THE Star Inn, at Llanfihangel-Tor-Mynydd, Llansoy, near Usk, may be a little off the beaten track, but on a summer's evening the Monmouthshire countryside makes this an ideal location for an evening out.

The pub is well-prepared for all weather with benches outside to enjoy the scenery in the heat and a log fire inside for the cold days.

The welcome is warm with plenty of people eager to sample some of the delights on the menu.

The choice is varied with items not usually seen on a pub menu. For starters I had goats cheese with a small salad, which was just large enough to get the tastebuds going but small enough to keep room for the main course costing £4.75.

My partner had whitebait for starters again with a small salad costing £4.75.

For the main course I chose a chicken wrapped in cheese and bacon with potato and vegetables.

The chicken was moist and tasty and a reasonable price for such a good quality dish at £9.75.

My partner had fillet steak with a port sauce with chips for his main course which he said was tasty and again a filling meal for £14.95.

Despite being very full I had to try one of the tempting desserts and picked fruit pavlova which ended the meal off perfectly at £3.85.

The whole meal was delicious and very relaxed with good service and with drinks and coffee the total came to £48.

This pub is ideal for people who want a quiet, delicious meal in beautiful surroundings. Helen Roberts