I’ll never forget the drive over to Anglesey – we’d packed the car to the brim with cool bags stuffed with fresh veg from the market back home, dreaming of beachside barbecues, only for the sat-nav to chuck us into a massive traffic jam just past the Britannia Bridge. Turned out some cheeky sheep had decided the A55 was their personal catwalk. We sat there giggling, munching emergency crisps, but honestly, it built the anticipation – by the time we rolled into Benllech, I was starving and buzzing to see our spot.

Pulling up to this cracking ground-floor apartment in a sleek modern complex right in the heart of the village was a proper treat. First impressions? Spot on. It’s all light and airy, with patio doors in the sitting room flung open to views over the rooftops and out to the Irish Sea – you could practically taste the salt air. The kitchen’s a dream too, fully kitted out with sea vistas from the window, a breakfast table for lazy mornings, and a separate dining spot that screamed family feasts. Three bedrooms, all with TVs and DVDs for the kids, and the master’s got a king-size bed plus en-suite – pure luxury after that drive.

We wasted no time diving into the food scene, which is what this holiday was all about for us greedy lot. First evening, we raided the local shops for Welsh lamb chops and new potatoes, firing up a simple grill on the patio while the sun dipped over the sea. My cooking attempt? A bit of a comedy – I overdid the garlic on the spuds, turning them into vampire repellent, but we laughed it off with a bottle of local craft cider from the offy down the road. Proper tasty, mind, and those views made it five-star.

Next day, we wandered to Benllech’s high street – it’s only a minute’s stroll – and hit the little market stalls popping up with fresh crab from the bay, plump strawberries, and artisan cheeses that’d make your eyes water (in a good way). Loaded up, we cooked a massive seafood pasta lunch in that brilliant kitchen, windows wide open to the breeze. I even tried my hand at a Welsh rarebit for starters, though it was more ‘well-done bit’ after I got distracted by the telly. The family polished it off anyway, declaring it a win.

Evenings were pub heaven. The village has these cosy spots like the one just around the corner, dishing out hearty fish and chips with mushy peas that hit the spot after a gentle beach amble. One night we went for platters of local mussels steamed in garlic and white wine – divine, and half the price of anywhere mainland. Another evening, it was homemade pie night at a nearby boozer, washed down with a pint of Anglesey ale. I did reflect a tad over my second helping: “Am I turning into a proper foodie blob?” But nah, holidays are for indulgence, right? A gentle nudge to enjoy it all without the guilt.

We experimented loads in the kitchen too – breakfasts of smoked kippers from the fishmonger, or my dodgy attempt at bara brith using market fruit, which was soggy but spirited. Every meal felt special here, tied to the sea views and village buzz. Left feeling stuffed, happy, and already plotting a return for more feasts. What a gem.