A CHRISTCHURCH hotel and pub is set to undergo a £2m refurbishment after it was sold to pub chain Fuller's last year.

The Manor, in Salisbury Road, will be renamed The Bear of Burton as part of the redevelopment. Works at the site are due to start imminently.

Officials from Fuller's say the eatery will be transformed as part of a complete overhaul.

A Fuller’s spokesperson said: “We are very excited to be in a position to start work on The Bear of Burton.

"We have taken the decision to rename it as a tribute to Robert Southey, author of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, who lived in Burton between 1799 and 1805.

“We will be undertaking a complete refurbishment of the pub with a view to transforming it into a wonderful venue with 10 beautiful bedrooms and delicious, fresh-cooked food at its heart.

"Some of the stand out features will be a Prix Fixe lunch menu, afternoon tea, private dining rooms for groups of up to 26 people, and a Coravin wine system, allowing guests to sample some amazing wines by the glass.

"We will also be looking to maximise the stunning location and views from the property, by transforming the terrace at the rear of the property."

The spokesperson said Fuller's is "aiming for country manor elegance".

"We want The Bear of Burton to become famous for excellent accommodation and a sought-after destination for dining in Dorset," she said.

Some £2m will be spent on the refurbishment.

The restaurant will have 140 covers inside, with a further 100 outside.

The building has been listed since 1976 and was originally called Staple Cross Manor.

Fuller's also owns The Blue Boar in Poole, The Bull Hotel in Bridport, and both The Carpenter's Arms and The Fisherman's Haunt in Christchurch.