Fronlas

Local restaurants

For fine dining, head to the award-winning restaurant Angel (+44 (0)1558 823394) in Salem, Llandeilo and see why it was awarded two rosettes from the AA, along with a gold award in the Dining out in Wales Guide. Capel Bach Bistro (+44 (0)1558 822765) in the Angel Inn hotel, on Rhosmaen Street, is perfect for a few hours of wining and dining in historic, 18th-century surrounds.  Another award-winning eatery just a short drive away is Y Polyn (+44 (0)1267 290000) in Capel Dewi, Nantgaredig. The head honchos behind the restaurant know what they’re doing; one is an ex-AA inspector and the other is the former editor of the AA Restaurant Guide.

Local bars

The Salutation Inn and Brasserie (+44 (0)1558 822500) on New Road is Llaindelo’s most popular watering hole, serving up a highly gluggable range of cask-conditioned ales, Continental beers, wines and spirits. The lively bar area is popular with both locals and ramblers alike in the evenings and weekends, and hosts regular live music events, from bar piano to local talent. Enjoy the scenic surrounds; the 18th-century, Grade II-listed building has been given a sophisticated renovation, and there’s a flagstone courtyard and walled garden beloved by the nicotine-keen. There’s also a great restaurant if you’re feeling peckish.

Local cafes

Caffi Salvador (+44 (0)1558 822 908) on King Street is a small and cosy deli and tapas bar, with just a handful of tables but plenty of picnic-perfect groceries and treats, such as jars of plump, succulent peaches in syrup. Sweet-tooths must visit Heavenly (+44 (0)1558 822 800) on Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo’s Willy Wonka-style, award-winning chocolatier and ice cream emporium. Although the shop stocks traditional sweets and world-class chocolate (including its own brand) the crowning glory is the Ice Cream Lab: thyme, marmalade, peanut butter, Turkish delight, and lime and stem ginger are just a few popular choices. Not satisfied by its selection? Heavenly will tailor-make any outlandish concoction you can dream up and have it ready for your delectation within 48 hours, whether it’s savoury or sweet.

For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in Brecon Beacons, check out our Brecon Beacons eating & drinking guide

Worth getting out of bed for

Something beginning with ‘BB’… No, not British breakfast (although there is that), but the Brecon Beacons of course. Splendid specimens of rural magnificence, this national park’s green rolling hills are a walker’s dream. You could also hire a bike and explore the Millennium Coastal Path or Afan Forest Park, which was voted one of the world’s top 10 places to go mountain biking. If you want to soak up the surrounds without over-exerting your calf muscles, spend an afternoon fishing at the River Towy, one of Europe’s best angling destinations for sea trout (known locally as sewin). You may even catch some salmon if you’re lucky. Ask the hotel to organise your permits. Alternatively, admire the world’s largest single-span glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, just a short walk or bike ride from Fronlas, If you want a bird’s eye view of the Brecons (and to really dazzle your partner), hire a hot-air balloon and head for the clouds.

For a full list of recommended activities in Brecon Beacons, check out our Brecon Beacons destination guide