The Ostrich Inn

A 13th-century inn situated in a pretty village on the western edge of the Forest of Dean and adjoining the Wye Valley, both areas of outstanding natural beauty. The complete history of the inn has been lost, although it is known to have housed the workers who built the church opposite, known as the 'Cathedral of the Forest'. To this day it still retains many of its ancient features, including a priest hole. The name, incidentally, comes from the emblem of the Probyn family, once prominent local landowners. With wooden beams and a welcoming log fire in the large lounge bar throughout the winter, visitors can enjoy a relaxed and friendly setting for a wide selection of cask-conditioned beers and excellent food. "We cook everything from scratch, using local produce as much as possible," says owner, Kathryn Horton, who took over in 2000 and has worked tirelessly ever since to create this popular free house. Diners are served in the small, intimate restaurant, the larger lounge bar, the garden and the patio. In the bar expect simpler dishes, such as salmon spinach fishcakes; steak and ale pie; and penne pasta. The monthly changing menu in the restaurant offers more sophistication in the form of fresh egg tagliatelle with dried porcini, fresh wild mushrooms and sherry cream sauce; slow-roasted spiced belly pork with pak choi; supreme of Nile perch from Lake Victoria with black tiger prawns and chive cream sauce; and wild mushroom, marinated roast red peppers and goats' cheese tart with fresh basil oil. In addition, there are weekly specials and sweets and, in harmony with everything else, an affordable wine list. No one will frown at your muddy boots, certainly not Alfie, the pub dog, who will offer to share his water bowl with you.

Follow Monmouth signs from Chepstow (A466), Newland signed from Redbrook

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