The Bell at Skenfrith

Fill up with fresh air and fine food at this lovely 17th-century coaching inn deep in the Monmouthshire countryside

Skenfrith has long been a must-see on account of its evocative ruined Norman castle. Now there’s another reason to visit this hamlet in deepest Monmouthshire: this splendid coaching inn that’s been thoughtfully brought back to life by Janet and William Hutchings. Together the couple have transformed a tired village boozer into a stylish country hotel that attracts locals and city types alike. Janet used her eye for design to create rooms that are comfy and calming, marrying original 17th-century features like oak beams with contemporary fabrics and furnishings. William, meanwhile, got to indulge a life-long passion for wine by building up a very serious cellar.

What makes The Bell stand out from the crowd, though, is its food, which combines ethics with high-end gastronomy; ingredients are mostly organic and, apart from fish, from the kitchen garden or the local area. Even the salt is from Wales! Come here for honest inspirational food, sofas you’ll find it hard to haul yourself out of, and above all, relaxation in a truly peaceful setting.

Highs

• The backdrop is hard to beat. Enjoy the views from your room or roam the valley and work up an appetite for dinner
• The food. Few places take local sourcing and seasonality more seriously, to good effect. Fantastically fresh produce is transformed into eye-catching dishes
• The wines. William’s purpose-built cellar, which you can view, is winning him serious accolades
• The bar - not just the wines and ales but also the counter itself, handmade in light Welsh oak by a local craftsman

Lows

• The Bell is sometimes a victim of its own success so getting in, even to eat, can be difficult and the hotel insists on a 2-night stay at weekends
• Mobile reception can be tricky
• Young children, though welcome, must stick to house rules - which include having their own high tea at 6pm, so you have the evening dinner sitting in peace (baby monitors can be provided)
• We’ve heard mixed feedback about the service since our visit, although we found it very good