The West Arms in the Ceiriog Valley has been named among the cosiest pubs in the UK to enjoy a winter lunch.
The 15th-century country hotel at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog has been named alongside the likes of The Clachan Inn in Scotland's picturesque Dumfries and Galloway and The Drunken Duck Inn in Cumbria.
The Modern-British-styled pub has been run by owners Nicky and Mark Williamson since February 2018.
When discussing The West Arms, the Good Food Guide shared that owners Nicky and Mark "have endeared themselves to locals and travellers alike" since they took over the "rambling old hostelry snuggled away in the foothills of the Berwyn Mountains".
What did the Good Food Guide say about The West Arms?
In its review, the guide shared that one regular even confessed that they were "so spoilt" at the cosy pub and hotel and that they "would not go anywhere else to eat".
The guide continued: "As befits a 16th-century drovers’ inn, the interior has its full quota of inglenooks and gnarled oak beams, although the place now functions as a hotel with all mod cons for business meetings and the like.
"Many of the kitchen’s suppliers live in the village or the nearby valley, and the menu is a movable feast dictated by the day’s deliveries – so expect outstanding venison sausages with mash, shepherd’s pie made with Dolwen PGI lamb, and slabs of prime Welsh Black sirloin with hand-cut chips.
"Long-serving chef Grant Williams also tosses in a few ideas and influences garnered from his travels, perhaps beetroot falafels with pear salad or baked fillet of cod with herb, lemon and olive-oil crumb.
"For afters, readers have singled out the amaretti cheesecake and the sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce – a perfect fit for the inn’s cosy, cockle-warming vibe.
"Locally brewed Big Hand ales are on tap and the wine list offers ‘plenty of variety for all’".
You can find out more and read about the other pubs celebrated in Good Food Guide's list via its website.
The West Arms is not just popular with The Good Food Guide but receives widely positive reviews from visitors on Tripadvisor too.
With a 4.5 overall rating and 688 excellent reviews, guests on Tripadvisor often share their experiences of dining and staying at the cosy spot.
One visitor wrote after their trip: "We stayed here on a cold November evening and the lovely warm fire was very welcome. The room was very comfortable and the dinner and breakfast were delicious. It really is the perfect combination for a stay in this beautiful part of Wales."
Meanwhile, a second person shared that the West Arms was an "idyllic hidden gem" before adding: "Just lovely, fantastic welcome, amazing room we stayed in the willow suite which is definitely worth paying the extra money for.
Recommended reading
I stayed at the Hilton hotel in Conwy Valley - its a dog and outdoor lovers dream
"Idyllic place with great walks for my dogs, pretty special beer garden too. The food is fantastic and all piping hot. Nothing was too much trouble, we will definitely be back here."
While a third posted: "We enjoyed our stay at the West Arms. We were greeted warmly and well looked after. Our room was large, comfortable and spotlessly clean.
"We loved the decor of the hotel which has retained the quirkiness of an old building with lots of places to tuck oneself away.
"The slate floors and roaring fires were delightful. The views from the restaurant were spectacular."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here