#visitmonmouthshire

[wyevalleywalks43-blog]

Not normally a site you see every day the inside of the gatehouse in Monnow Bridge itself . #history #visitwales #visitmonmouth #visitmonmouthshire #explore #explorewales #historyplace #historicbuilding #onlyone #amazing#photostellstories #photoblogger #photography #walking #guidedwalks #guidedtour (at Monnow Bridge)

[hoveartshop]

Yeah #visitmonmouthshire https://www.instagram.com/p/CFN6AsfnbYv/?igshid=zh5saasddol2

[lovetheangelblog]

Top 5 Summer things to do in Abergavenny

1. Explore the castle and museum

The ruins of the town’s Norman castle are set high above the river Usk with super views to the Blorenge mountain. On fine days you might see paragliders launching from the top of the Blorenge and landing in Castle Meadows alongside the river. In a Victorian hunting lodge built on the site of the original keep (which was destroyed during the Civil War in the mid-17th century), you’ll find the town’s museum. Throughout the summer holidays, there are free explorer trails and family activities here.

To delve further into Abergavenny’s history, follow the Trails and Tales for families route around the town. Start at any point on the walk (noting that the Tourist Information Centre has moved to the Tithe Barn near St. Mary’s Priory Church) and look out for the heritage plaques. Stop off at St Mary’s Priory Church to see a superb selection of medieval monuments including the 15th century Jesse Tree.

If you’ve time to venture outside Abergavenny, you can see magnificent birds of prey in action at Raglan Castle on 21 August and meet 15th century re-enactors at Tretower Court and Castle on 24-26 August.

2. Climb a mountain

Take your pick from the three mountains surrounding the town: Sugar Loaf, Blorenge and Skirrid Fawr. The highest, Sugar Loaf, standing at 1,955 feet (596 metres), has a distinctive cone-shaped peak and is a 9 mile (14.5 km) circular walk from the centre of town. Known as Pen-y-Fal in Welsh, it is cared for by the National Trust and has a car park at Llanwenarth on its south side which makes it an attractive choice if you fancy a shorter hike to the top.

From the summit on a clear day, you’ll have breathtaking 360° views which extend as far as the Brecon Beacons to the west, Hatterall Hill to the north-west and the Severn Estuary to the south.

3. Visit the market

Hardly a day goes by when there isn’t something for sale in the Victorian market hall – crafts, local food, antiques and so on. It’s also one of the main venues for the annual Food Festival held in September. You’ll need to use the rear door while renovation works are taking place on this historic building during 2019 but no visit to Abergavenny is complete without a browse around the market.

4. Enjoy a picnic

Linda Vista Gardens is a beautiful picnic spot, with green space, well-kept flower borders, specimen trees and meandering pathways. Originally a private garden, it has amazing views across Castle Meadows towards the Blorenge mountain. The grounds of Abergavenny Castle is another popular picnic place with plenty of benches. Families also enjoy picnicking in Bailey Park in the centre of town – complete with play-ground for children, vast green spaces and a path around its circumference which is great for running and gentle cycling.

But, before you head for your picnic spot, pick up a tasty selection of food from the independent cafés, delis, butchers and bakers in town. You’ll be spoilt for choice.

5. Wander along the riverbank

The river Usk which flows through Abergavenny is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and one of the UK’s best rivers for salmon fishing. But you don’t need to be a keen angler to appreciate this stretch of water – just head down to Castle Meadows, a glorious spot between the river and the town, criss-crossed by walking paths and with small wooded areas. It’s a popular area for dog-walking, late-evening strolls or simply sitting on a bench overlooking the river.

Just a 5-minute stroll from the high street, Castle Meadows are managed traditionally, being left to grow through spring and early summer then mowed and the hay collected for animal feed. Through the second half of the year, you’ll see cattle grazing here to keep the grass short. The meadows attract a wide range of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other wildlife and otters are regularly spotted in the river.

Explore the river Usk and Castle Meadows by following this gentle 1.6 mile (2.4 km) walk which takes in Linda Vista Gardens, too. A great way to start is with a home-made soft-serve ice cream from The Angel Bakery in Lower Castle Street. The delicious flavours – such as malted milk, dark chocolate and fresh mint - change almost daily.

For more things to do while in Abergavenny, check out our other suggestions.

[lovetheangelblog]

Wonderful Walking Country

2020 is ‘Year of Outdoors’ in Wales - the perfect reason to spend some time walking in the outstanding landscape which surrounds us.

 Walkers are very welcome at The Angel Hotel, and we provide maps for you to borrow and a selection of recommended walking routes. For the perfect day in the mountains, order a delicious packed lunch, made with bread baked by our very own Angel Bakery.

 Picture-perfect Monmouthshire has mountaintops, river valleys and the stunning Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Choose a long distance route, a short walk or join other walkers for the free monthly guided walks led by experienced guides full of local tales.

