The Crown at Whitebrook, near Chepstow and The Walnut Tree Inn at Llandewi Skirrid, near Abergavenny voted Best in Wales

The Crown at Whitebrook, near Chepstow and The Walnut Tree Inn at Llandewi Skirrid, near Abergavenny scooped first and second place respectively in The Sunday Times Food List 2012.

The Sunday Times Top 100 Food List 2012 is compiled in collaboration with Harden's, whose own restaurant guides base their ratings on the views of diners who eat out regularly.

James Sommerin, executive head chef at The Crown said: "This recognition further underlines the consistent excellence we have achieved at The Crown at Whitebrook and the high regard in which we are held by the most important people of all-our customers.

"The extremely hard working team that we have at The Crown, from front of house though to the guys in the kitchen, is quite exceptional."

Jonathan Davies speaking on behalf of the owners, Crown Hotels and Restaurants, said: "The fact that the chart is compiled from the views of the public makes this acclaim even more valuable, meaningful and special."

Second on list is Shaun Hill's The Walnut Tree in Abergavenny, run by chef Shaun Hill and William Griffiths.

Mr Hill, who has run the restaurant for five years, said he was delighted.

"It's both wonderful and reassuring because its decided by the public.

Karen Robinson, Editor of The Sunday Times Food List, said: "It is the ultimate taste test. It represents the views of the food-loving public rather than a clique of food critics or anonymous restaurant inspectors telling us where to go and spend our money."

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