Where to eat and drink in this neck of the woods...

There is a wide range of good places to eat and drink around here, ranging from top restaurants to delightfully quiet and totally unspoilt local pubs. Some of these establishments are wise enough to stock wines supplied by Andrew Darwin Fine Wines of Church House, Kington...

The Stagg Inn at Titley (about 3 miles from here) has, ever since Steve and Nicola Reynolds opened it, been easily the best place to eat around here. In 2001, the Stagg was awarded a Michelin star, the first one ever for a pub - and they've retained it ever since. People come from far and wide to eat at the Stagg Inn, so you will obviously need to book your place if you wish to eat there at a weekend.

The Royal Oak and the Swan Hotel are the nearest places to eat in Kington (about 6 minutes walk down the hill from our house).

The Burton Hotel in Mill street, Kington is the principal hotel in town. A health club, with a swimmimg pool (Kington's first) and sauna, gym, etc was recently added, providing a valuable new facility for visitors as well as for residents. Ask the hotel for further details.

The Hyderabad, in Bridge Street, is Kington's curry house. We are fortunate to have these delightful chaps offering us bumpkins such delicious and exotic food. You can eat in or have a takeaway. They don't have a licence to sell alcohol, so you pick up a few beers at the Spar shop on your way to the restaurant. Tel. 01544 - 231999.

The Royal Oak at Gladestry - a simple country pub at the far end of Hergest Ridge, the Royal Oak is the obvious destination for Kington-based walkers. Walk there to build an appetite for lunch, then walk briskly back to work it all off!

The Rhydspence Inn at Whitney-on-Wye. Between us and Hay-on-Wye is this lovely old 14th century drovers' inn. Timber-framed building, old oak beams and dark and cosy bars, permanently lit log fire.

Penrhos Court - just a mile outside Kington, Penrhos is a hotel formed from a fine group of mediaeval buildings where you can eat very good organic food. Vegetarians particularly well catered for.

The Harp Inn, Old Radnor - an unassuming country pub with spectacular views from the lawn. Best place for many miles from which to enjoy the sunset on a fine day. Good food there, but beware slow service at the bar.

The Bateman Arms, Shobdon - a fine old pub. Before or after lunch, park here and walk up the delightful 'semi-private' drive opposite to visit the incomparable Shobdon Church, a Strawberry Hill Gothic gem.