The Felin Fach Griffin

Big character, great food and 7 comfortable rooms rolled into an award-winning country pub

Let's face it, most pubs can't cut it when it comes to matching character, seriously decent tuck, good drink and a cosy room. Not so The Felin Fach Griffin. Just down the road from the breathtaking Brecon Beacons, this 7 bedroom chintz-free inn gives a warm homely welcome. Upstairs you'll find 4-poster beds; downstairs bright cushions, squashy leather sofas, timber beams and thick stone walls. There's refreshing Welsh ale, and instead of a TV you can stare through the crackling fire into the adjoining restaurant and there are plenty of nooks in which to hide away and dine.

And what of personality? This is the love child of brothers Charles and Edmund Inkin. They've marked their turf throughout - from quirky farmyard pictures and an Aga in the breakfast room to antique wood carvings. Their company "Eat, Drink and Sleep" says it all. When done so well without pretension, it's no wonder they win all the awards.

Highs

• Wonderful cosy atmosphere - log fires, deep sofas and the weekend papers
• Good location in beautiful countryside: close to the Brecon Beacons, and the Black Mountains are a 15-minute drive
• Excellent food and decent wine list
• Organic kitchen garden so expect homegrown flavours when in season
• Dogs go free and get their own towel and bowl
• Good service when we stayed
• Families welcome and winner of the Best Family Restaurant Award 2008

Lows

• Just off the A470 which can get busy
• Don't expect TV/DVDs but there's a Roberts Radio and selection of books in your room
• Not everyone likes to sit with other guests at breakfast but we liked the chat
• Rooms are on the small side - but it makes it cosy and they're still very comfortable
• Noise can sometimes carry through to bedrooms - Room 3 is above the kitchen, others are over the bar
• No longer a secret: weekends can get chocker so book well in advance