The Sloop Inn Llandogo.

MY wife has an uncanny knack of selecting the best meal on any menu and, as we settled into the bar, she homed in on the homemade fishcakes. As usual I spent an age over the menu, finally opting for the free-range chicken.

Having ordered, we settled into our surroundings, a pleasant enough open bar area, surprisingly busy for a Monday evening, but then we had been warned the restaurant was booked for a private party so all the foodies had to make do with the bar or the beer garden.

As we fantasised of a move to the unspoilt Wye valley and tranquil walks along the river our meals arrived. True to form her selection of homemade fishcakes, side salad, saut potatoes and spicy salsa dip was exceptionally well flavoured but not overpowering.

As I tucked into my free-range chicken-bacon-stilton, chips and salad, glancing as you do at other diners' selections, I realised I had chosen a regulars' favourite.

The bill came to a little over £13, which could easily be added to if you sampled the selection of guest ales or wines by the glass.

With a little more forward planning I would have preferred the restaurant overlooking the Wye and the full selection off the menu, especially the spicy parsnip and apple soup, something to look forward to on my return trip.

As we were leaving the private party arrived, a busload of senior citizens, always a good sign for they know quality, value and where to have a good time. Chris Tinsley