1861 Restaurant in Monmouthshire

Wonderful meal as always Warm welcome fromKate and superb meal I had scallop and artichoke risotto and my hubby had artichoke tempura followed by Filet de boeuf Rossini and venison for my husband who had elderflower soufflé for pudding which was amazing Great service and food totally worthy of two red rosettes a Monmouthshire gem

We visited here in June 2021, shortly after restaurants were able to re-open following lockdown. We had had the 7 course tasting menu, and every course was exceptional. Service was excellent, the location is picturesque and it was great value. There is honestly nothing not to like about this place!

Enjoyed a lovely lunch at 1861, the food was amazing and service exceptional.We had the set menu which consisted of Salad of Cheese Beignets with Tomato & Onion Relish, Stuffed Lambs Heart with seasonal vegetables and Elderflower Fritters with Rhubarb Coulis and Honey Ice-cream. The amuse-bouche added an extra special touch, tomato & chive jelly, chilled toffee apple soup and the petit fours with coffee were divine.Highly recommend you visit this restaurant.

Fantastic lunch from the festive set menu, the food was delicious, the service was excellent Kate is the perfect hostess. Highly recommend

My sister and I visited the restaurant in the summer and must say what a find !!!Fantastic food with a family run feel. Wonderful service by Kate we will most definitely be coming back.

A very enjoyable experience! Food was different but very tasty. Wonderful service by Kate; so friendly and efficient. Would highly recommend to those who enjoy trying something different.

We visit Restaurant 1861 from time to time & they have never disappointed. They are very welcoming & friendly. The food is flavoursome & well presented. Sometimes you will find something a bit out of the ordinary on the menu like stuffed pigs trotter which is wonderful to find & delightful to eat. It is obvious that alot of hard work, love & care goes into this business. We look forward to our next visit. Thank you Kate & Simon keep doing what you are doing.

After cancelling a birthday weekend away, we decided to book the tasting menu at 1861. What a great decision. From the moment we arrived, we were treated so well we felt like family. All the courses were delicious. Special mention to the fillet of beef with potato rosti to die for, and a pudding selection where the panna cotta was the best we have ever had. Thank you so much for having us, we will be back!

Our booking in 1861 was the one 'special meal' booked for the week away. It wasn't as good as we had hoped but they're there, pushing through difficult times and serving people with lovely smiles and pretty good food.

Starter ok, main course, pork very disappointing. Service very pleasant but took so long to serve coffe we had to leave as taxi had arrived.

After having our holiday cancelled due to Covid, my sister and I had a staycation and decided to end with a nice meal. My sister chose 1861 and it didn't disappoint, the food was above excellent and Kate was superb with service. We would most certainly recommend a visit here if you appreciate good food

It was so good to go back to 1861 we missed it so much. Kate was her usual charming self remembering what we liked to drink and generally making us feel so welcome. The food was superb with Simon at his usual best. It was good to see the restaurant full. They are a great couple who run a great restaurant that deserves wider acknowledgement so please support 1861 when you want to treat yourself or someone else to a special occasion

Our final night on our UK break away, we wanted a fancy dinner sitting outside as the weather was lush. This place caught our eye and it didn’t disappoint! Don’t think our Pallets were up to scratch for the food but we both new it tasted wonderful! Great service! Wonderful waitress! Defo recommend for a treat night.

Had the usual warm welcome frrom Kate when we arrived complete with our ususal drinks! We eat at 1861 around every 6 weeks, until the lockdown stopped this. Naturally as businesses opened up we wanted to be at 1861!! Outdoor seating is limited which means unlike previously, I cannot just turn up!! Booking is a must which for me is a bit of a departure from deciding on the day BUT given the times I guess this is only fair to businesses. Arrived at the agreed time to be greeted by Kate with our usual drinks! Despite 4 months absence, Kate still remembered our drinks!The menu was as you would expect of 1861, amazing!! and as usual the freedom to choose from the various menu's! I was very interested to hear (passively) that fellow diners had been accomodated at 1861 with a celebratory for Thanksgiving - Americans who wanted traditional turkey & pumpkin! They were very pleased with what had been provided simon & Kate had, at short otice 2200 hrs night before provided what the guests wanted on that occasion!We were greeted with an extensive menu. and as usual the ability to order across the menu's which incled the tasting menu!We ordered the broccoli soup, beetroot & lavendar rissotto to start, the amuse bouche was a tomato jelly was was very tasty. Mains consisted of beetroot & lavender risotto for my partner (despite it being a starter Kate agreed for it to be a mains) and I had the venison which was served as a trio of meats and cooked to my preference!!Enjoyed our meals so much piggishly ordred TWO starters!! Had a lovely cold ginger soup between our courses. The champagne rhubarb and then the final pudding course of the mixed platter, was well worth having!The experience was amazing, our first foray out after lockdown!! There was nothing that worried me in terms of infection prevention control, we wee seated well away from other diners, there was more than enough space not to have to worry!

