Perfect ride to the perfect pub.

Click here for map of this ride

The Hardwick is situated just outside Abergavenny on the old Raglan road in the heart of mid Wales. I’m not going to take you straight there but ride you around some fantastic roads. Head north from Cardiff on the A470 the road gets better after the Quakers Yard roundabout, staying on the A470 you’ll ride on sweeping roads through the Cynon valley and Merthyr passing Cyfarthfa castle on your right. The road will change to a single lane this is the start of the Beacons and that’s where the fun will start. Just follow the road to the next roundabout about 15 miles you’ll have fantastic scenery passing reservoirs Llwyn non and Cantref on the left and Pen y fan, Corn ddu and Cribin on your right, when you get to the Storey arms you have views right down the valley on the right, half way down the hill is a great place to stop for a cuppa in the Superbites burger van the views will take your breath away.

Carry on the road through Libanus to the roundabout and take the A40 this will take you onto one of the best riding/driving roads in Wales. The road is winding and sweeping, wide and pot hole free, it takes you through and passed fabulous scenery and places like the Welsh venison centre, call in the meat selection is excellent, head through Crickhowell and on into Abergavenny you’ll find the Hardwick on the Old Raglan road.

If you thought the ride made you grin then the Hardwick will have you smiling from ear to ear. The owner/Chef is Stephen Terry who studied under Marco Pierre White and Michelle Roux junior so has a good pedigree. When you enter, the first thing you notice is the quarried floors and small bar/waiting area, there’s beers from the Rhymney and Otley breweries as well as ciders and wines, if your dining and this is something you should do get yourself some chilli nuts nice to nibble on while you peruse the menu and extensive wine list.

The dining area is relaxed and well spaced out and the service is friendly and very professional. There’s an excellent choice on the menu with the food sourced locally. There is a set lunch menu for about £20 ish for 3 courses. My Partner and I chose from the menu, the Crispy Bread crumbed Gloucester Old Spot Pork Belly with Black Pudding, Shaved Fennel and Apple & Mustard starter was excellent as was Welsh rarebit on Pressed Ham Hock with Parsley, Shallot Salad and Mustard Cream. The Rib eye steak for the main course was superb melt in your mouth, the pear and almond tart with honey ice cream was exquisite.

All in all this was a fantastic day out, great rid, great pub, great food and great company. Looking like I had a coat hanger in my mouth I just had to enjoy the ride home.