The White Hart Village Inn

Situated in the beautiful Usk Valley, in the pretty village of Llangybi, a warm welcome awaits at this picturesque, lovingly historic inn where no less than eleven fireplaces can be found. Henry VIII became owner-by-default upon receiving it in the dowry of Jane Seymour, whilst arch-republican Oliver Cromwell based himself here during local Civil War campaigns. Add a priest hole, a wealth of exposed beams, precious Tudor plasterwork and a mention in a TS Eliot poem Usk and you've a destination to savour. Chef patron Michael Bates, formerly at Celtic Manor, is at the helm, offering village drinkers reliable beers from the likes of Ringwood Best, as well as a variety of ciders. It's the AA two Rosette menu that keeps visitors returning time-and-again, though. Using fresh local produce, and combining exciting ingredients and complementary flavours, head chef Adam Whittle prepares and presents dishes with the utmost care and attention to detail. Lunchtime menus suggest chestnut and truffle risotto followed by pan-fried bream with cabbage, bacon, shallot and potato, whilst the broader dinner menu may include curried parsnip soup, or chicken liver parfait with apple and plum; followed by Cwrw Braf battered cod and chips, or celeriac and potato royale with parsnip and leek, finishing with rice pudding and passion fruit, or orange and olive oil cake with milk chocolate mousse. In summer, head outside to the extensive seating area.