TAKE a stroll down the quaint cobbled-streets of the Old Town near Poole Quay and you’ll stumble across a Virginia creeper-clad Grade II-listed Georgian building.

Formerly the Mansion House, the building is now part of the popular and award-winning Hotel du Vin group, a select collection of 15 luxury and boutique hotels throughout the UK.

It’s an impressive place in an already lovely location. No expense has been spared, but it’s an understated and reassuring opulence, not remotely intimidating, which is exactly how it’s supposed to be.

Although this is surely the classiest hotel in the town centre, it would be wrong to describe it as exclusive.

In fact, it’s just the opposite. It’s inclusive and welcoming, just the ticket for someone in search of somewhere to relax and unwind away from the stresses and strains of their working lives.

The frontage on Thames Street, overlooking the church square, gives you a good idea of the delights within. A few steps takes you into the reception area, with its sweeping staircase leading up to the hotel rooms.

Take the stairs down to the right, and you’re in the bar area, with the bar itself made from restored oak barrels and the sofas typically leather and swaddling.

The bistro, which can seat up to 80 people, is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. This month, the bistro has launches a new a la carte and lunch menu.

The new lunch menu offers one, two or three courses for £9.95, £12.95 and £14.95 respectively, as well as a selection of salads, sandwiches and tartines, giving diners the flexibility to enjoy Hotel du Vin’s delicious cuisine even when time is short.

The new à la carte menu retains its great grill section with delicious dry aged steaks that have been matured for at least 28 days, but returns to the classics of French bistro dining in its choices for all courses.

On the reverse of the à la carte menu there is also a hand-picked selection of great wines for all palates and purses.

This allows the diner to make a quicker wine choice if desired, but there is still the full Hotel du Vin expansive wine list of 500 vintages to choose from.

The dessert menu helpfully suggests wine or digestif pairings.

Some of the signature dishes on the new menu include culinary delights such as Chicken Liver Parfait, Lemon Sole Meunière and Chocolate Pavé.

The Hotel du Vin philosophy is to serve the finest and freshest local produce, cooked simply and priced sensibly.

The luxury chain is also known for its extensive and eclectic wine list, of course, and there’s a well-equipped wine tasting area just off the bar for those with a nose for a fine vintage.

The bistro offers a light and airy space, with three sets of double doors leading out to a courtyard partly covered by a ship’s sail, a knowing nod to the port’s heritage.

Another reference to maritime history lies in the naming of two meeting rooms, Port and Starboard, which can be used for family meals or friendly get-togethers.