Having been to Restaurant 1861 a number of times in the past, we thought we’d treat ourselves last minute. We had an absolutely fantastic meal yet again here, the food is amazing. Due to the current situation the menu was slightly limited but for us there was still plenty to choose from! The truffled goat’s cheese pre starter was rich and creamy followed by a broccoli soup with Stilton mouse and a wild garlic risotto! Both were delicious. My partner had the mushroom main course which again smelt and tasted fantastic. I had the beef skirt last night which I’ve had before, very tender and beautifully presented. Desserts were again superb! Tasty passion fruit soufflé and a trio of chocolate. Excellent hosting also. Thankyou again for a lovely meal.

The owners are truly lovely people. In fact, you couldn't ask to meet nicer people running a restaurant. However, I just don't think they have their pitch right. The restaurant is a little out of town in a lovely setting. As you get out of the car, the building is pretty and quite striking. It has a true homely feel about it inside . However, I just feel that they have not got their business model right. They are trying to create the feel of a really nice restaurant, however for the price you just expect better. The menu prices are not shy when it comes to ££££ so you are then inviting people to quite closely scrutinise and have a higher expectation. After ordering from the menu, the food was sadly served in a Sunday lunch style. No elegance or creativity. Yes, the food tasted nice and it was all homemade, but it just left you disappointed and wondering what could of been. The decor is quite 1970's with mock- tudor woodwork and layered artex on the walls . You can quite clearly see it's been a pub in it's previous life. If you are attempting a fine dining experience , then they will need to look at this and make it more appropriate. Or, if they dropped the fine dinning attempt and just concentrated on serving up good quality home cooked food at a reasonable price, then it could possibly be winner. I do believe this restaurant has an identity crisis and I suspect it's costing them a lot of money with very limited covers. I really have tried to be constructive here because they are genuinely nice people. I sincerely wish them well !

We were the first customers of the evening and on arrival were ushered into a small lounge and told not to sit opposite each other across a table by the fireplace but rather to share a small settee in this otherwise empty room, "...or soon you won't be able to hear each other's conversation." I pondered matters for a moment while ordering drinks for us and then sat where I wanted to and chatted comfortably with my wife. The drinks were delivered along with something of a Harrumph - because I hadn't followed the seating instructions.The menu didn't appeal as much as I'd hoped and after dismissing starters I opted for mushrooms, my wife for game. Luckily we spotted on the menu that the place didn't take credit cards and were able to make sure that we had a debit card before ordering food. After a few minutes another couple arrived in the pre-dinner lounge and then a trio, but the sound level never became overly high...Soon we were led through to our table in the dining room.The amuse bouche was game pate of no particular merit; the bread provided was an ordinary looking white loaf, presumably cooked on the premises but so bland in appearance that it remained untasted. The mushrooms in a cream sauce where exactly that and no more, the accompanying pastry case was brittle and almost inedible as were the warmed over root vegetable chunks on the plate.The whole plate showed an absence of both skill and flair in its presentation and I was as disappointed in it as I was with the welcome. The game, I'm told, was unexceptional and being served in a bowl made it a little awkward to get a knife and fork to.We hadn't enjoyed the meal nor the experience and didn't stay for dessert.The relatively high price of the food was not reflected in the quality on offer and we felt very let down.

