Tyddyn Llan Corwen Hotel

Corwin

Stepping into the Duke of Westminster’s former shooting lodge feels like wonderful step back in time into a well-heeled friend’s country pile. Hidden at the gateway to Snowdonia National Park and the perfect staging post for a hike up Snowdon (take the Pyg Track for the best views), the countryside here is Wales at its best. However the real draw is the Michelin-starred restaurant. If you’re planning on trying the tasting menu (and we suggest you do), you’d be wise to arrive hungry as portions lean on the large side. The menu changes daily but, on our visit, wild bass smothered in laverbread sauce was stand-out, as were the diver-caught scallops with pancetta and sharp caper and raisin purée. Courgette flowers (grown by Mr Jones on the Wirral) stuffed with ricotta and fennel salami were excellent, too. The bedrooms are tastefully decorated, but Room One is our pick, with a wroughtiron, four-poster bed, clawfoot bathtub and sumptuous leather armchairs with valley views. Take your morning coffee here before chef-owner Bryan Webb lures you downstairs for an excellent cooked breakfast. Bryan’s wife Susan, will then have a snack of Welsh cakes and bara brith (a spicy teatime fruitcake) ready and bid you on your way. Doubles from £190.