IT IS the Hampshire country pub which is “traditional at its heart but open to new trends”.

The Bear & Ragged Staff in Michelmersh is a Fuller’s pub managed by Bursledon resident Sorrel Taylor.

The 40-year-old said the pub attracts a diverse clientele for its relaxing atmosphere and for being a traditional country pub in the Test Valley.

But she said it is also very food orientated and ready to cater for different people with different needs.

This is why the pub offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes as well as traditional options such as fish and chips and pies.

Ms Taylor said the Sunday roast is the best seller.

The specials are also changed frequently during the week, and everything on the menu can be adapted to customers’ needs, taste and allergies.

“Everything is home-made in our kitchen and this is why we can adapt,” Ms Taylor said.

She added: “If you have a large menu, people think you can’t change dishes but you can. We have built a very strong kitchen team, we have five chefs and we are able to create the things that we want.”

A children menu is also available, with sausages and mash being the kids’ favourite.

A collection of diversions including board games and colouring are also on hand for youngsters to enjoy while they are at the pub.

The garden outside is one of the main attractions in summer, and barbecue and live entertainment are usually organised on the bank holidays in May and August.

But Ms Taylor said they do not tend to organise live music events .

“The people who come here want to sit down having a bottle of wine and relax. If you start putting live music on, it’s not really for us. This is more a place where people come to relax,” Ms Taylor added.