“Easily the best food in South Wales” declares a fan of this re-invigorated 300-year-old boozer and its fresh, whitewashed dining room. While we wouldn’t go quite that far, there’s clearly a lot to applaud at the Hare & Hounds – a self-appointed ‘ale and food house’ driven by seasonal Welsh produce and pickings from the owners’ smallholding. Local lad Tom Watts-Jones earned his spurs at top London venues including noise-to-tail trailblazer St John, and it shows in a daily menu that might offer the likes of grilled lamb’s heart with beetroot, kale and pickled walnut or crispy pig’s cheek with chicory, mustard and pickled apple. Other “innovative” ideas could include pan-fried red mullet with leeks, cockles and langoustine sauce or breast and leg of duck with wild mushrooms, cavolo nero and confit potatoes, while puds feature everything from vanilla custard tart to Champagne rhubarb soufflé. “Great wines and amazing service” too.