Nantyffin Cider Mill Inn
Breacon Road, Crickhowell, Powys, 01873 810775
In an area well served with gastropubs, this one is pre-eminent. Welsh lamb and black beef always feature, and the best use is made of pork, chicken and vegetables from the pub's own farm down the road. The same interesting and varied menu is served in the informal bar area as in the elegant old mill. Local cider, obviously, but wine and beer are taken equally seriously. Friendly service; excellent value.
Michael Franklin Talachddu, Powys
The Tynllidiart Arms
Capel Bangor, near Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, 01970 880248
Upstairs at this small, end-of-terrace on the village's main street is a restaurant that offers good food made with local ingredients. On our last visit (of many), we enjoyed fresh crab followed by Welsh black fillet steak and a good bottle of red - all reasonably priced, and so good we had no room for pudding. Alternatively, eat downstairs in the bar and wash down your meal with the Tynllidiart's own beer, brewed in a 5ft x 5ft outbuilding recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's smallest commercial brewery. Superb service, too. No wonder it's been voted Pub Of The Year by Ceredigion Camra.
David and Anthea Collins Kidderminster, Worcestershire
The Kinmel Arms
St George, Abergele, Conwy, 01745 832207
A tremendous menu that majors on seafood with intriguing accompaniments: sea bass with cod and chilli wontons, for instance, is delicious. Don't skip dessert: drunken cherry chocolate tart with anise pannacotta finishes things off beautifully. There's an imaginative wine list, and properly kept Welsh real ales, too. We were so impressed after our first visit that we returned three days later to take the sting out of the end of our holiday.
Suzanne Stockton Manchester
Y Polyn
Capel Dewi, near Carmarthen, 01267 290000
A converted pub built over a roaring stream is now a superb, friendly restaurant. A small, comfy bar leads to a cosy dining room serving excellent food in huge portions - the set menu on Friday and Saturday nights is a real test of appetite. On our last visit, starters included Carmarthenshire (cured) ham and duck rillettes, mains of Welsh beef and pork belly, and rhubarb fool or an excessive chocolate brownie to finish.
Andrew Stephens London E8
The Bear Hotel
High Street, Crickhowell, Powys, 01873 810408
A timbered pub, restaurant and hotel in a 15th-century coaching inn. A very cosy collection of connecting bars plus tasty, filling food and real ale makes for a little gem. There is a restaurant, but the casual dining in the bars wins my vote. Starters include Caesar salad and Thai fishcakes, while main courses feature local produce: Welsh lamb hock, faggots, local sausages and Welsh black beef. To finish you off, desserts feature bread and butter pudding, treacle sponge and chocolate orange mousse. In summer, walk it all off in the delightful countryside; in winter, book a room and stagger up to bed.
John Landau Pinner, Middlesex
