Ye Olde George Inn, 2a Castle Street, Christchurch. 01202 479383

Nestled behind Ye Olde George Inn (or YOGI as it’s affectionately known), across its quirky little cobbled courtyard you’ll discover the barn. Within this hidden away oasis you feel as though you’ve stumbled across one of Christchurch’s best kept secrets, yet, judging by the lack of vacant tables, like all the best kept secrets, this one has leaked out. It’s a good job we booked ahead.

Homely wafts of Sunday roasts are accompanied by an array of joints being carved by the chefs and a warm, friendly welcome from the accommodating staff. The rustic dining room is steeped in charm, making an ideal setting to enjoy a family Sunday lunch.

The Sunday carvery promises everything it should be; today’s choice, beef, pork or turkey was accompanied by light yorkshire puddings, stuffing, and my personal favourite, pigs in blankets. The difficult decision of which of the tempting joints to opt for was easily alleviated by the chefs carving a slice of all three. Then it’s on to the extensive selection of vegetables, no less than six were on offer topped with a generous helping of rich onion gravy.

Try to avoid the temptation to overload your plate with the huge selection of veg to accompany your roast, otherwise you won’t leave any room for one of YOGI’s great traditional puds. We selected the rhubarb crumble and stickiest of sticky toffee pudding, accompanied with the obligatory lashings of steaming hot custard.

And if my own appreciation of this great British classic wasn’t enough, the best accolade you can receive is that of a clean plate from my nine year old son, you don’t get a better critique than that.

All that remains now to finish off a great traditional Sunday lunch, is a traditional forty winks in front of the TV, does it get much better than this?

Mike Calvert, Christchurch