In the runner-up list for the Best Restaurant category, Wales was entirely represented by Monmouthshire eateries in the form of The Crown at Whitebrook, The Hardwick, near Abergavenny, and The Walnut Tree at Llanddewi Skirrid.

The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny and the Clytha Arms, just a few miles down the road, were both runners-up in the ‘Best Sunday Lunch' category.

And H.J. Edwards & Son, Butchers, of Abergavenny, was the runner-up in the Best Independent Food Shop category, receiving praise for its range of homemade pies and local meats.

Nicola Smith, Principal Tourism Officer for Monmouthshire County Council, said:

"I'm delighted that food businesses in Monmouthshire have received such recognition at the Observer Food Monthly Awards. We've known for a long time that local restaurants, pubs and food producers and retailers are offering something really special, and it's fantastic that the message is now getting through at a national level that Monmouthshire is a top food destination.

"These awards are a welcome reminder of the quality and commitment of local chefs and growers, coming as they do after Monmouthshire's win as ‘Best Food Tourism Destination' at the 2008 True Taste Wales Awards."

Monmouthshire food and hospitality businesses also featured in a travel guide that was recently distributed with the Saturday Telegraph, (7^th March). Monmouthshire County Council's Tourism Section coordinated the feature, and interest from local businesses was so strong that a special leaflet was produced to highlight the range of foodie short breaks available in the area. The leaflet is available from local tourist information centres or by calling 01633 644842.