Lynn and Tim Watson’s “amazing” seventeenth-century coaching inn has everything – a glorious location (the Elwy Valley, on the edge of the Kinmel Estate), an interior that’s grander and more genteel than most country pubs, plus a local reputation for seasonally influenced menus featuring market-fresh fish, local meats and Snowdonia cheeses. The inn itself is divided between a traditional bar (with a roaring log fire in winter), a sunny conservatory and cosy, low-ceilinged dining rooms where the food shines and service is “always perfect”. Top calls on the menu might range from Menai mussels, pies and homemade burgers to scallops with ginger broth, samphire, yuzu and lemongrass or venison loin with stuffed cabbage, poached pear, celeriac and apple purée, while puds could feature chocolate fondant with Bavarian custard and hazelnut ice cream. Added attractions include The Tea Rooms and Lynn’s Pantry (for afternoon delights and foodie retail therapy respectively), while four stunning suites add an extra dimension to this thriving set-up.