Maesmawr Hall Hotel, near Caersws

Reviewers' rating: ****

It was my father-in-law's birthday, writes Lisa Bailey, and we had gone to stay at their caravan which is just up the road from Maesmawr Hall Hotel.

The building is quite impressive and the beautiful period house dates back to the 16th century and is a Grade II listed building. There seems to be quite a few nooks and crannies with a lounge bar with oak beams and an open log fire, Wainscot Parlour, Wainscott Room, the restaurant and function room. The hotel also has 17 en suite bedrooms.

We had opted for the Bank Holiday Monday because we had heard the Saturday night entertainment, a Diana Ross tribute band, had been a sell-out so we expected it to be busy on the Sunday with people staying over.

But, we were shocked to see we were the only ones eating in the restaurant. It was quite small, with only about eight covers the day we went along.

We had to press the buzzer to get the attention of staff, but once they were aware we were there we were shown to our tables and our drinks order was taken. The service did sometimes seem a little on the slow side, but we were in no particular rush so it was not the end of the world.

It was explained to us by the young waiter that we could choose from the light-bite menu or the a la Carte menu - we could also mix and match. There was also a good choice on the children's menu, which was £7.95 for a main course and dessert.

Although small, the restaurant was lovely, with a door and a Victorian bay window overlooking the beautiful garden.

We were spoilt for choice with the two menus. Only Neil and myself went for a starter. I had a warm Brie tartlet with dressed leaves (£5.95), which was delicious and whet my appetite for the main course.

Neil had chicken and asparagus terrine wrapped in Parma ham served with toasted brioche and fruit chutney (£6.75). The terrine and chutney were full of flavour.

For our mains, I chose pan-seared sirloin steak served with battered onion rings and roast vine cherry tomatoes (£19.95). Neil picked penne pasta, goat's cheese, sundried tomato and cream sauce (£9.95), my mother-in-law, Val went for ham and tomato omelette and my father-in-law, Eric, chose beer-battered fish, chips, and garden peas (£10.95). Young Daniel picked sausage and creamy mash from the children's menu.

Daniel and Grandad Eric went off exploring in the gardens while we waited. Our meals arrived and what a meal! Eric explained they had bumped into the chef and my father-in-law had joked about having plenty of chips. The chef certainly kept to his word - there were so many chips.

The prospect of eating all those chips was daunting, but worth a go. They were slightly salted and everyone commented how good they tasted.

Daniel had sausage and creamy mash, but kept muttering about the fact that he did not want any gravy with it - how can you have sausage and mash without gravy? But, he did not seem to complain as he tucked in. It was a rather large plate for a three-year-old, but he managed a fair amount.

I had the sirloin steak and again there were no complaints. I'm not keen on roasted tomatoes, but I knew that I would have a willing helper, our son, who will always find room for tomatoes.

Neil was enjoying his penne pasta, which was an unusual choice for him. The goat's cheese lay melting in the middle and surprisingly even, with the cream sauce it didn't make it too much.

The batter on Eric's fish was crispy and the fish flaked away and was cooked just right. Again there was a mountain of chips, which he waded his way through.

Val had plumped for the omelette, which she thought was light and tasty.

After a break, when Daniel and grandad went off exploring again, we chose dessert. I went for one of my favourites, Baileys creme brulee with shortbread biscuits, Neil had triple chocolate trifle with cherries marinated in sherry, and Val, apple and blueberry bread and butter pudding served with custard. All desserts were £5.75.

My brulee was a hit. You could taste the Baileys with every mouthful and the creme brulee was fluffy and not too heavy.

Neil's dessert had the marinated cherries at the bottom, whipped cream topped with chocolate chips on top and a tasty custard mix.

Val's bread and butter pudding phased her a little. There looked like a double helping with loads of custard. She enjoyed it, but managed less than half.

By the time we finished our meal a few other parties had been eating in the lounge area and several were outside. We were just amazed with such a great meal that there were not more people eating at Maesmawr Hall Hotel.

ADDRESS

Maesmawr Hall Hotel, near Caersws, Powys SY17 5SF

Tel: 01686 688255

Website: www.maesmawr.co.uk

MENU SAMPLE

STARTERS

Pearls of melon with fresh strawberries and port and ginger syrup (£5.95); Smoked salmon and crab tower with cucumber and creme fraiche (£6.95)

MAINS

Tender braised shank of lamb with a red wine and rosemary sauce and mashed potatoes (£17.95); Roast chicken supreme coated with a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce (£16.50)

DESSERTS

Citrus cheesecake with a mango coulis (£5.75); Warm chocolate pecan brownie with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream (£5.75)

SERVICE

Friendly

DISABLED

Limited access

ATMOSPHERE

Cosy and traditional