There aren’t many things over in our rival city that I’ll admit to being jealous of, but The Pig-in the Wall might just be one of them.
Tucked inside Southampton’s medieval walls, this small but beautifully formed spot has a charm that’s hard to resist. Think roaring fires, deli-style dining and a menu that celebrates Hampshire’s finest local produce. Everything about it feels thoughtful and grounded; simple food made exceptional, through the use of quality ingredients and careful preparation.
We tried the sausage roll and a mixed plate from the deli salad bar, both were faultless. The pastry was buttery and crisp, the meaty filling was cooked and seasoned to perfection, while the salads were vibrant and fresh with a mix of textures that made every bite interesting with little pops of flavour. It’s the kind of food that doesn’t need dressing up, the ingredients work the magic.
The Pig-in the Wall captures something that’s often missing from city-centre dining: a sense of individuality and pride in the ingredients used. You can taste the countryside in every forkful, yet it sits right at the heart of Southampton’s historic streets and busy waterfront.
If The Pig ever decided to bring one of their venues to Portsmouth, I think we’d welcome them with open arms.
