Porth Tocyn Hotel

'As good as ever - how can he stay so unfailingly cheerful and welcoming?' Nick Fletcher-Brewer's 'welcoming, idiosyncratic style' encourages visitors to 'feel immediately at home' at his family-friendly hotel in the Lleyn peninsula. He tells us: 'My son, Richard, and his girlfriend, Emma, have enthusiastically given the public rooms and several bedrooms a fresh look.' Facing Cardigan Bay and the Snowdonia mountains ('few dining rooms could have such a magnificent view'), the hotel is near some beautiful beaches. In its grounds are a heated swimming pool, sun loungers, and 'secret corners' for taking tea. The rambling structure of former lead miners' cottages has 'grown organically' over the years. A conservatory and many sitting rooms provide space to relax inside ('fine old furniture, pictures, books, interesting knick-knacks'). Some bedrooms are interconnected. A three-generation family on a return visit enjoyed 'comfortable, relaxed accommodation and delicious food'. Other visitors wrote of the 'excellent, young, well-trained staff'. John Bell and Louise Fletcher-Brewer run the kitchen (a Good Food Guide entry since 1957). 'Very good fish dishes.' Main courses might include pan-fried scallops with tarragon blini; cannon of Welsh lamb with truffle omelette, shitake mushroom spring roll. Vegetarian options are available. (Richard Creed, and others)