Re-launched by Fuller’s after a £2 million refurb, The Bear  of Burton in the village of Burton on the edge of Christchurch in Dorset is a country pub with restaurant, bedrooms, suites – and hotel levels of service – making it perfect for a meal or mini break with or without the kids. The name? It’s a tribute to famous Burton resident Robert Southey, author of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Eat in the bar or dining areas – it’s super spacious – the conservatory or outside on the large south-facing, sun trap terrace.

On the menu, pub classics with some more unusual dishes. Stuff like battered haddock and triple cooked chips, Oxton’s 28-day dry-aged sirloin steak, Chalcroft Farm burgers, Cornish lemon sole, veggie ragout mains. Charcuterie sharing platters. Sarnies with chargrilled chicken and chorizo, fish fingers and cheese and tomato. All freshly made and as far as poss, locally sourced (natch). Very handily you can check the menus online and filter out dietary preferences so you can see at a glance what’s suitable for you.

As for the booze, take your pick. Craft lagers, seasonal ales, cider, Fuller’s award-winning cask beers, spirits (including a bespoke gin bar), cocktails, artisan soft drinks and an extensive wine list. Thanks to to their Enomatic wine system you can enjoy amazing wine by the glass.

Ten lovely en suite rooms and suites with Egyptian cotton bedlinen, super comfy mattresses, Teapigs and Nespresso, fridge, air con, Roberts radio, flat screen TV, gorgeous Somerset Bramley toiletries, fluffy bathrobes and towels. Some with monsoon showers, free-standing bath tubs and four poster beds; all with room service and they’ll organise your dry cleaning too. Dogs can stay in some of the rooms (arrange when you book).

The Drawing Room and Library are both available for private events with seating for up to 24.

Lots of do round about. Stroll around the village with its village green and period buildings. Walk along a causeway and past water meadows into the centre of Christchurch to explore the natural harbour, historic quays and buildings, beaches and independent shops and market. Historic Highcliffe Castle, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum and for kids, Adventure Wonderland are all within five miles.