Herefordshire border pub top-rated by Conde Nast Traveller

Conde Nast Traveller has put together a list of top pubs offering "cosy bedrooms, quirky design, hotel-style comforts and seriously good food".

And one pub on the Herefordshire border has made the cut. 

Sitting on the banks of the river Monnow just over the border in Monmouthshire, is The Bell at Skenfrith. 

The former 17th-century Welsh coaching inn was completely restored in 2001, before being bought in 2015 by Sarah Hudson, who updated it throughout.

ALSO READ:

• Five stunning Herefordshire buildings named on Historic England at risk list
• Herefordshire children’s services still making ‘too slow’ progress - Ofsted
• Inside Bulmers: how world-famous Hereford cider is made

The pub, just yards from the medieval Skenfrith Castle, offers a "dreamy setting", according to Conde Nast Traveller.

It has been recognised by the Michelin Guide, Good Hotel Guide, and Conde Nast awards, amongst others.

The publication praised the pub's 11 individually designed bedrooms, which it said offer fresh daffodils on the windowsill, starched cotton sheets, and Welsh wool blankets on "deeply comfortable" beds.

Guests are also provided with branded bathroom products and a selection of goodies to stave off hunger pangs.

But, Conde Nast Traveller said, the food is the real draw that brings people to The Bell over and over again.

A mention goes to the pub restaurant's log fires and squishy sofas, while its wine list is described as "well thought-out" and the menu "unfussy".

"With no mobile phone reception and a deep-black star-lit sky at night, this is a place to come and really switch off," Conde Nast Traveller said.