When it comes to Sunday lunch, you really can't beat a traditional roast dinner.

Which is no doubt why the Cumberland Hotel's La Mirabelle restaurant has earned a highly respectable reputation for its classic menu.

The deceptively spacious venue was packed with diners on the Sunday lunchtime we visited, but managed to retain the relaxed air for which the East Overcliff Drive hotel is known.

La Mirabelle's 1930s-inspired decor, with its monotone pallet, black and white retro film star posters and splashes of decadent colour, is pleasingly in-keeping with the sumptuous style in the other main eaterie - the Ventana Grand Cafe - and in the plush lounge area.

Serving breakfast and a table prix fixe dinner menu - from 7pm to 9pm - daily, La Mirabelle seats up to 250 guests, with Sundays reserved for one of Bournemouth's most popular roasts, which is served from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Diners can choose from three courses (£21.95) or four courses (£24.95) starting with either soup of the day or its new deli buffet, with an array of charcuterie, seafood, pâté and more. For mains, a selection of roast meats, among other favourites such as salmon, are on offer, while desserts include cheesecake, pavlova, fruit crumble, ice cream and a cheeseboard.

I opted for the soup, which was creamed vegetable, while my husband chose to visit the deli counter, and returned with a plate piled high with delicious cheese-stuffed peppers, coarse pâté, gherkins, beetroot, prawns, parma ham and a hunk of crusty bread.

My soup was equally pleasing - thick, creamy, extremely tasty and just the right size so as not to fill me up before the main event.

For our main courses, we both selected the roast rib of beef, which was accompanied by a generously-sized Yorkshire pudding and gravy, as well as two dishes of vegetables to share.

The meat, which was presented in one thick slice, was neither too rare, nor too well done - just how I like it - and was satisfyingly tender. The plentiful roast potatoes and parsnips were soft and sweet, while the broccoli and carrots were also full of flavour.

Of particular mention was the gravy - dark, meaty and simply delicious, I just had to ask for more.

Feeling rather full by this point, I was set on ordering the light pavlova for dessert - until I heard the description of the fruit crumble. The tangy, seasonal apple and sultana flavours were divine, with the warm soft fruit melting in the mouth. Smothered in creamy, steaming custard, it was the perfect winter pudding.

My husband opted for the strawberry and white chocolate cheesecake, a generous portion of a creamy, yet surprisingly light dish.

With excellent, attentive service, luxurious surroundings and excellent food - La Mirabelle brings a whole new meaning to the term "well fed".

Highly recommended.

The Cumberland Hotel, East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth T: 01202 298350 W: cumberlandhotel.oceana-collection.com