We decided to book The Pig for a Sunday Lunch in the New Forest. When we arrived we were not met by anyone and then decided to ask where to go for our lunch booking. We were shown into a comfy lounge area, where someone met us. We took our seats there til our table was ready (10 mins), but no-one asked to take our coats, so we sat there with our coats on our lap??
We were then shown to our table which was at the back of the conservatory, which was disappointing. The food ordered was very good. The serving staff were not as sharp as perhaps should be for this type of venue. When a request was made for some ice, the brusk girl brought a glass of ice and when asked what do we use to put in into glasses, she abruptly said, with your fingers???? Not sure that's quite right!

The chap in the restaurant was cry accommodating - perhaps he was front of house, I don't know, but he seemed to know what customer service was.

We retired to another lounge, which in fact was the Library, only to find wallpaper books on the wall and only a few 'real' books. A classy place with a lovely room as a Library - disappointed not to have almost wall to wall bookcases??

I think the location and the food is excellent.

really enjoyable visit, lovely propert, great design and very homely feel. Gardens kept very well, delicious food.

Not that it detracted from our stay in any way but the passing rail line is very close to the bedroom and can be heard. The sound proofing between room was also not the most effective. I would also have hope for internet connection in the stable block bedrooms.

Would certainly recommend and will revisit

I wanted to surprise my husband who had had a pressured week at work. The Pig has a wonderful unique character. The staff were very attentive and the menus offered a lovely choice of food. I had the sea bass which came with prawns, which I am allergic to, but the chef was able to meet my request of no shellfish! The food was lovely. The sommelier, Lukasz, was very knowledgeable with his wines. He came up with a wonderful dessert wine from the Patricius vineyard – 2001, which complemented my gin and tonic jelly just perfectly. Thank you for a lovely evening which gave us a wonderful experience.

We have just returned from a fanastic night away at The Pig Hotel (Sunday 29th January). Welcomed on arrival at lunch time by a friendly young chap who opened the door and showed us through to the lounge for coffee. Great coffee was a good start - not always an easy find. After a quick look around we headed off to their sister hotel, The Limewood, which is 10 mins up the road (see our separate review). We spent the afternoon in their Hen House Spa - we would definitely recommend a visit as you have to be either a spa member or a resident at one of the 2 hotels. It was an experience not to be missed.
We arrived back at The Pig at 5.30, after champagne and coffee in the bar, served by attentive and knowledgable staff, we retreated to our room. We stayed in the Pig Shed, located in the stable block housing a few rooms surrounding a pretty little courtyard. The room was light and airy, huge comfy four poster bed, sumptuous Egyptian cotton linen and a larder cupboard stuffed with local treats. The bathroom had a deep, roll top bath and spacious walk in shower. We headed over to the bar at 8.30 - past the main house courtyard where the outdoor fireplace housed a welcoming fire. Once in the bar we ordered a couple of Hendricks & tonic - arrived swiftly, nice to see Fever Tree tonic. We perused the menu - as a pair of avid foodies, this was where the real fun began! The menu certainly lives up to the name of the hotel - Pig used in every way possible and all very interesting. We started off with some 'Piggy Bits', sausage, crackling and scotch egg - perfect! we were shown through to the table where we started with champagne and homemade rhubarb syrup using produce from the walled garden - delicious! The table looked great, vintage plantpot with growing herbs, herb oil, garlic salt, local butter, breads. Starters were local squid with chorizo and potted wild rabbit - simple, well presented and really tasty. Next in line was New Forest venison with juniper sauce and T bone steak with Tabacco onions. We both shared eveerything - the food was some of the best we've had in a long time (we live and breathe restaurants & hotels!). Fantastic local food at it's absolute best, the chefs background is J Sheekey / Soho House NY. Although we had no room for dessert we had to order the rhubarb & custard tart which was a divine finish to the perfect evening.
The service we experienced in the restaurant was excellent, I asked to try 2 of the wines by the glass and without hesitation both bottles arrived at the table - we opted for the Argentinian Malbec, perfect with the vension/steak.
After a very nice nights sleep we came back to the restaurant for breakfast - given the option of where to sit we chose a quiet corner table, overlooking the terrace/gardens. The breakfast buffet was another exciting culinary fest - pastries, juices, poached fruits, local honey and yogurt, local cheeses, granola, homemade bread for you to toast to your liking, eggs you can cook yourself and more - too much to mention. The buffet made us want to stay there grazing all day! We followed this with eggs benedict and Pig Out (full English). The Pig keep thier own chickens too - so really fresh eggs with golden yellow yolks. We had a quick look at their kitchen garden after breakfast but would love to come back to explore more.
We love hip hotels and this is a place to watch. I didn't want to leave - we plan to come back next month, if we can get in, they are that busy and deservedly so!