The Old Black Lion

We had a wonderful stay in Hay-on-Wye and so glad we chose The Old Black Lion for our base. We were close to town, able to enjoy a great breakfast before heading out and stayed in a really comfy room in a lovely, atmospheric building. It's quirky and creaky in places but that adds to its charm! Staff were superb from the moment we checked in until we left. Friendly and helpful throughout. We enjoyed the bar area and sat in comfy seats enjoying reading and going through our purchases from town! Local gins and IPA a must try... as well as the 'Butty Bach' which was delicious. Food was amazing. Good choice, lovely dishes and well presented... the soup was delicious, as was the ox cheek and goulash. All homemade with care and attention put into the dishes. Definitely recommend Hay and The Old Black Lion and will be back again! DM

There is no doubt that the food is generally excellent, as other reviews indicate. Well worth dining here but I would not stay overnight again as it’s not good value and no more luxurious than Premier Inn. Maybe I’d feel differently if we had stayed in a room within the main building but ours was in the annexe, a simple but perfectly adequate twin, with comfortable beds. However, the bathroom was not up to the standard I would expect at this price. It needs redecorating and desperately needs new sealer where it is black around the taps etc. Worse, neither of us normal mortals were able to shift the shower control to anything other than scalding. To be fair, the housekeeper showed that it can be done but it wouldn’t be possible for most guests. No doubt we could have asked for more supplies of things like shower gel but to only supply enough for one shower when two people are staying two nights seems unnecessarily frugal. By the time we realised, it was after 7 on a Sunday night and the bar lights were off - as in Closed. Also worth noting if you’re of a nervous disposition, there was no way of locking the windows when opened a little. Overall I’d suggest eating here but stay elsewhere.

After a lot of hype lately locally I expected a delicious Sunday roast. Despite a strong start, pork and black pudding Bon-Bon’s were fantastic, the roast beef was like trying to chew through well worn work boots! After the main courses were replaced, the second run was still tough and no care taken with the plating up, slopped on as clearly taken exception to my complaint. Missing elements of the original plate, parsnip and roast carrot…. My complaint was confronted by the chef, who said I came in with a bad attitude, which couldn’t have been further from truth, full of festive cheer!!! Avoid if it’s only due to the chefs attitude.

I was very disappointed with my experience at the Old Black Lion The room was not clean, crumbs in the drawer. you had to request for your room to be serivced the shower surround was mouldy and dirty Breakfast was poor Dinner for a restaurant with 2 rosettes was bland and uninteresting particularly the vegetarian option. All in all an experience not to be repeated AG Romsey

Exquisite meal two nights in a row. The sort of restaurant that has a select menu of items that they do really well. Had the lamb one night and the steak on the following night. Perfectly cooked. Served by polite, friendly staff. Chefs Steve and Charlene - thank you for memorable meals. We'll be back.

Had a lovely one night stay at the Old Black Lion while road tripping through Wales. We stayed in the knockout Cromwell Suite (superior double), so called because Oliver Cromwell reputably once also stayed. Comes complete with a mezzanine sitting area. Very atmospheric. Enjoyed delicious house lagers and great breakfast the next day. Also ample, easy parking. Thanks to James, Chrissie and team for a wonderful visit.