July5-6,2018 - Powys Wales Mini Break

Shwmae All,

We have decided to take advantage of a offer on Secret Escapes and head off for a two day break in Powys ,Wales. On the way down we stop at Berrington Hall a National Trust site . It is a neoclassical country house built in 1778-1781 for Thomas Harley. While the outside of the house is rather plain the inside is quite ornate.

We spend about a hour exploring the house and grounds before continuing on our way to Powys and the Lake Country House Hotel our home for two nights.

One our arrival we are shown into a lovely room that has a large seating room, king size bed ,bathroom with a walk in shower as well as a bath. Once we are settled in he head up to the main house for a drink and to relax before dinner. While there we met the manager and have a nice chat about where we are from and retirement. The gentlemen looks to be in his mid 70's and lets us know he is not ready to retire any time soon as he loves his job. Well I think that is the key if you really love what you are doing why stop.

Pictured on the right is the main part of the lodge which back in the Victorian era was a Gentleman's hunting lodge. While enjoying our drinks we are given appetisers to enjoy. We then change for dinner . You need to book a dinner time when you check in and we have picked a 7:30 sitting. While sitting in the waiting area we are given the menu and choose our meals as well as drink choices . We are one again offered appetisers and have pre dinner drinks. We are the seated at our table were our wine order is waiting and given a amuse bouche,then our main and dessert. After dinner we decide to walk the grounds. It is 10:00PM and the sun is just setting and it is still very warm. Check out my FB wall for pictures.

July 6th after breakfast we are out early to explore the area .We have decided to do the Elan Valley Dams. June has been unseasonably hot for the UK with little or no rain. As we travel the dams we can very clearly see the results of the dry month. The river bed is dry in a number of spots and some of the water levels at some of the dams are really low. The tour around the dam takes a couple of hours with stops at each dam for photos.

Fred's brother has told us about a pub in the area Felin Fach Griffin so we decide to give it a try. I decide to be adventurous and order fish as I am not a fish eater. Turns out was not a good choice,my fish was under cooked and the meal had to be returned. The melon mint amuse bouche was refreshing and the soda bread was delish. Shame the fish was off. We head back to the hotel to relax, cool off and sort pictures.

We head up to the main house for pre dinner drinks. Tonight I have a fancy cocktail and Fred has a local beer. Our appetisers are seared scallops for me and Fred has beef carpaccio. My main is venison and Fred has pork belly with pork lion and chive croquette. It is absolutely delicious .

We have really enjoyed this break and would return to this location should it come up on offer again.

Cheers ,
Sandy & Fred