Llangoed Hall

Polished period perfection is the order of the day here. The house may be Jacobean in origin and chock full of antiques, but it’s also in pristine condition and the staff are second-to-none. Arrive early for a stroll round the hotel’s organic kitchen garden and acres of gorgeous grounds, although the beautiful, pastel-hued dining room decorated with paintings from the hotel’s impressive art collection is a delight in its own right. The kitchen favours all things seasonal, fresh, home-grown and foraged – note starters such as a pheasant egg with mushroom, leek and ham crumb or cock crab with buttermilk, rhubarb and oxalis. Mains are similarly eclectic, from Welsh beef tartare with native oyster, cauliflower and ‘smoke’ to suckling pork belly accompanied by polenta and fermented cabbage, while desserts such as apple textures with blossom and caramel bring proceedings to a fresh and zesty close. Llangoed Hall is also noted for its ‘prestige’ tasting menus (including a vegetarian version), afternoon teas and excellent wine cellar.