We were given a tour of the gorgeous main dining areas, private dining rooms, the transformed terrace and guest bedrooms. The refurb is to the highest standard with luxurious fittings, luscious wallpapers and brilliant touches designed to raise a smile. The establishment is named as a tribute to Robert Southey, author of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, who lived in Burton between 1799 and 1805. Upstairs boasts 10 beautiful bedrooms named after local woods, with subtle design nods towards the Goldilocks story. Two rooms feature elegant in-room copper free-standing baths.

The pub focuses on freshly prepared seasonal dishes, with an offer including a fixed-price lunch menu, afternoon tea, and an extensive by-the-glass wine menu, thanks to the innovative Coravin wine system which allows guests to try a glass of fine wine without having to buy the whole bottle. For our lunch we had starters of Potato, peanut and coconut tikkis, curry leaf and coriander chutney (£6), Chicken liver parfait, orange and cardamon crumb, fig chutney and golden pride sourdough (£6.50). Our mains were Malt and barley smoked cod with tarka dahl and onion bhaji, pickled vegetables and raita salad (£16), Tea and hop smoked haddock, Mrs Owton's bacon, leek carbonara (£14.50). The dishes here were well-considered, beautifully plated up and a lovely mix of flavours - and more than a step up from the usual country pub fayre.

The Bear of Burton opens at 5pm on Thursday 5th March 2020. It's location, about 20 minutes drive from Bournemouth, makes a great base for a local stay, exploring the New Forest and Christchurch.

15-17 Salisbury Road,
Burton,
Christchurch,
Dorset,
BH23 7JG

Tel: 01202 477189 

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.