Brecon Beacons - where's a good base?

[MegBusset]

Looking for a large village / small town to base ourselves in for a holiday in the Brecons next year. We would like somewhere quiet but not dead, pretty, with a nice pub or two, small supermarket for essentials, and easy reach to days out / walks. The kids would like a decent playground and preferably somewhere that does pizza! Looking at Crickhowell but any other recommendations?

Abergavenny and Brecon are towns rather than villages but they've both pretty with a small town vibe. Plenty of good pubs nearby and in the middle of the countryside.

All the above mentioned are lovely, and well placed. Merthyr Tydfil would be a cheap option; it’s right at the base of the beacons, has the Brecon Mountain Railway and Bike Park Wales. Check out the Nant Ddu hotel. Garwnant has a lovely playground and is in that part of the Beacons too. Enjoy!

Crickhowell

Another vote for Crickhowell