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Other characterful places recommended for a short break in Wales, with quality food:

Fairyhill, Reynoldston, Gower Peninsula SA3 1BS (01792-390139). Comfortable country house, cheerful welcome, cooking that is highly professional, mainstream with a Walioan tinge: deep-fried cockles are ace. Open all week, lunch 12.30-2.15pm, dinner 7.30-9.15pm. Meals about pounds 27 per person; from pounds 75 for b&b. Major credit cards

Ty'n Rhos, Seion, Llanddeiniolen, Gwynedd LL55 3AE (01248-670489). A farmhouse that has grown into a hotel, with plenty of cows still being milked next door. The cooking is a showcase of Welsh invention, intelligent adaptation of local recipes and materials. Open Tues-Sat, 7-8.30pm. Meals about pounds 26 per person; from pounds 40 for b&b. Major credit cards

Tan-y-Foel Country House, Capel Garmon, Betws-y-Coed, Gwynedd LL26 0RE (01690-710507). A tiny country house with sensational views; inside like a jewel box of intense colours; intense welcome, too. The cooking strives to great effect: salad of red pepper; deep-fried sardine and cheese; duck with corn syrup and ginger. Residents only. Meals about pounds 20 per person; seven bedrooms, pounds 75 b&b. All credit cards

Penyclawdd Court, Llanfihangel Crucorney, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 7LB (01873-890719). This restoration of a 16th- and 17th-century manor house with Norman motte and bailey, within striking distance of the Taruschios at the Walnut Tree, is the best place to stay for miles. Julia Evans's cooking is dinner-party and cheerful. Residents only, about pounds 40 per person b&b; dinner about pounds 20. Unlicensed. Visa, Access, Mastercard