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Nantyffin Cider Mill Inn is a place with a split personality, on one side a smart restaurant, created in a converted barn with wooden flooring, stone walls and table linen, on the other, a thoroughly olde worlde pub with wooden tables and fires. The same menu is served throughout but the restaurant is only open on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunches, while the pub operates for six days a week, closed on a Mondays.

They sell real ales from nearby breweries and a variety of ciders including local scrumpy, whilst the wine list is diverse. Kids are looked after too as they are able to choose half portions of most dishes and there is usually local farm sausages and mash or fresh pasta.

Situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Number 18 in the heart of the small town of Crickhowell is perfectly located for shopping and is en route to many local outdoor pursuits. Its modern British and Welsh brasserie and café menus cater to the needs of your appetite whether it is for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

A leisurely meal could begin with laverbread and Welsh mature Cheddar cheese soufflé or carpaccio of smoked salmon with blinis. Alternatively, try the prawn cocktail with a twist which offers pan fried tiger prawns with an avocado, garlic and red chilli salsa and a crumbled pancetta garnish. A sumptuous main course option such as breast of pheasant with pan fried Brussels sprouts and garlic dauphinoise potatoes or rack of pork served on a bed of glazed root vegetables and topped with black pudding, gives the meal its substance. Dessert of triple chocolate torte or fig and almond pudding is a festive enough note on which to conclude. Take your pick from a range of wines, beers, lagers and ciders to refresh the palate.

Gliffaes Hotel is a piece of Italy set in glorious Welsh countryside and a veritable delight for those of a fishing disposition. The hotel's publicity quotes "A piece of Italy with an English garden fit for a Greek God set in the Welsh countryside" a piece of encapsulation which leaves one reaching for the phone with one hand and, if you're in the know, your rods with the other.

Happily the inner man is lovingly cared for and within the panelled dining room the air of confidence that comes with well-served and attractive food, is apparent. The hotel attempts to source 75% of its fresh produce from within 25 miles of the hotel, happily a not unreasonable target given the largesse around.

A starter might consist of spiced langoustine and mussel broth scented with coriander, or spring pea soup finished with crispy bacon and crème fraiche. The Gloucester Old Spot roast pork served on pomme fondant with baby vegetables makes an excellent main course, but consider also the grilled fillet of red mullet set on herb taglioline with mussel, saffron and vegetable broth.

Puddings are suitably wicked and the warm chocolate tart with white chocolate ice cream can always be walked off next day. An excellent wine list of some 80 bins does the trick fine and 80% of the wines are under £20. House is from £12.30.

A 15th century coaching inn of considerable charm, renowned for its friendliness and warm welcome. Eating is done less formally in the Bar or more so in the intimate and romantic dining room.

In the latter starters could be King scallops with a tomato and broad bean salsa, a gateau of homecured salmon, crab and avocado, or for a real treat the Bear Caesar salad with Abergavenny ham, anchovies and quails eggs.

In a country where Black Beef is, dare one say it, almost commonplace it is worth looking at alternatives, one of which might well be the hock of Welsh lamb, slowly braised with bacon and tiny onions.

For vegetarians there are poppy seed pancakes of Welsh goat's cheese, chargrilled aubergine and sun-dried tomatoes.

I love the Welsh for many things, not least their skill with desserts, such as Bramley apple pudding with brioche and vanilla ice cream, or a signature dish for the Bear of bread and butter pudding made with rum and bananas and served with brown ice cream.

A well travelled wine list does justice to all concerned and quality house wine is on offer at £8.95. Would that there were more hotels around like the Bear where the aspirations of the customer so obviously head the agenda.