The Barn, Brynich, Brecon

I've passed the Barn restaurant in Brecon hundreds of times, but never gone in because I've always assumed it was part of the caravan park next door. NOT SO! Don't be put off by that! I was a bit of a snob about it, until I called in on the way back from the Hay Festival. This is one of the most amazing little finds. The food is out of this world. I got the impression the chef was fairly new and he's doing a wonderful job. They use local produce & grow most of their own herbs in their kitchen garden. The service & atmosphere was spot on but didn't see any celebs!

The Barn in Brynich was opened originally by Prince Andrew, but don't let that put you off. The family run business is part of a unit which includes 5-star caravan / camping park and converted buildings to rent. All of which are very good. They do have a dress code at their restaurant, which reflects the price of meals!

Popular with locals and tourists alike, I've always been impressed with the service and the quality of the food. The kids have always really enjoyed the homemade pasta sauces, and most of the meat and fish is locally sourced.

Their fish comes with the crispiest of skin, and sides of vegetables are steamed and delivered to the table in their own little paper bags - something I've not seen before. I've met various Welsh "celebs" there, who use it as an alternative to Cardiff's fashionable restaurants for a quiet meal with friends.

Forget deserts - you've got to go for the locally made ice-cream, which is to die for. The makers have a shop in nearby Brecon, which is somewhere I often stop at if I'm passing through with work!

But remember if you have kids - they want you out by 9pm!