Trendy Oscars brings a taste of the city to the small town of Cowbridge. Managed by Tess McLoughney, this chic and up-market restaurant remains relaxed, with a menu catering to a variety of tastes; vegetarian options, daily specials, desserts (£3.50 to £3.95), a good selection of wines and a cocktail menu are all on offer.

The starters (£3.95 to £6.95) are exquisite in taste and presentation. We ordered warm goat's cheese on toast with tomato and basil relish, and marinated peppers and potato skins with pancetta, red pepper salsa and cheese. For the main (£6.95 to £12.50) I chose roast vegetable and roquefort risotto, and my partner decided on the popular home-made Oscars Burger with bacon, cheese and relish.

For dessert we headed next door to the Bear Hotel, owned by Town & Country Hotels (who also own Oscars). Our host Georgina Woodall showed us the 12th-century dining room, an effective mix of ancient stone walls and modern table settings. The set menu (£17.95 for three courses) included a brandy snap basket and sticky toffee pudding. The Bear Hotel also offers an extensive wine list, daily specials, lounge meals throughout the day, private function rooms and a seasonal marquee.

Both restaurants are family-friendly with designated smoking areas. The cosmopolitan air of Oscars and fine dining atmosphere at the Bear Hotel bring to picturesque Cowbridge an exciting blend for everyone.