Located a stone’s throw from the River Llugwy deep in Snowdonia National Park, Bryn Tyrch does duty as a watering hole, restaurant and chic B&B – a no-nonsense mountain retreat for walkers, climbers and outdoor holiday types. Inside, it’s well-worn and decidedly laid-back, with chesterfields round the fire and picture windows running the length of the bar. The food served in the Y Bryn bistro is custom-built for hearty appetites sharpened by the mountain air – from lamb’s liver with onions or beer-battered fish to more ambitious specials along the lines of seared scallops with black pudding and minted pea purée or Welsh beef goulash with sour cream and polenta. There are also plenty of cockle-warming puds such as apple crumble, Bakewell tart or Bailey’s and white chocolate cheesecake. Alternatively, settle in with a ‘bookmaker’ steak sandwich and a pint of locally brewed Clogwyn Gold ale at the bar – unless you fancy one of the nifty cocktails or reasonably priced wines.