Alex St George has lived in Abergavenny since she was 16.

She is a public relations officer for a local business support agency and a part-time fashion designer specialising in eveningwear, corsetry and bridalwear.

What do you like most about Monmouthshire?
Growing up in an urban area of Essex, the views were mostly of motorways and factories so living in Monmouthshire is really lovely.

I adore the scenery - it's so romantic to be surrounded by rolling meadows and historic buildings. With my interest in art and fashion design, I couldn't live in a prettier location as far as inspiration is concerned! I'm also a lover of county pubs and real ale - pretty shocking for an Essex girl - and Monmouthshire has some of nicest pubs and taverns in South Wales.

Where would you recommend for an unforgettable dining experience in the county?
There are so many great restaurants around the county that I'm often spoilt for choice, and as my partner and I are real foodies, we tend to make the most of the situation! The Foxhunter in Nantyderry is the perfect restaurant to visit for a special occasion, as the food it out of this world and the venue is very chic. The Clytha Arms near Raglan is my Sunday afternoon retreat. It has a wide selection of real ales, a cosy fire to read the papers in front of, and the bar menu is really unusual - their wild boar sausages are great!

What is your favourite book and why?
While I'm not the most avid reader I know (I prefer to sew for relaxation), I recently read The Catcher in the Rye on recommendation from a friend, and thought it was wonderful. I loved the way the author had managed to capture the simple, chatty way that a teenage boy would speak. I definitely prefer light-hearted books as anything sad has me bawling!

Who would be your ideal companion on a trip round Monmouthshire?
I'd have to say my partner. He and I really enjoy going for jaunts in the countryside, usually with the aim of finding a new pub tucked away somewhere and sampling the beers! If he was busy though, I'd give Gordon Ramsay a call. He'd be great fun on a tour around the county!

Favourite town in Monmouthshire and why?
I would have to say Abergavenny as it has been my home town for more than 10 years. It is a pretty market town, nestled in a quiet farming valley and full of Georgian and Victorian buildings which give it a quaint, old-fashioned appearance which I love. I'm happy to be settled in a lovely little Victorian terraced house with views of the Deri and Blorenge mountains. Abergavenny has some fabulous independent shops like Caboodles and Twinkletoes, and stunning bridalshops like Magic Moments. Lots of my corset customers have been local ladies looking for a gorgeous outfit that no-one else will have, or bridesmaid's gowns with a twist.

Favourite Monmouthshire landmark or attraction which is a must see'?
The view over Abergavenny from the top of the Blorenge mountain is lovely. It's a fair old climb to reach the top, and on some occasions it has been as close to SAS training as I have come trying to battle my way through gusts of wind and navigating through sheep poo, but its definitely worth the effort. I think it's easy to take your home town for granted, especially if you have grown up surrounded by lush countryside, but as an honorary country girl, I can really see why Abergavenny is so attractive to visitors - it really is beautiful.

If there is one thing missing from the county, what would it be?
A few more independent boutiques selling something different from the high street stores would be great, but it can be very difficult for new businesses to be successful away from the cities. I would be happy to settle for a cinema and a few more up-market drinking holes dotted around. It's a shame to go for a fabulous dinner and not have somewhere glamorous and fun to round off the evening!

What annual event is a must?
As a food fanatic I would have to say the Abergavenny Food Festival is a highlight of the year. It brings visitors and local people of all ages together to celebrate the finest British and local produce, and is a very enjoyable and sociable event.

2:05pm Friday 4th January 2008

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