I'll second The Crown. Great service, great place, great food and drink. The Hardwick, on the old Abergavenny road is very nice too, if a little hard to find. The Lough Pool (just 'round the corner from me) is a place where i've had some good meals, though i recommended it to a colleague, whom ate well there once, though on his return - (Easter lunch, i think) was not happy with the meal/service. I haven't been there since, but have been meaning to check up... Cottage of Content at Carey is a beautiful pub with good quality food, nothing fancy, just very honest and well cooked, good produce and great service. These suggestions maybe a little late for you, but thought i'd get them up on the board... Elliott