The picturesque hamlet of Cross Ash, just outside Abergavenny, is home to a new gourmet cuisine experience.

Simon King, owner and head chef at 1861, has worked in some of the country’s top restaurants and fine dining is very much his forte.

Simon and wife Kate have built upon a wealth of restaurant experience to offer gourmet standard dining to Abergavenny; with just the right balance of friendly and personal service to make for a meal to remember.

The restaurant staff are in pursuit of truly fabulous food produced locally by regional (or neighbouring) farmers, butchers and vegetable producers.

With this in mind, it’s good to see that the majority of fresh vegetables come from Kate’s father’s nursery in Nantyderry, ensuring that the time between harvesting the vegetables or picking the tomatoes to cooking/serving is kept to a minimum.

The restaurant has newly refurbished decor, with a subtle contemporary feel, while maintaining its original features, many of which relate to its name.

The service is warm and welcoming, with the front of house managed by Kate, and a small number of local staff.

Their quest for the freshest ingredients serves to create an ever changing seasonal menu, littered with many favourites such as the Braised Belly Pork and Mosaic of Red Fruits.

If you enjoy good food in a relaxed, welcoming environment put this new restaurant on your list.