1861, Cross Ash, Abergavenny

I was amazed at some of the negative comments made by previous reviewers. Having been many times to this restaurant, I have never had anything other than excellent food. I have found it imaginative and very tasty. Today I had perfect hake with a medley of beautifully cooked veg, and a delicate sauce. The price range I selected above indicates the very good value lunch menu (2 courses for £19 and 3 for £24) which is far better than comparable food at the other

We have just celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary at this restaurant and we had a fantastic time. All of the food was of a very high standard, service was excellent and the staff could not do enough for us and our guests. They put up the balloons we had brought with us as well as decorating the table with silver glitter. At the end of the evening they even gave us an Anniversary card - nice touch. Would definately go to this restaurant again and would most certainly recommend it to anybody who likes good food in a relaxed atmosphere with excellent service.

This restaurant is real gem and we visit regularly. I don't agree with the previous reviewer, the food is always fresh and seasonal. We love the little loaves of bread which is always fresh and warm, so many restaurants don't bother serving bread anymore which is a shame. Restaurant 1861 risottos are one of my favorite dishes, along with their desserts which are divine (so it's a shame you didn't get to try one).

The food is great value for money and is far superior to many restaurants I've tried. The owners of this restaurant are always willing to please, so I feel very comfortable asking for anything.

Had the unfortunate experience of trying this restaurent today for Sunday lunch.

Bread was rebaked, possibly more than once, judging by the 10-15 mm rock hard case - inedible.

Garlic risotto was a gelatinous mess, without even the slightest taste of garlic. Nothing against rice pudding but better as a sweet than as a starter!

Main course was a small offering with very little taste. Roast potatoes were unbelievably bad - seemed as if boiled until fully cooked before being roasted, leaving a hard fat saturated shell filled with mush.

Left before being inflicted with the sweet course.

The 3 course lunch menu is real value for money. There is a good selection for each course and the seasons are followed, eg. pheasant boudin and braised red cabbage for one starter, perfect for November. The plates of food are beautifully presented and taste delicious. We shall be eating there again!

I recently attended a wine dinner at 1861, and it was amazing!!!

I have always thought that this restaurant offered fantastic food, but this just blew me away, each fabulous course was matched with a wine, and the combination was enjoyed by all 8 of us. The fish course was outstanding with each flavour just singing on the plate and the beef wellington was different to anything I've ever had, and totally the best. I am taking friends back as soon as possible.

With noble ambitions of tasty, seasonal and local ingredients and a chef trained by the Roux brothers I expected a real treat from 1861.

What I got was overpriced, underseasoned and bland food.

Before the starter came a tomato (and garlic?) jelly. This was without question one of the most abhorent flavour/texture combinations I have ever had the misfortune of placing into my poor gob. I presume it was there to stimulate the palate.

On to the pork and guinea fowl terrine. This had the consistency of spam or corned beef but somehow had less flavour than either. The chutney was no better and had me reaching for the water.

The rump of beef roast was a minor saving grace as it was cooked perfectly and was edible. Aunt Bessie does better roast potatoes, which tasted like they had been cooked last week. The vegtables were sad, flavourless and overcooked.

All in all a very disappointing experience. I can't fault the service which was personable and efficient but the food just simply wasn't up to scratch.

Not many people are going to the 1861 at the moment. I think in this area we are spoilt for choice with the Walnut Tree and the Harwick just up the road. However, this young couple deserve to succeed - their restarant is serving high quality cuisine in a convivial atmosphere. Fantastic food. Flavours balanced. Seasonal ingreients, Great ambiance and service.

I have dined in many restaurant locally (the walnut tree, hardwick, the bell, etc) for many years and have been to 1861 on a few occasions during the past few months simply because each time I dined there, it was better than the last time..... I am glad to see individually priced menu rather than the fixed price menu..... I love the bread loaf...!!! 1861 has come a long way since it opened. Everything has improved and is heading in the right direction. This can only happen with hard work and paying attention to detail and listening to what comments the diners make. All I can say is: Well done. 1861 is a good place to have an enjoyable meal at any time.

I have never written any sort of review before, but just had to in this instance as it was such a disappointing dining experience.

The restaurant is set in a beautiful location and almost worth a visit purely for that, but don't go there for the food.

My only regret is that I didn't complain while there, these are nice people who unfortunately have it very wrong.