The Crown at Whitebrook Restaurant

A French style auberge nestled in the Monmouthshire countryside

Catch the Crown on a sunny afternoon, between the trees on the side of a hill in the Wye valley and you could be forgiven for thinking you were in France. The auberge feel of this special little getaway extends, happily, right into the kitchen where chef James Sommerin is conjuring up food that in its delicacy, balance and depth of flavour has a real Gallic authenticity to it.

There is a really classic feel to dishes like a starter of poached rabbit cannelloni with butternut squash velouté or confit of turbot with a smoked ham and pea beignet, caper puree and burned sherry butter sauce. All very elaborate, but this is a chef who has consistently shown he can carry it off with some aplomb. A terrific wine list completes the happy picture.

Staying at the Crown

Tuesday to Saturday: Lunch 12pm-2pm, Dinner 7pm-9.15pm; Sunday 12pm-2pm. Closed Monday.