What’s the Hampshire Hog like?
If you’re after some good, old-fashioned hospitality, head to the Hampshire Hog, just a few miles outside Portsmouth. From the front of this traditional pub, you’d never guess there’s a hotel tucked around the back but there is – and it’s a very good one at that. So if you’re visiting the area, why not “go the whole hog” and checking in to this Fuller’s-run pub?
How dog-friendly is the Hampshire Hog?
Very. Pets can stay for £10 per night and will receive two bowls for food and water, plus lots of dog treats. They’re also guaranteed lots of fuss from the staff and, if they behave themselves, a sausage at breakfast.
Dogs are welcome in around half of the cosy bar/restaurant area, where there are plenty of tables to choose from. You’ll also find a jar of treats by the front door and a lovely pub garden with views of the surrounding hills and 0% “dog beer” on draught.
Tell me more about the Hampshire Hog
There are 20 rooms at the hotel, all connected to the pub but they feel completely separate. You would never know you were close to the A3, either. We couldn’t hear any traffic noise from our spacious first-floor room, which had everything we needed for a short stay.
The bed was nigh-on perfect and there was a nice selection of complimentary drinks, snacks and magazines as well as Cole & Lewis toiletries. There were thoughtful little touches too, such as takeaway coffee cups, should you want a hot drink for the road. Parking wasn’t an issue either, thanks to separate areas for pub and hotel guests.
What’s the food like at the Hampshire Hog?
Think high-end pub grub. I loved the the halloumi and red pepper burger, served with triple-cooked chips, but save some room for Paul’s Brownie. Around a third of this decadent dessert – created by Fuller’s Director of Food, Paul Dickenson – is Belgian dark chocolate. Yum!
Breakfast is also a fine affair. The Hampshire Hog team put on a lovely continental spread with everything from local honey to beautifully-presented fruit. Hot food can also be cooked to order. The Full English is fab and when we stayed, the buttermilk pancakes seemed particularly popular, too.
Are there resident dogs at the Hampshire Hog?
You’re sure to bump in to other visiting doggos, whether they’ve popped in for a bite to eat or are staying over.
Where are the best dog walks near the Hampshire Hog?
Head straight to Queen Elizabeth Country Park. From the Hampshire Hog, it’s a 10-minute walk. The path runs alongside a busy road, however, so if your dog is sensitive to noise, it’s best to drive. The 2,000-hectare park has some great circular walks, as well as a dog agility area. At the time of writing, parking was £2.20 for one hour.
Butser Hill National Nature Reserve – home to the highest point in Hampshire – is also nearby. And, of course, there’s the South Downs National Park to explore, which covers a huge area from Winchester to Eastbourne. Whether you want to tackle the hills or visit a quaint market town, there’ll be a walk for you. Click here to see some suggested routes.
What Ernie loved about the Hampshire Hog
The treats in the room (and the lovely note), meeting other dogs in the bar, the sausage at breakfast
What I loved about the Hampshire Hog
The delicious food, the quiet location, the cosy vibe in the bar area, which is filled with fairy lights
How to book the Hampshire Hog
Rooms start from £79, including breakfast. For more information or to book, call 023 9259 1083 or visit the Hampshire Hog website.