ANYONE who grew up with the ever-increasing bar scene in the centre of Bournemouth will have known the changing faces of the Slug and Lettuce at Richmond Hill.

The site has undergone transformation after transformation, and its most recent facelift has seen the large bar revitalised.

Its layout has changed little, there is still outdoor seating on Richmond Hill itself and on the balcony, and tables at the far end, separating the bar from the restaurant. Yet it appears larger somehow, more open.

But the biggest change by far is that of the menu.

The Slug and Lettuce has never claimed to be anything other than a bar offering reasonably-priced food. But the new menu, largely inspired by the Orient, has a much wider selection than in previous years. There are still the starters, sharers, mains, and desserts, but now it incorporates a wider grill and salads section, and a more extensive lunch menu.

We opted to dip into the crispy calamari to begin with – served with a lovely light sweet chilli sauce, and unlike any I’ve tried elsewhere.

My husband chose the classic beef burger - very succulent - while I decided to go for the Oriental beef burger. It’s a fun alternative to the standard beef burger, served with Korean-style pulled pork, spring rolls and prawn crackers, rather than chips. And both were really quite wholesome. Not bad considered neither were much more than a tenner.

The desserts – which are two for one all day every day – were not bad at all, and, in my opinion, too big after such a hearty main meal.

The hot chocolate-puddle pudding was rich yet smooth whereas the caramel apple crumble pie was good, it wasn’t quite as flavoursome as I’d have hoped.

But I think anything after that pulled pork was going to be disappointing.

The wine menu is pretty good too and, again, quite reasonable so worth a visit.