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hand picked restaurants

Situated just a few minutes' walk from the centre of USK is the town's secret, Clarke's Restaurant at Glen-yr-Afon House Hotel. The venue offers guests a delightful dining experience in magical surroundings. Crisp, white tablecloths, immaculately laid tables, and bright colours - it's these details that contribute so much to making your evening a real treat.

The kitchen uses fresh and local produce to make delectable dishes starting from unique cheeses to fresh fish and seafood as well as dishes for non-meat lovers. Smoked trout and crab risotto served with rarebit sauce could start the meal, or open capped mushrooms stuffed with chorizo, Parma ham, herbs and garlic for those who love them. A dish that involves pan fried sea bass, with mango salsa, drizzled lemongrass, and coriander and cumin sauce could tickle many a palate. Roasted butternut squash, parsnip and asparagus with coriander cream, or stuffed sweet potato are excellent choices for vegetarians.

Just a five minute drive from Caerleon is the pretty village of Llangybi in the picturesque Usk Vale - a location renowned for its trout and salmon fishing - where you can find the historic White Hart Village Inn, originally built in the early 1500s. It is a wonderful 12th Century Grade 2 listed building that, after a period of extensive renovation and restorative works in 2007, re-opened in April of the same year under new ownership and management.

A venue with real character, its rich history has seen it at one time under the ownership of Henry VIII as part of Jane Seymour's wedding dowry; a century later serving as Oliver Cromwell's headquarters in Gwent while latterly featuring in the T.S. Eliot poem 'Usk'.

Retaining a wealth of historic features, including its original 16th century fireplaces, it is somewhere that you can sit down to while away an evening with fine drink and during those cold winter months enjoy the warmth and crackling sounds of a real open fire.

The extensive flagstone seating area to the rear allows for a relaxing location to enjoy the far reaching views to the Wentwood hills.

The Three Salmons Hotel is an 18th century coaching inn; its restaurant is famous in the area for its fresh fish but the menu is large and varied and offers something for everyone. Excellent use is made of the local produce. A parfait of chicken livers with sweet onion relish and warm toasted brioche could be followed by a steamed halibut steak with a mild curry and mango dressing. To finish try some of the excellent local cheeses. A well-mannered wine list does ample justice to the food.

Cwrt Bleddyn is an impressive Victorian manor house set in 50 acres of magnificent grounds in the valley of the Usk. There is a considerable amount of banqueting goes on here but in between times the two award-winning chefs produce mainly traditional dishes that are both tasty and generous.

One wonders if the Chris Evans' pubs are country-chic bolthole, gastropub, or restaurant with rooms. As far as the Newbridge Inn is concerned, it's a combination of all three, housed within a traditional building. The stunning backdrop of the river and the breathtaking views of the valley set the right atmosphere, making it a perfect choice to celebrate any occasion.

The menu yields a good range of locally sourced produce and may open with moules mariniéres with white wine, parsley and garlic. Two steaks are lined up for main courses - a grilled 6 oz rib-eye and char-grilled 8 oz sirloin - with a host of sides like toasted ciabatta bread with whole grain mustard mayo, and horseradish mash. Finally do save space for delightful spoonfuls of chocolate parfait topped with whipped cream and strawberries.

A selection of wines from across the globe make refreshing accompaniments to the excellent food at The Newbridge Inn.

La Cantina in Usk is a lovely bistro type restaurant where time seems to stand still and the only thing that urges you on is the need to taste some of the delicious modern British cuisine that is prepared there. The laidback atmosphere is mildly soporific, although the courteous and friendly service goes a long way in making your visit comfortable and pleasant. Sunday roast is a splendid affair while the regular week day meals are done excellently.

For lunch, try the grilled paninis and toasted sandwiches or possibly a hearty steak, mushroom and onion pie. In the evening you could expect to start with oak smoked salmon with horseradish panna cotta and fresh lime, followed by main course of filet of sea bass set on a warm potato salad with fresh lemon and capers. Hot puddings and chilled desserts vie for your attention and the eclectic drinks list comprises a sound selection of fine wines and beers.