While smaller than some of its rural siblings, the second of Robin Hutson’s Pig hotels, tucked into Southampton’s medieval city walls, is certainly not the runt of the litter. It shares the family trait of quirky, informal hospitality. Guests enter through the relaxed hybrid of lounge, bar and reception where ‘helpful’ staff can check you in and serve a glass of wine with deli-counter fare: perhaps a charcuterie board for lunch, or salmon cakes with pickled cucumber for dinner. For a more ‘eventful’ meal, take the free Land Rover to The Pig in the Forest, Brockenhurst (see entry). Decor follows the group’s shabby-chic style: mismatched armchairs, trophy heads, old artwork, repurposed railway sleeper floorboards. The winning formula also embraces ‘modern, well-thought-out and practical’ bedrooms, with Nespresso machine, ‘efficient blackout system’ and well-stocked bedroom ‘larder’. Spacious rooms have roll-top bath (most in-room) and ‘super-king-size bed with spiralling posts’. ‘Some help up with our bags would have been appreciated’ to reach a Snug room beneath the roof’s timbers. Breakfast is a buffet, or a deli dish, for example, toasted sourdough with spiced avocado and poached egg. (LR, and others)