Helen Moriarty from Janet Redler Travel & Tourism recently enjoyed afternoon tea at Llangoed Hall, a luxury country house hotel in the beautiful Wye Valley of Wales. Here are Helen’s impressions of her visit.

We approached Llangoed Hall along the winding drive, which offers a most picturesque view of the creeper-clad house against a stunning backdrop of rolling green hills. On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Managing Director Calum Milne, who explained the history of the house and guided us through the gardens.

Originally known as ‘Llangoed Castle’ it was renovated and redesigned in 1912 as a country house by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (of Portmeirion fame), retaining many original features. The hall opened as a luxury hotel in 1990.

With infectious enthusiasm, Calum pointed out the wild flower meadow ‘for our bees’, the ‘strawberries and cream’ rose arch and introduced the chickens and ducks. We were shown the extensive vegetable beds, with everything from beetroot to zucchini, and the walled fruit garden containing, amongst other things, raspberries (red and yellow), apples, pears and cob nuts (an ingredient in the home made Llangoed chocolates we were informed!). We then headed back into the house for afternoon tea.

With coats and wellies in the entrance hall for guests to borrow, the hotel immediately feels more like a private home than a hotel. Settling into the drawing room, we hogged the sofa in front of the magnificent fireplace and were able to enjoy glimpses of fine paintings around the walls and green lawns through the windows.

Served with our choice of tea in perfect bone china teacups, we enjoyed a selection of delicately cut sandwiches (crusts removed!) and a tiered display of cakes, pastries and fresh scones with home made Llangoed jam and lashings of thick cream (from a local producer). We were totally spoilt for choice! My particular favourites were the little sweet tartlets, the scones and jam and the prettiest pink macaroons, with big juicy raspberries straight from the garden sandwiched between them. I could have stayed there all day!

Reluctantly we had to leave, but we departed feeling completely relaxed and sated, not from any special spa treatments, but just fresh air, a delicious afternoon tea and a lovely little chat with the ducks and chickens. 

To find out more about Llangoed Hall Hotel, visit www.llangoedhall.co.uk. If you or your group would like to enjoy the first class hospitality of this wonderful hotel as part of a tailor made tour of Wales please contact us.