Castle Cottage

'Everything has a personal feel' at Glyn and Jacqueline Roberts's restaurant-with-rooms in two of the oldest buildings in this 'quirky, historic' town. They are 'friendly, warm' hosts: he is the chef; she runs front-of-house. The restaurant, in a converted 17th-century coaching inn, is 'the centrepiece'. Pre-starters are taken in the 'cosy' bar area while dinner is ordered. Mr Roberts champions local and Welsh producers for his menu of modern dishes, eg, asparagus grilled with Carmarthen ham; duet of Welsh beef (slow-roasted ox cheek, fillet mignon). 'Well handled and full of flavour, though some portions were large. The wide wine list is well priced.' Three of the bedrooms are in the main building, the others in a converted Grade II listed stone cottage next door. All are decorated in contemporary style: 'Our spacious room was clean, modern (with atmospheric original roof beams); the bathroom had limestone tiles, a walk-in shower and a huge bath. We missed breakfast one morning, but our hostess brought us a pot of coffee for which she didn't charge.' Castle Cottage won the 2008/2009 Taste of Wales restaurant-of-the-year award. (Seth O Thomas)