UK
Chewton Glen Hotel, Spa & Country Club, New Milton, Hampshire
I'd heard about the Chewton Glen for some years, especially as a place to go for beauty and spa treatments, but never made it there. Finally, just before I left Southampton, I was taken for lunch, on Xmas Eve, by a very beautiful and lovely woman. The food was wonderful, but it was the whole experience that was great, with the staff and the environment just right. Perhaps it was simply the company and the moment.

Tamsin Little, the violinist, recommends the Chewton Glen in the January 2007 Observer Food Monthly magazine. She says, "service is as important as the quality of a meal, and here it is superb. They get the tone just right. I have noticed particularly how good the staff are with single diners; they are friendly without being intrusive, and that's quite an art."

Cantre Selyf, 5 Lion Street, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7AU.
A fantastic B&B in the centre of Brecon, in a 17th Century townhouse. Great rooms, and fantastic food. Helen also does wonderful vegetarian food - recommended for an evening meal as well as breakfast.