An exquisite evening

Tucked away in the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside is a hidden treasure and a culinary oasis that is the award-winning The Crown at Whitebrook.

It isn't hard to see why it is featured in the Good Food Guide, Good Hotel Guide, Welsh Rarebits and has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes.

The food by young Gwent chef James Sommerin is first class.

The fixed price menu (£29.95) has a French flavour complemented by local Welsh ingredients.

The small, intimate restaurant was fully booked when my partner and I arrived on a Thursday evening.

To start, I had the poached spring chicken breast and stuffed thigh served with smoked olive tapenade, while my partner chose the leek and stilton flan with thyme and garlic oil.

For main course I had poached turbot with oxtail ravioli drizzled with a Noilly Prat reduction.

My partner had the seared breast of duck with foie gras boudin and roast plum tart.

For dessert I had the light hazelnut mousse with ginger and hazelnut strudel and my partner chose the pecan and banana loaf with green tea jelly and banana gratin.

The service was excellent and the owner Angela Barbara is friendly without being intrusive.

We enjoyed an exquisite evening at a wonderful restaurant.

For those wishing to take a break, there are special dinner, bed and breakfast rates.

You are advised to book in advance, such is the place's popularity. And also remember to ask for directions!