The Inn at the Elm Tree, St Brides Newport

THE INN at the Elm Tree has one of those enviable locations which make it almost a city centre restaurant but with a distinctly country feel.

Standing off the main road through the small village of St Brides,Wentloog, this handsome country inn may be just three miles out of Newport but feels a world away.

The Inn, which also offers accommodation, is ranked among the best in Wales.

For us locals the welcoming bar and intimate restaurant make it a delightful place for a meal. And the Inn is popular so make sure you book. The Inn prides itself on offering high quality food with as much as possible being sourced locally and, as often as not, from organic providers.

The cuisine is British with other European influences and the excellent menu means there is something to suit every taste.

We chose a starter of Thai crab and spring onion cakes served with chilli jam and rocket and a lavabread, and a cockle and bacon cake with sauteed leeks and hollandaise sauce. Both were incredibly filling.

The shank of lamb with rosemary and garlic potatoes, and honey and lavender jus was a little uninspiring but the monkfish chosen by partner was excellent.

This is not a cheap meal out, our meal for two with a half bottle of red wine, a couple of pre-dinner drinks and coffee not dessert, came to £68.35, but you are guaranteed the freshest of ingredients, lovely surroundings and excellent service.

The Inn does offer a very good value early bird meal from 6pm-7.30 with two courses available for just £9.50.

Nicole Garnon