THE Bell at Skenfrith boasts possibly the most picturesque setting of any restaurant I have eaten in, overlooking historic Skenfrith Castle and the River Wye.

In a pretty, whitewashed building which also houses a hotel, the Bell inspires a great deal of confidence.

Diners can eat in either the bar or more expensive restaurant. Candles dominate the tables and the layout suggests a formal atmosphere. But the chairs are covered with wickerwork, the place mats are similar to a set my nan used to use and the staff dress in casual clothes.

The menu, at £25 for two courses and £30 for three, is set and offers a choice of three starters, four main courses and three desserts.

To start, both my partner and I chose the carpacchio of beef, a wonderful-sounding dish. When it arrived, the beef was blood-red and in wafer-thin slivers, covered in a mound of rocket and shavings of parmesan cheese.

We were disappointed by the taste, which was overpowered by the bitterness of the rocket and crunchy red peppercorns.

My partner had to leave his and I struggled to eat half. For our main courses we ordered duck and lamb. The duck was nicely cooked, accompanied by a celeriac mash.

We both failed to finish the dish and opted to skip dessert. The bill, with three pints of Stella, a glass of wine and a bottle of water, came to £62.45, but we were left feeling hungry. Rebecca Hughes