The Old Black Lion, Hay-on-Wye

I persuaded my Fiancee to embark on an hour and a half journey into wonderful mid Wales for a destination meal. The restaurant was empty on a rainy Saturday lunch time - though having settled down at the scrubbed wodden table we noticed that almost all the tables were reserved. We decided to share a starter of dressed crab. Blimey what a portion! Tasty, zesty brown and white flesh encased in a bubbling creamy, cheesy crusted topping - wonderful, accompanied by a fresh side sald - perfectly simple and wonderfully executed.

To follow we had monk ifsh wrapped in pancetta with saute potatoes and crunchy mixed vegetables and I pigged out on a generous portion of two sea bass fillets on wild rice with mushrooms and tomoatoes and a brave plum sauce which worked extremely well - the citrus cutting against the meatyness of the very fresh fish.

All in all, combined with a half bottle of good wine we had a wonderful lunch time, listening to the bustle of locals and regular diners and had a great time. The tab came to about £50. Well worth every penny. Can't wait to go back some time in the summer. Not Michelin Star quality but bloody good and damned good value for the money!