The Groes Inn

As the first licensed house in Wales, this charming creeper-clad inn has been welcoming customers since 1573. It nestles between the easternmost summits of the Carneddau mountain range and the rich riverside pastures of the verdant Conwy Valley - Snowdonia at its most benign, with extraordinary views from the flowery gardens one good reason to linger; another is the range luxuriously appointed yet ultra traditional bedroom suites. Rambling rooms, beamed ceilings, careworn settles, military hats (there's a connection to the Duke of Wellington here), historic cooking utensils, a stag's head over an open fire - this inn has plenty to point out and even snigger over (namely, the saucy Victorian postcards) - but don't expect a jukebox, gaming machines or pool table. The walled town of Conwy is just two miles away and the front of the inn has magnificent views of the River Conwy and the hills behind, which rise towards Snowdonia. In spring and summer the flower-bedecked frontage and secluded gardens beckon; on colder days, take advantage of the real fire, which lends a warm glow to the cosy interior. Naturally there's a distinctly Welsh tilt to the menu, awarded one AA Rosette, with lamb and game from nearby estates and an infinitely varied selection of fruits of the sea brought in through Conwy's quay or Anglesey's boats; try the seafood pie, fishcakes or the smoked fish platter. Other options could include Welsh rarebit or garlic stilton mushrooms to start, followed by winter root vegetable stew with cheddar dumplings; chicken curry; or cottage pie with cheddar mash. For pudding, try rice pudding with fresh cream and strawberry jam or orange syllabub with lemon shortbread. Be sure to taste the beers, which mostly come from the Great Orme micro-brewery.