FEW pubs manage to neatly combine a lively bar atmosphere with good quality food - but the Bellemoor Inn, in Shirley, seems to have pinned down the elusive mix.

The large urban pub re-opened last year following a radical overhaul. Gone was the smoke-stained, patterned upholstery and in came the trendy, but cosy, new look.

The main bar area, dotted with comfy sofas and giant armchairs, has a country-house reception feel.

It attracts crowds of local Saturday-night drinkers, and in the summer scores of people cram into the garden near Southampton Common.

But venture to the edges of the big pub to find tables tucked away in corners, with couples and friends eating quiet meals together.

It's a careful balancing act of bar and restaurant that works well.

Busy nights still seem to present a slight problem. We had to re-order one main meal because the cooks had run out of the mixed grill.

But, once on track, the meal was excellent and great value.

We ordered mixed bruscetta to start - slices of toasted bread with spicy tuna, tomato and one with garlic mushrooms.

The generous portion was easily enough for two people to share.

For the main courses we had picked a 10oz steak with chips, mushrooms, vegetables and tomatoes and grilled salmon with a honey and peppercorn sauce, also with chips and vegetables.

We may have had a bit of a wait for the meal, but that was quickly overridden by the quality of the food that was presented.

The salmon was flaky, succulent and impressively complemented by the tasty sauce.

As pub steaks go, the Bellemoor Inn serves up a treat - a finely cooked, quality piece of meat for just £9.95.

Not only were we impressed by the food, the wine was also excellent and very good value.

The entire meal, with drinks, cost £32.