Harden's survey result
Summary
The “idyllic New Forest location” is the big draw at the original Pig, where Robin & Judy Hutson set the template for their shabby-chic country-house hotel group that had grown to 11 branches by the time they stepped back into retirement at the end of 2024. The “food is perhaps not quite as adventurous as it used to be”, but its basic premise of “fresh local produce, cooked perfectly” still passes muster for most reporters. Black marks, though, for some “poorly trained staff” and “seriously overpriced wines”.
Summary
“The setting is off the charts” at the New Forest original of Robin Hutson’s shabby-chic country house hotel group (which was sold to private equity in late 2022) – “a beautiful manor house with incredible gardens and a fascinating, walled kitchen garden”. “Finally made it here for my wife’s birthday this year: we’ll definitely be returning!”. The food (better rated this year) is generally considered “fine” or better, albeit “with the continuous expansion of the chain, the meals become a little more hotel-like – though we certainly enjoyed our visit”.
Summary
“Quite possibly my favourite spot in England!” (and “kids love it, too”) – Robin Hutson’s original Pig on the edge of the New Forest was an immediate hit, setting the template for the litter of shabby-chic country-house hotels that has followed. The trademark “25-mile menu is a game-changer”, guaranteeing locally sourced ingredients including vegetables from the kitchen garden. For all the good vibes, though, a minority of reporters are “disappointed” to find that the food is “pretty average”.
Summary
This original in Robin Hutson’s litter of eight shabby-chic country-house hotels scattered across southern England is known and much loved for its “always buzzy, interesting, well-managed” atmosphere and “knowledgeable staff”. According to fans, “their locally sourced food (from a self-imposed 25-mile menu) is cooked to perfection”. But ratings dipped a bit this year, with one or two reporters “disappointed” by delays or menu items being unavailable (perhaps “because of challenges after re-opening post-Covid”). Nevertheless, “we'll be back” is a common refrain.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Pig?
Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QL
Restaurant details
The Pig Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Two meals while staying at the hotel and both excellent and allowed one to make a decision between having a 'starter' (salmon tartar and salt-baked swede with goat. cheese) or assemble a few 'small plates' (pickled mackerel, taramasalata and the perfect pork crackling). Mains of falling-apart feather steaks pork loin, or pheasant all had rich sauces and the salad (in February) from the garden kitchen outstanding. Service a bit hit and miss (too fast night one, and a little slow night two). Interesting wines but seriously overpriced with mark-ups over retail of 300%"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £34.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QL
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
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