This was a special celebration for a 95yr old's birthday and 1861 did us proud. The party girl was made to feel special and the food, as usual, was superb.My brother, who was organizing, was keen to find a special place, where the food was guaranteed to be good, with a lovely, relaxed atmosphere. As regular customers of Kate and Simon, we were only too pleased to suggest 1861 and it proved to be a good choice. My elderly aunt thoroughly enjoyed the food and the pampering. I would have no hesitation in recommending 1861 to anyone who is looking for something a bit special. Thank you again Kate and Simon.

Usual warm welcome from Kate, and our first visit of the new year!! In minutes few had my glass of the house Malbec ready (it really is a good wine!) and the coffee on the way. We both ordered the romanesco soup to start, this was preceeded by a pheasant terrine with melba toast - the chutney was so tasty!! This was a really nice appetiser indeed!The romanesco was really nice, and the Gruyère cheese really rounded it off! Piping hot and really tasty, a great start to the meal.For mains I choose the trio of game.....nice selection of meats cooked to my preference (the venison was particulary good pink yet no blood!) which I really enjoyed. My partner had a starter served as a mains - the parsnip risotto, Kate is always very response to request so please do not hesitate to ask!! We really enjoy all of the risotto's Simon serves and really looking forward to the wild garlic risotto becoming available. We remarked to Kate that we always enjoy the risotto and it beats the ones we have eaten in Italian restaurants. There was the usual complementary course between main and pudding, and we had a lemon and ginger chilled soup! Really nice, and cleansing on the palete! For desert opted for the pear & stilton which was quite a departure from my norm! Undoubtedly a savoury but a good end to the meal and had I not had a nice Malbec would probably have ordered a nice port! My partner ordered the damson souffle - the execution of this I will not spoil but an amazing pud!!!! Finished off with coffee (my partner assures me its excellent!) wine and petit fours and coffee, which were, as always really really good!

This should have been a treat, but the chilly host and cold decor were an unwelcoming start. The cooking is not bad, despite mean portions and the puddings delicious. A completely un-nourishing and expensive restaurant.

We went for our wedding anniversary. The menu is absolutely fantastic and the food quality is extraordinarily good. The bill was what you would expect for food of this quality and taste. WE WILL BE BACK!!!

Lovely old building from outside but the inside doesn’t match. It’s like an 1980’s fake Tudor pub. The interior either needs authenticating or modernising. Lovely welcoming staff and excellent customer service but missing some of the fine dining touches such as table cloths (to hide the cheap tables) and hand towels in the restrooms needed to be bright white and fresh, not tired and grey. Unfortunately the food was a little hit and miss also. Great starter, overcooked and salty main with terrible vegetables and average dessert. Happy to pay premium prices but would expect premium dining experience.

We eat relatively regularly here usually Saturday lunch, never had dinner. Decided we would go for dinner to celebrate my birthday and invite some family along for them to experience 1861. Booked to arrive at 1900 hrs to be able to spend some time in the lounge before going into the restaurant, thought our taxi was going in reverse and arrived just in the nick of time!! I think it's important to be punctual particularly if you haven't booked the table for the night etc.Had pre-dinner drinks whilst considering the menu, made our choices (have to say difficult for some to choose their starter so there was actually 4 starters between 3 people with a lot of sharing!) We ordered a range of starters and mains all of which were perfectly executed. We all enjoyed the meals we had choosen and there was enough on the menu to give everyone choice - eg no lamb, no meat so they chose fish and really enjoyed it! As usual the comlementary appertiser started the dining. They also really liked the fact that all food sources were cited within the menu, and as you would expect, many providers were are aware of as they are local!Had a range of drinks from the gorgeous house Malbec, organic sparkling white wine, the house Pinot and a rose wine and all of it hit the spot with us.Sadly we did not have time for a pudding, allowed 3 hours which wasn't enough (on reflection should have asked Kate how long to allow!) On a lunch time would have been long enough but there were 5 of us and we took things at a leisurely pace, and didn't feel any pressure to clear plates quickly!Service as usual was faultless, timely, professional but warm & friendly!I have celebrated my birthday in many restaurants, in many countries but have to say 1861 is right up there at the top of my experiences.Our famlly thoroughly enjoyed it, and I suspect it is not going to be the only visit they make, or recommend the restaurant to others!! Definately an experience for us to repeat as a group!

