The region surrounding Abergavenny is blessed with some excellent restaurants and pubs, and, helped by the Abergavenny Food Festival, is becoming famous for local produce and great places to eat and drink. Do ask us or the cottage owner you have booked with for directions to any of these, or for more information. It is a good idea to book a place to eat at the same time as you book your cottage.

The Walnut Tree Inn, opened by the renowned Franco Taruschio in the 1960s, is now run jointly by local hotelier William Griffiths and by the famous chef Shaun Hill (formerly of the Michelin-starred Merchant House in Ludlow), and, after a rocky interregnum, has blossomed again. It has recently been awarded one Michelin star. At Llandewi Skirrid, on the Ross - Abergavenny road. Tel: 01873 852797. Open Tues – Sat. Lunch: 12 to 2.30; dinner: 7pm to 10pm. 

The Hardwick on the old Raglan road, is a well-thought of newcomer and is our favourite place to eat. Owned and run by Stephen Terry, it specialises in local produce. 01873 854220. Stephen appeared in The Great British Menu, so we advise booking well in advance. Closed Sunday evening and all day Monday. Advise booking.

The Angel Hotel, Cross Street, Abergavenny (01873 857121) is getting better and better, and is one of the rare places open on a Monday evening. Forget the Ritz: have afternoon tea here. It is wonderful, and children love it. Adults love it, too, and it makes an occasion really special when you have it with a bottle of Champagne.  The Angel is one of only six hotels outside London to have received the Tea Guild's Award of Excellence in the 2008 Top Tea Awards.

On the A470 between Brecon and Builth Wells in Powys, you will find the Felin Fach Griffin (01874 620111). Opened in 2000 by Huw Evans Bevan and Charles Inkin, the restaurant has quickly gathered a plethora of critical praise. A convivial ‘gastropub’ with delicious food, the atmosphere is relaxed and fun.  Open every evening.  Closed Monday lunch-time. Advise booking.

The Nantyffin Cider Mill between Crickhowell and Brecon for ‘the bistro food of rural France’ (01873 810775). Their Champagne and wine is well-chosen. Closed Sunday evening and all day Monday.

Llangoed Hall, near Brecon, is an experience: a really lovely country house hotel, this place (without the normal 'welcome desk') feels as if you have walked into someone's home, albeit a rather grand one. Great dining and excellent wine.

Crickhowell is a good place to go to for a coffee or a snack while stocking up on your provisions. There is also the popular Bear pub, which has a nice atmosphere and serves good pub food.

Untested tips from friends: Peterstone Court, Brecon (01874 665387)

We would recommend booking to avoid disappointment and telephoning to check on opening times, as they tend to change them alarmingly often.