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Located on the balmy side of the Lleyn peninsula Portmeirion represents a large part of the life's work of Clough Williams-Ellis, a man through whom the vision of an Italianate village on the Welsh coast became reality and a lasting monument. Dishes prepared from local produce play a large part on the menu in the restaurant blessed with superb estuarial views. The wine list is notable with really good house wines at £11, supported by an excellent range from across the globe, all at less than £15 a bottle.

Few can escape the lure of Wales and it's a fact that is clearly evident at Portmeirion Village, particularly in Castell Deudraeth, a Victorian folly refurbished as a chic boutique hotel. The AA Rosette winning restaurant offers fresh gastropub type of dishes concentrated mainly on seafood. It's a smart and welcoming space, comfortable and friendly; perfect for whichever time of the day you choose to visit. Head chef Peter Williams sources their supplies locally, particularly the fish and the locally reared beef and lamb.

A typical meal could begin with locally smoked salmon with dressed leaves and toasted brioche, served with crab mayonnaise followed by a main course of crispy belly of pork with black pudding and mustard mash. Grills are tempting, with the filet of Welsh beef, char grilled rump of lamb and rib eye amongst the options. Sweet endings include a caramelised banana split and the drinks list has an extensive wine selection along with local beers and ales.

Llwyndu is a real gem. Set in yet more of the beautiful Welsh countryside, with stunning views and total peace and quiet, this is Peter and Paula Thompson's home in which you are a welcome guest, and its shows at every turn. The very best of local ingredients and produce are employed effectively and with meticulous care. Dinner is a three or two course affair, served in a warm, in every sense, dining room lit by candles and lamps. A typical meal could be broccoli and smoked bacon soup, followed by pork spare-rib chop baked in a treacle and pineapple marinade, finishing with fruit fritters with maple sauce cream and coffee that tastes like the real thing.

Cemlyn Tea Shop treats diners to not only a wide variety of tea, coffee, wine and food but to fantastic views of 13th century Harlech Castle, Royal St. David's Golf Course, mountains and the sea.

Situated in the historic town of Harlech on the west coast of Wales and within the Snowdonia National Park, Cemlyn is recognised by the prestigious Tea Council. All of its choices, from teas from India and the Far East, to Sri Lankan, African, Chinese, Japanese, and breakfast and traditional afternoon teas, are offered loose leafed. Italian style coffee is made from Segafredo beans or a special guest bean that changes every few weeks.

Food from scones, tea cakes and handmade bread to snacks and light lunches is all created in house. You can be assured that your cream tea will be served with only the very best local Welsh cream, not that 'squirty stuff' that comes in aerosols.

Cemlyn has two letting bedrooms, both located on the first floor. The tea shop is open from Easter to November and closes for the winter.

For those to whom the delights of country house hotels are essential background to meat and drink, Tremfan Hall has much to offer, starting with its location on the Lleyn peninsula, its sense of history, the oak-panelled rooms and the local produce within a menu serviced by Chef Nigel Skinner and his team.

Whether staying or eating out the degree of quiet comfort and civility is always apparent, perhaps nowhere more so than more so than in the dining room. Starters could include grilled Menai oysters baked in a white silky sauce, a littler number called Tremfan Old Smokey, flaked smoked haddock and Atlantic prawns in a saffron thermidor glazed with apple wood cheese.

Main courses of venison tenderloin cooked pink on a port jelly, simply grilled whole plaice with garlic butter, or French lamb and duck casserole in a rich tomato, root vegetable and bean broth all set the taste buds a-pattering. Their crème brûle make a suitable finish to any main dish, and wine list of great interest should not be allowed to take over the evening whatever the temptations - and there are many.

The table d'hôte menu offers great choices with the same high standards and excellent value.

Whilst this essentially is a place for relaxation there are plenty of active diversions around for those with energy - and in some cases expertise, though this can be acquired!