ELTON John, the Scissor Sisters, Patrick Stewart and the Duke of Norfolk; these are just a few of the famous names that have stayed at the Norfolk Royale Hotel in Bournemouth.

This historic 19th century building is today turning back the clocks as it launches the opening of the new Echoes restaurant.

Clive Moss, hotel manager, said: "We decided to name the restaurant after the landmark building opposite that is The Daily Echo. Once we decided on the theme it just developed from there.

The idea was to base it on the 'hack' that would take a long boozy lunch in days gone by; we wanted a classic restaurant that offered a wide selection of fine wines and aperitifs - ideal for the business lunch."

Everything about the restaurant is designed for comfort but with a distinct sense of tradition.

On the walls of the restaurant hang pictures of the old printing press showing people hard at work. The design of the restaurant even reminds you of the old newspaper days, with furniture that is reminiscent of black and white print, and they even plan to have a clock on the tables when they serve you in case you miss your lunch deadline!

Clive adds: "We guarantee that you will receive your two-course lunch within 45 minutes, otherwise it is free of charge."

Although at night you can take it all at a slightly slower pace of course, just relaxing in the airy ambience of the restaurant.

And as for the menu, well it is described as modern British dishes meet traditional French.

Chef Paul Brooke-Taylor, who was trained by Raymond Blanc, prides himself on his creations.

For starters, there is the grilled shell on mussels lavished with a garlic sauce and baked goats cheese salad, red onion marmalade and leaves of France salad.

For the main course you have such delights as the roasted beetroot and coriander risotto and pan seared fillet of red mullet with citrus potatoes and a basil oil, and for dessert you have a choice that includes crme brulee served with a berry stew.

There is also a vast wine selection, which includes the Redbank Long Paddock Chardonnay 2001 at £12.75 a bottle to the Moet & Chandon Cuvee Dom Perignon 1995 at £135 a bottle, which is ideal to celebrate the close of a deal.

Perhaps it's time to take a leaf out of the book of our forefathers after all!

Echoes Restaurant serves food daily from 12 noon until 2pm for lunch and from 7 until 9pm weekdays and until 9.30pm at weekends. For more information call 01202 551521