The Bear of Burton

I visited this place years ago as The Manor and was really impressed at such a high quality pub/restaurant seemingly hidden just outside of Christchurch. I wanted to take my now family out for a good roast lunch on Sunday. The venue is now The Bear of Burton and run by Fullers, it holds the same charm and beauty as it did years ago. Upon arrival with the new government rules in place, face masks were adorned and we were given instruction to follow the arrows around the pub which included having to go out the fire exit once you had used the toilet and then come back in the front entrance, round the restaurant and back to your table, having done this 4 times (3 times escorting my daughter) I had started to get fed up with the process especially as our table was a matter of metres from the toilet entrance.... The food, excellent, tasty and fresh, almost a perfect plate of food, just a shame all they could afford us meat wise was 2 very thin slices of beef, no complaints on the taste but for the cost £17, I think 3 slices at least should have been on my plate. Food I'd give 4.5 out of 5. Service, looking past the fact everyone is covered in face masks, the staff on Sunday had difficulty grasping their job of customer service, lack of a smile(or friendly manner) on most of their faces. Poorly times drinks and food order attempts, think we had at least 6 members of staff serve us and the 3 other tables around us, we overheard missed meals and drinks on the other tables and general annoyance from the other customers. The rule that the staff can't put a drink on your table(you have to take it off the tray) but can put a plate of food in front of you and also clear your table of empty glasses is an absolute joke and this was made even worse by the attitude of the barman bringing our drinks to the table who arrived and just stood there, no words from him, just stood there. He wouldn't be working in my pub after doing that. He returned a second time and I asked him to put my drink on the table as he had just collected some dirties from us but he just looked at me (an aggressive evil look) and waited again until I took my drink. Service gets 0.5 out of 5 I'm afraid. Once I'd paid the bill, there was no niceties like, I hope you've enjoyed your lunch, come back soon or enjoy the rest of your day, the waitress just took her money, turned and left. I'll be going back to The Bear to enjoy the food and hope that maybe the staff will be more experienced with service by then.

It's really been made nice since the renovations and although some may think the menu choice is limited compared to some other places we've not struggled to find something tasty each time. It's understandable in the current times. The service is somewhat variable but never to the point of too bad. It's surprising it isn't busier here given how nice it is but that will come in time no doubt. Dog friendly and kids menu also.

Just spent a ‘girls’ weekend at this absolutely lovely place. The rooms were very comfortable and clean and to a very high standard. The staff were really friendly and welcoming and the food was great too, considering the current restrictions they are doing a great job. Would love to have stayed a bit longer and hope to return sometime.

Me and my partner came in for lunch and were greeted by very friendly staff. Nice selection of quality beers, ciders, wines & spirits. We went for the buttermilk fried chicken burger and we were not disappointed amazing flavour and just the right amount of food on the plate to fill you up.

First to say that the food we had was excellent. Top quality and well thought out menu. The service, however, was incredibly slow. When we asked for more time to decide on our choices we were left for over 15 mins. We then waited for nearly an hour for starters. So at then end of the meal we could not order sweets as the kitchen stopped taking orders at 9. Disappointed as we were there for our anniversary as we stayed at the Manor, as was, on our wedding night. Will try somewhere else next year, I’m afraid.