED
The night cap G&T with orange and rosemary infused gin unique to The Pig. HATED
I felt the price of the cooked breakfast was steep for the amount of food on the plate. BOTTOM LINE
Rooms from £140.
CHECK IT OUT thepighotel.com/in-the-wall.