Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

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.

The history of Norton Manor Hotel dates back to 1858 when it was the family home of the 1st Baronet of Radnorshire; now it welcomes guests from further afield to experience rural countryside life within its pleasant interior. Milanos Restaurant likewise bears a charm that is in keeping with the rest of the hotel

For Chef Enzo cooking is a way to illustrate his creativity and imagination and has demonstrated this passion for over 30 years in various restaurants. The à la carte is a repository of collective British and Italian dishes, so expect to find linguini with tomato, garlic, white wine and baby clams alongside a 10oz Radnorshire sirloin steak with green peppercorn sauce. An investigation of the antipasti section could reveal salmon gravadlax, and mango and prawn cocktail.

It's also heart-warming to note that Milanos pay special attention to those well advanced in years by offering a fantastic value, two-course senior's lunch, and what better to reminisce those bygone days than over some delicious food and splendid views of the Black Mountains beyond.

Formerly the home of Lord Swansea, Caer Beris Manor has been tastefully converted into a country house hotel with an emphasis on the traditional. The historic panelled restaurant has all the ambience of a private dining room and serves a menu which depends very much on local ingredients and produce. A four course a la carte does justice to such delicacies as Welsh Black beef and lamb. The sea is not far away and its delicacies, such as Pembrokeshire sea trout are well exploited. Welsh cheeses, those little known but delightful additions to the British cheeseboard are kept well, with good variety. Wine is taken seriously at Caer Beris and over 150 bins from twelve or so different countries are for your consideration. House wine at £10.95.