A lovingly restored village hostelry in the beautiful Usk Vale, The White Hart Inn dates back to the early 1500s and served as Oliver Cromwell’s Monmouthshire headquarters during the Civil War. These days, its cosy interior is the stronghold of chef/patron Michael Bates, who has lifted the cooking well above the country pub norm. Lovers of meaty simplicity should head to the lengthy grill menu, while those wanting something more creative can plump for the carte, where typical dishes might include roast scallops with lettuce, peas, hazelnut and mint, or slow-cooked pork belly with carrot, sour cabbage, truffled potato and runner beans, followed by apple and elderflower trifle. There’s so much on offer here, from French toast with bacon and maple syrup for breakfast to home-baked scones for afternoon tea.