THE BEAR of Rodborough Hotel opened a brand new garden bar last week just in time for the hottest weekend of the year.

Formerly a croquet pavilion and lawn, The Bear Pavilion has been designed to have a garden party feel with fairy lights, deckchairs and Kilner jars filled with treats.

There is even a retro popcorn machine and slushies for grown-ups.

Visitors over the weekend soaked up the rays on sofa-style seating whilst others perched by a table to sample the new menu which uses quality local ingredients wherever possible.

The Pavilion menu has been designed to suit the whole family and offers a choice of handmade scotch eggs, hot dogs and pizza alongside a selection of salads, sandwiches and more – there are even pigs ears available to keep four-legged-friends happy after walkies on the common!

Ice creams and lollies were unsurprisingly a big hit over the weekend, especially the tubs of local Winstone’s ice creams and 'alco-popsicles' which are available in Champagne, Bellini and Watermelon Martini flavours.

General manager Chris Hilton thinks that the Pavilion will become a well-loved addition to the hotel: "Having watched the Pavilion Bar and Terrace take shape over the past few months, it was fantastic to pop the cork on the first bottle of Prosecco on Friday to celebrate its launch – just in time for summer!

"It’s a fantastic new addition to the hotel and after a busy first weekend, we’re confident that both our regular and first-time visitors will enjoy spending time here; eating and drinking in our beautiful surroundings"

Weather dependant, the Pavilion bar will be open daily.