Having lived in Abergavenny for many years we finally decided to visit here on Friday. We purchased a Groupon voucher and made our way to the restaurant . There is no light on the car park opposite which makes parking quite difficult! we were greeted by the owner with the immortal words next time you book with Groupon make sure you leave contact details, which, by the way, we did ! We were seated and waited for our Prosecco whilst the owner asked if she could take our coats. When she collected my husbands she turned and promptly said “ these posh coats never have hooks” which embarrassed my husband yet again ! The food was average the trio of game was a little too strong for me but the lamb was good just not hot enough ! The amuse bouch was ok ... the bread was really good ...but all in all it was a total lack of ambience that made for a bad experience ! Our waitress tried really hard but the owner certainly didn’t ! The bill was a shocker when it came ! £3.95 for bottled water we didn’t ask .. for delivered with no ice or lemon ! £9 for a pint of Carling lager ! And a charge for a scoop of ice cream to go with dessert ! All in all just wasn’t impressed and shan’t be going back there again ! There are so many more restaurants that provide better food and better service ! NB if you purchase a Groupon voucher be aware you only have £22 max per person for the main meal !

Three of us had dinner at 1861 for the first time on Saturday. The wine list was impressive and the food delicious. We each chose something different from the varied menu and each thought we’d made the best choice. The seasonal vegetables in particular were tasty and beautifully cooked. We all appreciated the sensible portion sizes too.

We went for sunday lunch on my husbands birthday. I had told them that he was vegetarian and had hoped he would get a really nice meal. Unfortunately that was not to be. The choices were very poor! What is it that these so called michelin chefs don't understand that vegetarians also need protein!!!! Not just veggies. I chose the roast beef which was fine but the veggies served with it were unseasoned and the salt cellar on the table was empty! The yorkshire pudding was the size of a small loaf but completely hollow, not at all appetising! I did not eat it! Then to cap it all we were charged almost £4 for a bottle of still water!!! We will not be returning!

My partner and I had dinner here on the final evening of our holiday in the area and couldn't have chosen a better place to celebrate the end of a lovely week .We can only echo the plaudits of other patrons - a wonderful choice of innovative dishes ,superbly cooked and beautifully presented food ,lovely pre-course extras and enticing sweetmeats with the coffee .There was an extensive choice of wines and I much enjoyed the house chardonnay with my scallop ravioli and lobster bisque .Kate and the young man serving us were friendly and professional and the whole evening was a delight .

Not sure where the time went beyween our now long overdue visit and our last visit! Time really has flown! Usual warm welcome from Kate along with our usual drinks. Have to say the welcome is not reserved for ourselves noting the welcome given to others when they arrived. I ordered the nettle risotto to start, amazing how a nettle can improve rice!! Really tasty such a nice dish, my partber ordered one of his stock favourites the broccoli & stilton soup both really well enjoyed. For mains had the trio of goat which is a new introduction never eaten this before at 1861 and my partner had the beetroot and lavender risotto - another stock favourite of his!! The goat was really nice and such a contrast of tastes and textures!

A regular haunt. Ring before you visit to book a table and inform them you're gluten intolerant. The chef (and owner) knows all about gluten intolerance and is happy to provide a variety of gluten free options. Last year I even tried the foraging menu - wow what a treat if you like the unusual and tasty. My favourite desert of all time has to be the battered elder flower heads with sides. I love batter and it's not something I can generally eat being gluten intolerant. The other thing to die for is their gluten free bread (served as a side at the start of your meal). Warm, soft and just like new bread should be, fantastic. Be aware this restaurant is priced at the higher end of the market comparable to it's competitors serving the same quality of food. However, as a gluten intolerant I'm happy to pay the price for a great meal out. Finally, they also server Chase Gin and Fever Tree tonic - how can you go wrong.

Had an excellent meal here yesterday eveing. Food was amazing and bestifully presented. Nice, homely feel. will return.

Two years ago we visited a Michelin 2 star restaurant in Cannes La Bocca to celebrate our wedding anniversary. This year we visited Restaurant 1861. Wow. We were not disappointed. Indeed the food and the service here in rural Wales was exceptional. This chef in this Welsh restaurant deserves at least one Michelin star too. Loved the experience. Fantastic.

We booked this restaurant, based on great reviews, prior to leaving Australia and we weren't disappointed. We dined mid-week so there weren't many people there but Kate had great enthusiasm and passion for what she and her husband are doing. Service was excellent with every dish thoroughly explained and wonderful freshly baked bread always a winner for us.

Super welcome from Kate, great menu choice.. went out of the way to accommodate a couple of vegetarians. Amuse bouche delightful. Excellent starter of nettle risotto and gnocchi. Lovely fresh bread and attentive service. Mains out of this world. Fricasse of vegetables looked super. Other main courses, loin of pork, beef skirt and parsnip risotto went down a treat. Thanks again for another tasty meal!

We had a thank you dinner here Great service and staff Food was very enjoyable definitely worth a try

A Warm welcome awaited us. Kate was very friendly and helpful We had starters and a main course.With a complimentry ami bouche cucumber and mint, very refreshing.The food was excellent nice ambiance. We will definetely revisit.

Booked the early bird offer which you get if you are on the 1861 emailing list! £25 off your bill when you spend over £75 which we spend easily!!

Had heard how good this restaurant was so finally booked to go. Unfortunately I have to agree with some of the other reviews in that although the food and the waiter who served us were very good I have to agree that the initial welcome was not the best - however the welcome afforded to a group of 'regulars' was very very different. We might have become regulars but now I'm not so sure!

My partner and I had been looking forward to trying this restaurant for the first time, I've always thought it looked quaint and intriguing from the outside.

I don’t particularly like writing bad reviews but on this occasion I’d rather people were made aware of the kind of service to be expected and if you are planning a special meal you may want to rethink your booking.

This experience highlighted that no matter how gorgeous the food, or how reasonable the interior design, or how sweet and considerate the waitress; when you have a host/owner that is a pompous, pretentious, judgemental madame this puts a black cloud over the whole evening.

Had my birthday meal here and loved it. The welcome and service are exceptional, the food is superbly cooked and presented and it just feels so special

Our first visit to 1861 - for our wedding anniversary. A glorious Good Friday!...I thought that the restaurant would be busy as we were 'time restricted' to a 12.30 table...but very quiet...perhaps a bit TOO quiet for me!..this is a 'special restaurant' and the credentials of Simon, the Chef...explain why. Food was excellent...not 'twee', but full of interesting flavours etc. Excellent wine list. We will definitely return, but I think that my 'older' husband enjoyed it more than me. It would not pay to visit 'frequently' but season by season...it would be good to go. Service excellent from the Chef's wife. I found it a bit of quizzical experience and cannot quite put my finger on why........

We visited Wales for a long weekend and decided to treat ourselves to a 7 course taster menu..Wow!! We was not disappointed... Fantastic welcoming and service that really was personal... not to mention great food... We certainly hope to be back.

Beautiful atmospheric venue. Excellent welcoming service. Three fantastic courses. Well thought out, cooked and presented. Will certainly visit again when I want to impress friends.

Thank you for a fantastic lunch, great service and a warm and friendly atmosphere. The food was beautifully cooked and served, and we loved the vegetarian options. We will be back!

Celebrating our anniversary with delicious food and great atmosphere. Couldn’t fault the food or the staff.

Attended 1851, with a Groupon voucher; a present from my daughter. I booked in advance. Upon arrival, there was no difference between our welcome and any other customer. We were politely and warmly welcomed and given a glass of Prosecco each and some nibbles. We were restricted to the 'a la Carte' menu, which is significantly more expensive, but had a wonderful three course meal, with complimentary palate cleansers between courses. The combination of flavours and textures were amazing... one of the best meals I have tasted, including the nearby Walnut Tree. The starter of pickled pear with stilton was lovely, as was the chicken terrine. The trio of venison was very tasty and cooked to perfection. The deserts, ice creams and sorbets all made on the premises, were delicious.

We visited this lovely restaurant the day after valetines and opted for the special 6 course menu. What can I say! From the initial welcome to each exquisit course ,it was a delight. Beautifully presented and an explosion of taste to the palate. I wish I had taken pictures but was enjoying the experience far too much to think about my phone. This was our second visit and we will certainly be returning. Thanks for a great evening. I read that the owner chef has worked in Mitchelin star restaurants and it shows. Hope to see him receive his own one day . Highly recommended.

Well, bugger me dodged another bullet! Got in, had excellent meal and out again with no negative experiences! We must be so lucky in our dining at 1861!

One word for our visit! WOW! Absolutely amazing food, wonderfully friendly, helpful staff and a quiet, relaxing, intimate atmosphere. For our fist date night since our little girl was born we could not have asked for more.

Made to feel very welcome. Starters were very good. We both enjoyed our main meal. My wife had the hake and I had the trio of game. We will return again for an evening meal.

Arguably should be 5/5. The only thing lacking was a busy atmosphere, which is asking a bit much on a January weekday lunchtime.

Been here a few times now, always fantastic food and great friendly service. I Would recommend the Trio of Game, and the platter of desserts - delicious! The owners are in the process of building accommodation next to the restaurant, which would appeal to us as we live about 1/2 hour away. Cant fault anything will be back soon.

Wanted to visit, after reading the great reviews here and in the press.

The best Christmas Lunch we have ever had in a Restaurant, All nine courses were delicious and service was fabulous.

The 1861 is a pub and restaurant slightly off the main rag of Abergavenny. We occasionally have lunch there, always a warm welcome and the food (good pub grub) is always most acceptable and at the right price.

Another fabulous meal 1861 Restaurant. Jerusalem Artichoke Salad and the most amazing Red Gurnard in a Fennel Cream. Desserts were Spiced Apple Fritters and Medlar Sorbet and a selection of homemade ice cream. All absolutely delicious and with great service. Everything was perfection!

What can I say? The greeting was friendly. The service was good. The food was superb - indeed, faultless and so very tasty. I had heard great things about 1861 and it still exceeded my expectations. Do note - they don't take debit cards.

I must be missing something but I will stick to the facts! In summary there must be 2 restaurants called 1861 and I evidently went to the bad one!!

This is a family run restaurant run by husband and wife Simon and Kate King. Take a look at the restaurant web site to view the experience behind the kitchen.

Dropped in as we tend to do for lunch. Had the usual warm welcome from Kate and quickly seated with coffee and a lovely Malbec!

I must be missing something but I will stick to the facts! There must be 2 restaurants called 1861 and I went to the bad one!!

I felt compelled to write about this restaurant as everything about it was impeccable. The service, the food, the attention to detail and the lovely atmosphere and decor. As I’m currently pregnant I’m obviously having to be careful with certain dishes but this wasn’t a problem at all, and I wasn’t made to feel I was being difficult. We loved every aspect and the food was absolutely delicious. Thank you so much for making this a special birthday lunch. We will definitely be back. Just one bit of advice for customers - if you, like me are one of these people that never carry cash, make sure you take some for a tip which you will inevitably want to leave as this can’t be done via the card machine. I felt absolutely rubbish I couldn’t leave one on this occasion as it was thoroughly deserved

Booked for part of a treat for my wife's 60th birthday, we had already decided to have the taster menu in advance. It was the first time we'd had a taster menu without knowing what it comprised. After checking whether we had any allergies or specific dislikes, we were happy to go with chef's selection. Although they don't offer paired wines, they have a good selection by the glass or half bottle.

Unfortunately we were the only persons in the restaurant for most of our visit. The waitress was a little severe in her method of service and we sensed we needed to leave before we prefered. The food was acceptable but very expensive for the type of restaurant it is advertising. I realise it’s always a problem when you are the only party eating.

We dropped in the Saturday of Abergavenny Food Festival, and 1861 was a tad quiet! The impact of the food festival extends quite wide and in a negative fashion, because anyone outside of the Abergavenny footprint experiences a drop in footfall! To make matters worse someone called and cancelled a table for 6.....and 1861 does not charge you for your reservation.....quite why I am unsure because I am accustomed to paying a charge when I reserve a table at other restaurants? Abuse it people and you will loose it!

Our second visit - always a treat. Fresh bread, clear jelly and berry soup in between courses add interest. Coffee by the fire and petite fours finished a lovely evening. Staff are welcoming. The food is delicious and always beautifully presented.

This is an outstanding restaurant. We were warmly welcomed and had a pre-dinner drink with delicious homemade snacks in a cosy bar. We had ample time to make our choice from a very attractive menu. The ambience in the restaurant was very relaxing. The food was outstanding, cooked with imagination and finesse. The produce was ethically and often locally sourced. The vegetables, grown in their own garden, were full of flavour. The Welsh lamb from a local farm was delicious. The sharing plate of beautiful crafted desserts were wonderful. Coffee came with delicious petit fours. We had a great evening and we cannot fault this restaurant, which we highly recommend.

This restaurant looks quite ordinary when you enter, but don't be misled. The food is outstanding and of real 'fine dining' quality, in a friendly and relaxed ambience. We gave prior notice that one of us was borderline vegan, and the result was a wonderful bespoke meal and a very considerate approach in checking what would and wouldn't work. The wider menu is excellent and benefits from not being too long, and the hosts are lovely. Puds are excellent. Very good value for a special occasion.

What a lovely little treasure. Had lunch here today and enjoyed the most amazing service and leisurely lunch.

A last minute lunch opportunity with friends was elevated with unusually good food. Classics well executed and good less common options. Service very friendly if occasionally a bit bossy. It’s almost worth it for the drive to get there through beautiful countryside.

We wanted a special celebratory Sunday lunch and certainly got that! The meal was delicious and the staff were professional, friendly and efficient. The service was exceptional. After our starter we were served an appetiser of tomato and chive jelly and between the main and dessert we were served a raspberry palate cleanser. The 'extras' impressed the children who were not expecting anything like that. It is a lovely restaurant, though is located on what could occasionally be a noisy road and the car park is on the opposite side of the road to the restaurant, The small outside area is a lawn with seating to the front of the property and was very pleasant though a real sun trap. We had requested water on the table, expecting a jug of tap water, not realising that, instead,it would be bottled water and we were charged accordingly for the bottles. Then, when we went to pay, we discovered that they do not accept credit cards which nearly caught us out and could have been extremely embarrassing. Fortunately I had my debit card on me, which thankfully was accepted. I would like to recommend to the owners that they do accept credit cards or at least tell customers at the time of booking or walking into the restaurant that they do not accept them as after the meal is eaten it is a little late to find out if you have no other means to pay than a credit card. I would definitely go there again though and although it is expensive the Sunday lunch that we (group of four) had was lovely and thoroughly recommended. The sharing platter of desserts was particularly impressive and then, if you still have room, there is a vast and interesting array of petits fours with your coffee. This was more than a meal out, this was an experience and a real treat.

Really not sure what happened here with his Sunday afternoon .

Fantastic service by friendly staff with brilliant food that changes with the seasons to ensure fresh tastes to suit everyone. Lovely little tray of sample cakes to go with the coffee afterwards to, probably better than afternoon teas we’d paid for in other places, and that was just with a coffee order!

As usual, a walk in hoping that we would get a table and we did!! Very warm sincere welcome by Kate who even remembered our drinks! I drink the house Malbec and it is faultless, really enjoyable red which for me it is spot on.

I was given a 'coupon' as a birthday gift which, with a 'top up' made the experience affordable. It was like stepping into a novel set in the 1950s - in a good way. The 'bar' is cosy but small, and there we chose our meals from a menu based around local produce. The food was superb, the service friendly and the atmosphere unhurried and intimate. A neighbouring couple told us they travel from Risca on a regular basis just for the food. So, for a special occasion, thoroughly recommended.

Excellent food with fantastic use of local seasonal produce. Appreciated the muse bouche which were a delight.

World class food and every moment is worth the penny, but 'oh my lord' do you need to sort out your interior decor. The withdrawing room for coffee is a saving grace and love the area-promo books. Generally speaking: STUNNING! Yes, do it!

7 of us went to this lovely place for a meal today the service was very slick and the staff were very attentive, the food was superb and the variety was just right. Well done all lovely place

Lunchtime and the food simply stunning. Top notch cooking.

We ordered a meal for our parents for their anniversary. When we arrived we were blown away at how beautiful and compact the seating are was. We were greeted with champagne and was then seated. We had a beautiful meal,it was presented spectacularly. It tasted...

We had the taster menu for a double birthday treat. We have eaten in many fine establishment this year (and some dodgy ones) but the food here at 1861 is superb. Definitely book. Its a bit out of the way, poor phone service and only...

Everything was just fantastic. Everyone one of the 7 courses on all 4 plates was eaten with anticipation of the next.

As usual a walk in!! Our starter was so nice was well in to it before realised no photograph!! We both had the wild garlic risotto which has really mild tones of garlic but very very tasty! Unlike any other risotto I have eaten before....

Oh my, I was given a visit to the 1861 as a gift for my birthday. We had the seven course taster menu, what an absolutely wonderful meal we had, from the loaf of the bread through to the Petit Fours. Everything was perfect, there...

Told by restaurant that could only have 12:30 slot, however on arrival could see plenty of empty tables and nobody else arrived. Seems that bookings are for restaurant convenience? Food pretentious -we all ordered the beef roast which was tasty, but vegetables weird selection and Yorkshire puddings not good. Service was friendly and efficient. Would not go again.

Another spur of the moment booking at the best restaurant on the B4521 (and Monmouthshire in my humble opinion!!). Thanks Kate and Simon for fitting the four of us in on a full night. Excellent meal as always foie gras starter, venison main and trio...

The fact that I felt compelled enough to write a review as soon as I got back to my holiday cottage should hopefully speak for itself. The restaurant was pretty much empty on a Saturday night from 7:15pm when we arrived until 8:30pm when we...

We made a few lunchtime trips to the area which has some great restaurants. This was one. Booked for the Friday lunch, we were welcomed in the bar by owner, Kate,whilst her husband Simon was running the kitchen. This is a well set up gastro-pub...

This is a fabulous family run restaurant serving top quality food. Head chef trained at michelin srarred restaurants and this showed in the tecknical skills in his dishes without lossing wonderful flavours. Had scallop cannelloni, followed by hake with bisque sauce and finished with passion...

It may be unfair to give an average review as we were using a voucher and had to eat off the limited choice lunch menu. I understand the need for a limited choice menu but an option of 3 starters and 3 mains did not give a lot of room for manoeuvre. To be honest if I had been passing trade and saw that menu I would have driven on. What we had was OK but nothing to get excited over. To finish the meal we asked for a couple of espresso which we were told would be served back in the bar. What we were not told was that the coffees came with petit fours. The coffee along with two glasses of wine and a bottle of water came to an extra £27. Alongside the voucher that means lunch for 2 was almost £80. Not value for money I'm afraid.

We were discriminated against because one couple had a gift voucher. We were treated like 2nd class citizens! Many other people came in after us but we're served and left before we had even had our first course. What kind of treatment was that? The...

Yet again, walked in and had a table by the skin of our teeth!! Really do need to plan better! The cucumber amuse bouche was really nice and the yogurt really complemented it. Had a lovely starter of duck! Smoked and a comfit of duck,...

This was not the comfortable experience we were looking forward to the place having a somewhat odd, cold feel. It was certainly not warm and welcoming as great restaurants are. The bread was delicious but every course was bland and under seasoned a sentiment felt...

We have visited 1861 a few times before over the years and love the place. This time we ventured there with our 10 & 7 year old children 😬. The kids were welcomed and treated amazingly. Kate offered 1/2 portions off the main menu which...

Over the past few years we’ve eaten here many times and have never been disappointed. Sometimes we eat alone and at other times we’ve taken guests who have also been impressed with the meals, the ambience and the staff. If we lived nearer we would...

This is a superb restaurant. Every dish shows top class technique, with each and every item cooked to perfection. The flavourings are ingenious without being gimmicky and the chef has a superlative grasp of texture. The 1861 has some stiff competition from The Hardwick and...

On arrival on a dark December night, the restaurant looked very welcoming. We were shown to the comfortable lounge area for a prosecco and nibbles before ordering our meal. The dining room was very clean and nicely decorated, and the home made bread that we...

Booked dinner with my wife using a Groupon voucher and made mention of it when I made the reservation. On arrival the co-owner was quite hostile and condescending but accepted that we could stay having argued with us that I had not mentioned the voucher...

The words "very disappointing" best sum up the "a la carte" lunch - and on this basis it's hard to understand the Michelin ranking. Service OK, wine OK, pity about the food & a chilly dining room - with sentiment unimproved by the comment "you...