Simple Perfection, Doubled

On our last day in Wales, we had a leisurely lunch at the Golden Mile Inn near Bridgend with P's sister G and her husband J.

The first surprise was that behind the bar was G's and J's former milkman! Steve and his wife Siân now were the owners of the Golden Mile, and had updated the interior in ways that enhanced its comfort and charm.

The second surprise was how outstanding the food was -- the steak and ale pie, accompanied by fresh, local creamed leeks, new potatoes, and swede (rutabaga), was best I had ever had in my dozen or more visits to Britain.

Normally I don't eat that much at lunchtime, but it was impossible to put my fork down until every bite was gone. If I could have purred, I would have.

After a fond farewell to G and J, we drove to Bristol for an overnight stay at Brinsea Green Farm B&B for a relaxing evening before our flight the next morning to Beziers in southern France.

Located in the countryside south of Bristol Airport, Brinsea Green Farm, like the Golden Mile Inn, offered simple perfection. Our room overlooked green fields and had everything needed for our comfort, including cozy robes and a selection of interesting books.

For a local food lover, the breakfast the next morning was bliss -- local bacon and sausages, bread from the village bakery, honey from the farm, and homemade marmalade and jams.

You can see that breakfast and other photos from Brinsea Green Farm B & B here.