Falcondale Drive, Lampeter. 01570 422910 / www.thefalcondale.co.uk
A two-and-a-half-hour drive north-west from Cardiff and you arrive at the Falcondale Hotel just short of Lampeter. After a mile-long driveway past open fields, woods, fauna and unimpressed sheep, you reach your destination: a striking mansion house originally built in the 1600s by David Evans. Subsequently added to and restored over the centuries, in recent history the Falcondale was bought in 2000 by Chris and Lisa Hutton who have continue its life as a hotel and restaurant. The restaurant has since received a consecutive double AA rosette rating for the past five years.
We were lucky enough to be staying in one of the hotel rooms overlooking the Creuddyn Valley and the spire of St Peter’s Church in the distance, and the stunning views and idyllic location are only two of the many pluses of this grandiose setting. With the proximity of Cardigan Bay (30 mins), the nearby Black Mountains, and the many beautiful walks through the Falcondale’s grounds there’s plenty to help you work up an appetite. The fantastic service begins upon arrival as you are welcomed by the charming concierge and given a glass of champagne. Dinner was served at 8pm and the menu choices were all very impressive – all local sourced from Welsh farmers or nearby fishmongers. To start, we had crispy duck and a salad of baby beets with goats cheese and Cabernet Sauvignon vinaigrette. For mains, lamb medallion with seasonal vegetables and Celtic Pride beef with wild mushrooms duxelle, parsley root, braised grelot onions and chips. A seductive crème brulee and lemon tart followed, and complete with the faultless setting and service, the meal was an absolute joy from start to finish. ANTONIA LEVAY