Girls' weekends usually conjure up the image of cocktails, pampering and shopping-related shenanigans. But we fancied something a little different. While we certainly wouldn't say no to champagne afternoon tea and gourmet food, we also wanted plenty of fresh air and countryside pursuits. Too much to ask? Not for Abergavenny. Not only would the splendour of the Brecon Beacons be on our doorstep, but the Welsh market town also had a charming hotel, The Angel, renowned for afternoon tea. A look on the website revealed a tasteful, modern hotel which had plenty of cosy chintz-free charm. Perfect.
We were glad we brought our hiking boots, as Abergavenny is a town that prides itself on food. Along with The Angel Hotel (voted to have one of the best Sunday lunches by the Observer Food Monthly), there also is The Walnut Tree, an award-winning gastropub, acclaimed by everyone from foodie publications to glossy fashion mags. Let's not forget the local farmer's market and annual Abergavenny Food Festival, too.
Checking in, we were thrilled that The Angel Hotel looked just as charming in real life as it did online. A large, pale-grey coloured Georgian property located in the centre of town, it has been described as Abergavenny's social hub. Don't expect a loud, party-like atmosphere however. The vibe was convivial and lively, yet still a place to feel relaxed. The hotel also has an interesting cinematic history, having hosted Gregory Peck, director John Huston, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
The room
We were staying in The Mews, a brand new property of two bedrooms located just behind the hotel. "A shower big enough for two and a big bed enough for three!" was my friend's cheeky remark when we explored our bedroom. The walk-in shower was gorgeous, and the hotel could equally work for a couple's weekend away. The décor was homely - white walls, simple wooden furnishings, and flashes of light blue. We liked being slightly more secluded from the main hotel; those searching for even more privacy can stay in The Lodge, located in the nearby grounds of Abergavenny Castle. ??
Afternoon tea?
The dining room was full when we came down for afternoon tea, which was no surprise; The Angel Hotel has been awarded a prestigious Tea Guild's Award Of Excellence. The dining room is classy with just enough contrasting black and white touches to make it interesting. We chose the champagne afternoon tea, a bargain at just £17.90. The selection of teas was considerable and the accompanying local smoked salmon, home-cooked ham, cucumber cheese and egg mayonnaise sandwiches were fresh and delicious. Scones were buttery perfection. We loved that the generous array of assorted cakes came in tiny sizes - perfect for sampling a little bit of everything. Our waitress, like all staff we encountered while at The Angel Hotel, was warmth and charm personified. The afternoon tea was quite simply, faultless.
The Walnut Tree
The hotel handily offers to arrange taxis to the slightly more secluded countryside location of The Walnut Tree, a joint venture between The Angel Hotel's manager and Walnut Tree chef Shaun Hill. The food is worth coming from the other side of the country for, but luckily the atmosphere doesn't hammer this point home. The surroundings both inside and out are prettier than your average pub, but vibe is relaxed and informal.
The Walnut Tree's cuisine is modern British/European but done with individual flair. Ingredients are key and sourced locally where possible. Earthy flavours like game and meat were a recurring theme. Our beef fillet with béarnaise sauce and an elegant stack of chips was perfectly cooked. Seafood, like Dover sole with lime and parsley butter also was divine. Desserts are comforting delights - think chocolate fondant and sticky toffee pudding.
The area
After sampling Abergavenny's foodie delights, a heavy-duty hiking session should be a requirement. Just a short walk from Abergavenny town centre (and The Angel Hotel) is lush green countryside. Continue on and you can reach the three mountains that surround the town. The Sugarloaf is an easily doable walk and the summit offers a breath-taking view of Abergavenny and the hills of the Black Mountains. A short drive away is the beautiful ruins of Tintern Abbey and the hiking of Offa's Dyke. Visit www.visitwales.com or www.abergavenny.co.uk to get more tips on what to do and where to walk in the area.
Getting there
Abergavenny railway station is just south of the town and a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Trains come from London and Cardiff via Newport and the North via Hereford. Driving directions are available on The Angel Hotel's website.
Further information
Double rooms at The Angel Hotel start from £85. The Angel Hotel is offering handbag.com readers a gourmet break including two-night stay with dinner and wine both nights, plus breakfast for £175 per person. To check availability or make a reservation please call 01873 857121 or email mail@angelhotelabergavenny.com.
For more information on what to do in the area go to www.visitwales.com.
The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5EN, Wales
www.angelhotelabergavenny.com
Exclusive offer: gourmet break at The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny
