SITUATED on the lonely mountain road between Blaenavon and Nantyglo, the Cordell Country Inn is an ideal rest spot for weary travellers and the perfect secluded place to enjoy that special meal.

Whether you choose to eat in the small bar area or cosy but spacious dining room you are certain to enjoy a friendly welcome and excellent hospitality.

To start my friend and I both opted for a home-made leek and potato soup, a wonderfully warming dish for a cold winters night.

For main course my friend had a generous portion of gammon, his favourite dish, while I chose chicken in a stilton and leek sauce.

Being a big fan of both cheese and leek, I was impressed by the combination of the two and heartily enjoyed this delicious dish.

Both main courses came with generous helpings of vegetables and chips or a choice of potato dish.

After such a filling meal I could barely manage one of the Cordell's home-made deserts and opted instead for icecream.

My friend however had the home-made apple crumble with custard and said it was one of the best he had ever ate.

With drinks the bill came to £40.70. Excellent value for an excellent meal.