THERE’S one thing guaranteed to cheer up a blustery February Sunday and that’s a hearty roast lunch.

And there are few places where it’s done better than the 600-year-old Ye Old George Inn in the heart of Christchurch.

The pub itself is tiny but beyond the main building is a quaint barn where every Sunday families gather for a traditional, slap-up meal.

It’s old-fashioned and certainly not for trendy young things who like to be seen in the right places.

But your granny would love it – and you can bring the baby, the dog and just about anyone else who cares to tag along.

Every Sunday there are at least three meats to choose from – beef, pork and turkey during our visit – and a huge selection of vegetables.

On approaching the long carvery table, diners are given a plate with the meats of their choice and the opportunity to pile their plates high with everything else.

The selection when we visited included sprouts, carrots, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, leeks in cheese sauce, cauliflower cheese and gravy.

The meats were tender and juicy and the vegetables perfectly cooked and regularly topped up by kitchen staff.

I’m not sure if it was the sprouts, the pigs-in-blankets or the twinkling lights which gave the whole experience a Christmassy feel.

Or it may have been the air of ‘organised chaos’, which came from the staff who all seemed to be trying to do about 25 things at once.

Ye Old George Inn is the oldest pub in Christchurch and comes complete with ghost stories and tales of smugglers.

Live music makes it a popular venue all-year round and it has a good reputation for its food.

The pub’s regular menu has a huge choice. Light bites includes sandwiches, jacket potatoes and chilli, there are sharing platters, kids’ meals and even Pedigree Chum for your four-legged friend.

The main menu has treats including steak and Jimmy Riddle pie, wild boar sausages, rump steak, salmon and Thai red prawn curry.

It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area but make sure you book in advance. Good value food of this quality is hard to find.

This is an independent review by a reporter without the cooperation of the establishment.

Ye Old George Inn bill:

Sunday roast carveries x2 £19.50
Two soft drinks, free due to time taken to bring drinks to table
TOTAL: £19.50

The Ratings Board

Location *****

Atmosphere ****

Value for money *****

Quality of food ****

Service ***

Comfort ***

Family friendly *****

Menu choice ****

Overall rating ****