PROMPTED by the need to diversify, a few years ago the Jones family decided to turn a barn on the family farm into a restaurant.

It was a leap of faith that has paid off handsomely.

The converted building – a great deal of the work was done by the family themselves and most of the interior wood was sourced from the farm – is light and warm.

The latter was especially welcoming, given that the weather outside was very cold.

The menu was extensive without being fussy - we started with creamy garlic mushrooms, served with a roll, and cheesy nachos and salsa. The mushrooms were succulent and the cheese on the nachos ‘good and strong’, according to my mate Phil, who’d manfully volunteered to drive through snowy country lanes to get there.

We went for steak and ale pie, and beef stroganoff with rice and garlic bread as our main courses.

The Welsh beef was melt-in-the-mouth and the portions hearty enough to satisfy hungry farmers without being too over-the-top.

Despite the fact I was really full up, in the interests of completeness I tried the raspberry pavlova sundae for dessert – Phil just went for the coffee.

Reminiscent of seaside treats, my pudding was packed with meringue, cream, ice-cream and fruit – and was sinfully tasty.

Prices range from £3.95 to £5.25 for starters, £9.95 to £20.50 mains and around £3 to £5 for dessert.

The service was friendly and efficient without being rushed and Mr Jones senior even spared the time to show us round afterwards.

As well as the restaurant area and bar, there’s the smaller function room with pool table and skittle alley and a massive function room with stage and separate bar which comfortably seats 200, leaving room for a dance floor.

All in all, a satisfying, reasonably priced and enjoyable evening out – it even stopped snowing for the journey home.

Log on to www.hogsheadpub.co.uk or ring 01600 780410 to check opening times.