SUNDAY lunch, it's just as much a British institution as fish and chips.

Let's face it though lad's, how many of us actually bother to help out in the kitchen while our other half's slave over a hot oven?

Of course in the 21st century things should be a lot different, but most of us blokes just can't cut it when it comes to basting turkeys and peeling spuds.

To make up for our lack of culinary skills then, once in a while we dust off the cob webs from our wallets and splash out on a slap-up Sunday lunch in honour of our partners.

I took my fiance to the Ye Olde Whyte Harte in Hamble Le Rice, a homely looking pub nestling on the high street, just a short stroll from the picturesque harbour front.

Packed with happy eaters we didn't think there was much chance of us finding a table, but a friendly member of staff was more than accommodating telling us about the purpose built, air-conditioned dinning area they had at the back of the pub.

This delightful, conservatory style bistro area offers a quite retreat from the village banter of the main bar and a perfect setting to enjoy one of the Whyte Harte's famous Sunday lunches.

Both my fiance and myself plumped for the delicious lamb roast - a healthy combo of tasty vegetables, mountains of potatoes and never ending slices of lamb, topped with gravy.

For meat-eaters there is also the choice of beef though sadly no chicken or vegetarian options when we visited.

At about £16 with two servings of soft drinks we were both too full to try one of the tasty puddings on offer.

The Ye Olde Whyte Harte is a pleasant pub with an amble menu set in beautiful surroundings. With polite and helpful staff and plenty of room it's also a good option for families looking to take the kids out for a Sunday dinner too.

Ye Olde Whyte Harte, High Street, Hamble Le Rice, 023 8045 2108