Bell

Elegant 17th-c coaching inn close to Monnow River and handy for ruins of Skenfrith Castle (NT); main bar with inglenook fireplace and plenty of seating including comfortable sofas, bleached-oak counter serving ales such as Bespoke and Wye Valley, bottled local cider/perry, 15 wines by the glass from extensive list and good range of spirits, highly regarded contemporary food using some home-grown produce, friendly helpful staff, spacious restaurant; background music; children and dogs (in one bar) welcome, disabled access, terrace with good solid tables under parasols, steps up to sloping lawn, orchard area and neat kitchen garden, comfortable bedrooms named after fishing flies, open all day (closed one week in both Jan and Nov).