The Pig in the Wall

Wow, what a gorgeous and quaint little place. Tucked into the historic Southampton walls, this little restaurant/hotel is a hidden gem! The décor is quintessentially British, open log fire, rustic furniture and even little plant pots with fresh radishes and herbs as centre pieces. It’s like stepping straight into the country side from the hustle and bustle of the city.  

    ‘The Pig in the Wall’ doesn’t offer large, evening meals but it does offer lovely light bites, sharing boards and homemade cakes. The perfect pit-stop for a quick snack. Although, I say quick…we ended up staying for two hours sipping tea in front of the open fire. It was idyllic.

               

We shared a ‘cured meats sharing board’ and some ‘honey-mustard glazed chipolatas’ and they were extremely tasty! The board came with crispy bread, gherkins (yes, we love gherkins), capers and a chutney that tasted just like Christmas. The staff were very attentive, setting the table promptly, asking us if we needed anything else and most importantly placing a tea light in the centre of the table as soon as the sun set. A really great place to chill out whilst in the busy centre. They offer a great selection of cocktails and our next plan is to come for a few drinks to try them out.

               

‘The Pig in the Wall’ is sister to ‘The Pig’ in Brockenhurst which does offer a la carte evening meals. ‘The Pig in the Wall’ offers a shuttle bus service to ‘The Pig’ if you have booked an overnight stay at ‘The Pig in the Wall’ which is a fabulous offer. An amazing meal, followed by a hassle-free stay at a cosy, charming establishment. ‘The Pig’ boasts an amazing reputation and is definitely next on my list…with hopefully an indulgent stay at ‘The Pig in the Wall’. Next birthday present? Hint hint…

Back from his daily hunt.

Eating out in Bishops Waltham: Part 1.

Giorgio's Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar.

As it states in the ‘About me’ page of this blog I live in the country side; that country side retreat being Bishops Waltham, Hampshire. Although our high street isn’t the biggest we do boast many restaurants; one of those being the newly opened ‘Giorgio’s Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar’. Obviously I was ready to be extremely picky being from the Med myself but Giorgio and his team did not let me down. It’s like Mumma used to make (please say in Italian accent)! 

What a venue. There is no other way to begin this review! At first you’re wondering where the restaurant is, but as soon as you descend down the stairs you are greeted by rustic brick work, wooden beams and beautiful Mediterranean artwork. The low lighting creates a warm atmosphere whilst the friendly staff make you feel welcome and most of all special!

(images take from @GiorgiosBW)

                        

The restaurant was full and buzzing! The atmosphere was really great as there were drinkers as well as eaters and the Latino playlist was just fabulous. You couldn’t help but have a little wiggle. The tables were set in a simple fashion with just a tea light in the centre. The staff brought us over a jug of water as soon as we sat down (we didn’t even have to ask). 

Excellent wine list, it’s not huge but I personally think that’s better. I don’t know about you but after a while I start to get confused with all the different types, “the 2012 bottle darling or the 2009”, who knows hey! The wine list had a great selection and we decided on the Pinot Noir…which was Romanian btw! First experience of Romanian wine and the bottle didn’t last long, let’s put it that way. 

Artwork from Giorgio's

The two of us decided on tapas to share for starter: the calamari, albondigas (meatballs) and the gambas pil pil. AMAZING! It came out so quickly, which was great. We were starving! (I skipped lunch to make room…naughty). All three were a taste sensation, but the calamari really was something special. So tender, crispy batter and it just melted in the mouth. Neither of us spoke during our starters and that speaks volumes! We were so starving I forgot to take a photo, apologies! 

For main it was the Paella Mixta(shared) that was served in a traditional paella dish which was so authentic and just a lovely touch. It was beautiful, well-seasoned, the seafood was fresh and the chorizo added spice. The rice texture was perfect, al-dente as the Italians say! There is NOTHING worse than stodgy rice. May as well eat baby food. 

The both of us were too full for dessert…we decided on a bottle of Processo, G&T’s and then whiskey…hehe. Yes my head was a little sore the next morning but it was worth it! If you’re ever in the neighbourhood or live close by Giorgio’s is a destination. You have to try it! 

Address:                 Open: Tuesday-Saturday 

8 High Street                  12pm-2:30pm/6pm-Close

Bishops Waltham 

SO32 1AA