 The Brecon Beacons Park Society offers a packed programme of walks and events that are open to non-members – all based on a love of the Brecon Beacons National Park. We particularly like the sound of the Winter Wednesday Wander around Talybont Reservoir on 19th February and the rather more energetic 12-mile walk up two local mountains, Ysgyryd Fawr and Ysgyryd Fach, on 21st February.

  Local walking festivals help to showcase the interesting routes on our doorstep, and take you to the best viewpoints. Check out these spring and early summer festivals:

Crickhowell Walking Festival 7-15 March 2020

Chepstow Walking Festival 15-19 April 2020

Talgarth Walking Festival 7-10 May 2020

 For further outdoor ideas, take a look at these.

[lovetheangelblog]

Autumn Activities

With the countryside around Abergavenny displaying its stunning autumn colours, there’s an extra incentive to get out and about and experience the local scenery and produce. Try one of these...

1. Gourmet gardener break

Learn how to preserve home-grown vegetables through fermentation with the help of our gardener, Amy. At her walled garden, you’ll discover how fermented foods, which are rich in probiotics, can improve digestion, reduce inflammation and benefit your immune and mental health! Learn how to make your own fermented vegetables using different techniques. Amy will show you how to make tasty krauts and kimchi, as well as a variety of brined vegetables. You'll leave with 2 jars of veggies to take home. This workshop is part of a one night package including dinner, bed and breakfast at The Angel Hotel. Available Monday 14 October or Monday 11 November 2019. Find out more.

2. Leaf peeping walks

Drawing on our extensive local knowledge, we know where to go to see the best colours – perfect if you’re a keen photographer and want to capture a gorgeous autumnal landscape. Will you take a gentle stroll along the tree-lined Monmouthshire & Brecon canal, a relatively level walk around the top of the purple heather-clad Blorenge mountain or a more challenging climb up through St. Mary’s Vale onto the iconic Sugar Loaf mountain. We’ve prepared some information about our favourite Leaf Peeping walks for our guests, along with an Ordnance Survey map. Please contact reception for a copy.

3. Foraging break

Autumn foraging is a real adventure, as you’ll discover with Adele Nozedar of Brecon Beacons Foraging. Learn how to use all your senses to guide you in finding and recognising the plants, fungi and wildlife around us. Recognition of plants is a wonderfully sensory experience: squeezing and smelling leaves, rubbing them between your fingers to get a sense of their juices and oils. The three-hour foraging experience which takes place on Sunday 27 October is part of a 1-night break which includes lunch or dinner, bed and breakfast. Contact us for more information.

4. Dragon’s breath

As well as the autumn colours, occasionally you will chance upon what is sometimes called ‘dragon’s breath’ - beautiful morning mists filling the valleys in the Brecon Beacons. Local photographer Alyn Wallace captures this elusive phenomenon in his photographs and videos. To be in with the best chance of seeing it, check the weather forecast for a clear morning and head to a high point. The car park on the south side of the Sugar Loaf mountain is a good viewpoint and you don’t have to walk there. If the weather allows, you’ll look down on the morning mists and watch them slowly rising from the valleys.

5. Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey in the Wye Valley is a must-see during autumn. There are fewer people visiting this tourist hotspot and the magnificent colours of the heavily wooded valley sides form a beautiful backdrop for a few weeks in October and November. The combination of rich autumn colours and 13th century architectural splendour is nothing short of spectacular. It’s an easy drive of around 35 minutes from The Angel Hotel: the route offers enchanting autumn views at every turn as it winds its way down through the Wye Valley from the border town of Monmouth. Find out more.

For more things to do, take a look at these other suggestions.

[lovetheangelblog]

The Angel Hotel wins Good Hotel Guide Cesar Award

We are honoured to have been crowned Welsh Hotel of the Year in the annual Cesar Awards from the Good Hotel Guide.

Named after Cesar Ritz, the most celebrated of hoteliers, these annual awards are given to the ten finest UK hotels and are considered to be the Oscars of the hotel world.

This is a particularly special accolade because our recommendation comes from readers of The Good Hotel Guide, followed by an anonymous, professional inspection. It reflects the fact that our entire team at The Angel is consistently focused on making the hotel a shining beacon of hospitality, day in day out.

It’s a delight to read the comments made by guests: they enjoy the ‘feather-light scones, perfect pastries and cakes’ in our award-winning Afternoon Tea, the ‘first class meal in the restaurant’ and dining at The Walnut Tree (our sister establishment) is ‘perfection’.

While guests appreciate the extra touches at The Angel – ‘everything was spot on, down to the radio tuned to Radio 4’ – it’s comments about the service from ‘exceptionally helpful, cheery staff’ that are especially rewarding.

Speaking about the awards, Adam Raphael, co-editor of The Good Hotel Guide, said: “The test of a good hotel remains the same – great hospitality, attention to detail and friendly, attentive service.” We couldn’t agree more. Let the celebrations begin!

