The Beaufort, Crickhowell

I had been told that all I'd get for my money at The Beaufort was "a pattern on a plate" - but it proved not to be true.

And the cost of eating proved very fair as well - offering three courses at the special price of £15.25, two courses at £12.95 and one course for £9.95.

The former public house-cum wine bar has been transformed into a very smart restaurant, and with just 12 tables on two levels, there is a warm and cosy ambience which is already attracting a lot of people, so booking is advised.

We were given a very warm welcome by the staff.

We had cream of wild mushroom soup scented with tarragon and garnished with truffle gnocchi which was obviously home-made by chef Heather Matthews and was delicious.

The home-made bread which we nibbled before our starters arrived was accompanied by a choice of three butters - butter is banned in our house so my husband was in his element.

There was no chicken dish, so I chose the roasted chump Welsh lamb with aubergine caviar, shallots and cherry tomatoes with red wine and rosemary and it was so lean and tender.

Priced at £13.50, the two-course special looked even better value.

My husband opted for the pan-fried skate wing with pomme anna with spinach puree and a caper berry noisette at £12.95.

We also had a platter of vegetables - new potatoes, honey roasted carrots and swede.

After a leisurely drink we decided to be brave and examine the dessert menu, and being a chocoholic he opted for the Belgian chocolate concoction, accompanied by marmalade sauce which helped to counteract the sweetness.

I went for winter fruits with white chocolate ice cream which melted on the warm fruits and was divine. With wine, lager and a soft drink the bill was £46.40.

Owners Ian Pateshall-Ward and Rob Owen have a winner.