[hoveartshop]

Very pleased with our new @yatpottery postcard flyers from @vistaprint If you would like some for your establishment or rental holiday home, please let us know. Lots of the things we do are good for rainy days like art materials and our takeaway home pottery painting boxes. @visit_herefordshire @visit_rossonwye @visitdeanwye @visitmonmouthshire @visit_gloucestershire #holidayhome #staycationuk #thingsforkids (at Yat Pottery Studio / Yat Pottery Art & Home) https://www.instagram.com/p/COmu35kHGvg/?igshid=40aavrkr588d

[hoveartshop]

A beautiful #camelia in a friends garden near @yatpottery Spring on the way and the promise of more colour and not having to wear a bloody mask. @visit_herefordshire @visitdeanwye @visitmonmouthshire #wyevalley #yatpottery #artontheyat (at Yat Pottery Studio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMDiTsyH7Se/?igshid=iykb5l5plp29

[hoveartshop]

Nice to see one of my Stoneware salad bowls being put to good use @yatpottery. I like making practical items that become part of people’s lives and potentially handed on. We have ceramics that my Grandparents handed on and we still use regularly. @madeinross @visit_herefordshire @eatsleepliveherefordshire @visitmonmouthshire (at Yat Pottery Studio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLcbYuUnZWE/?igshid=iumjt2bpl87m

[hoveartshop]

Delicious antique gilding by Gillian @yatpottery What was a very unremarkable pine mirror is becoming something quite spectacular. Emperor’s Silk #anniesloanchalkpaint . Full reveal when it goes up on the feature wall soon. @anniesloan_ukcoordinator @visit_herefordshire @yourherefordshire1 @eatsleepliveherefordshire @visitdeanwye @visit_rossonwye @visitmonmouthshire #photooftheday #anniesloan #chalkpaint #anniesloanchalkpaint #anniesloanhome #vintage #paintedfurniture #homedecor #furnituremakeover #vintagefurniture #diy #chalkpaintedfurniture #shoplocal #painteverything #anniesloanstockist #furnitureartist #darkwax #upcylefurniture #upcycledfurniture #furniture #refurbishedfurniture #upcycle #interiordesign #shabbychic #vintagedecorating #clearwax #shopsmall #handpaintedfurniture #furniturepainter #handpainted (at Yat Pottery Studio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKwdx2ZH-Da/?igshid=1m97iau7jziqj

[hoveartshop]

Spot of dinner @thebellatskenfrith First meal out since March. Delicious with lovely staff observing all the Covid rules. @visitmonmouthshire (at New Castle, Monmouthshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFXv51Qnrm0/?igshid=wgmwwh500wen

[hoveartshop]

#nofilter #nosirens @visitmonmouthshire (at New Castle, Monmouthshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFS3BQVnB0O/?igshid=orthghp3tzv

[lovetheangelblog]

Wedding Showcase: meet another of our chosen suppliers – Bea Turton Cakes

With excitement growing for our Wedding Showcase on 7th and 8th March, we went behind the scenes at a few of our exhibitors to find out a bit more about them. Here’s the third one: Bea Turton Cakes.

  Where did the inspiration come from for Bea Turton Cakes?

My mum. She baked virtually every day at home. I was eager to help out from a young age, and gradually learnt how to weigh out the ingredients, crack eggs, and bake a sponge. I didn’t realise until I was older, that my mum’s standard of baking was rather special. We were often treated to macaroons, strudels, doughnuts, fruit baskets, îles flottantes and fudges, while our birthday cakes looked and tasted amazing! Many years later, in 2016, after attending a pâtisserie school, I set up my own business. I make cakes for every occasion and also cater for afternoon teas which people host in their own home.

 What is special about your wedding cakes?

I have developed my own distinctive style of decorating which includes painting with a palette knife and piping 3D buttercream flowers. These techniques gives me the freedom to create beautiful designs, and are often found on my wedding cakes.

 I make more traditional wedding cakes, too, using fondant icing. I always try to elevate it with something special, something artistic – perhaps adding features made of rice paper or sugarpaste. 

 What type of mixture is inside?

I bake almost anything, from traditional Victoria sponge and fruit cake, to any flavour that people would like. And, of course, I offer gluten-free and vegan cakes, too.

 What are the latest trends in wedding cakes?

The style I use seems to be going viral recently. You see more and more cake makers using 3D piped flowers to decorate. Other trends are tiered cakes with layers of different heights, ombre or naked cakes with some of all of the cake mixture visible, textured buttercream and designs painted onto the cake. It changes very fast from one year to another. 

It’s crucial for me to constantly learn new techniques and incorporate them into my designs, as wedding couples often ask for the latest trends. However, I also want to be true to myself and incorporate my style into the designs – that’s what makes a Bea Turton cake unique. 

What will you be exhibiting at The Angel Hotel’s Wedding Showcase?

I will be exhibiting pretty much my whole range. You’ll see wedding cakes of different sizes, wedding favours, and a complete dessert table from small, bite size pâtisserie pieces to croquembouche cones. 

 We hope to see you at our Wedding Showcase today.