Food and Drink in Mid Wales

Mid Wales does food differently. There are no big-name chains lining the high streets here. What you will find is honest cooking, local ingredients, and places where the welcome matters as much as the plate in front of you. Across Powys, Ceredigion and southern Snowdonia, pubs, cafes and restaurants serve food that comes from the land around them.

Pubs and Restaurants

Pub food in Mid Wales is a step above what you might expect. The Felin Fach Griffin near Brecon has been drawing people for years with its seasonal menus. In Tregaron, The Talbot Hotel has fed travellers since the drovers' days. Machynlleth has the Wynnstay and a growing number of independent places making the most of Welsh produce. In the Elan Valley, the Triangle Inn at Cwmdauddwr does proper meals for hungry walkers. Most pubs welcome dogs without a second thought.

Cafes and Coffee

The cafe scene is small but genuine. Aberystwyth has the most variety, from Treehouse to newer coffee spots near the harbour. Brecon and Llandrindod Wells both have cafes where you can sit for an hour without being hurried along. In smaller towns like Rhayader and Knighton, you will find tea rooms and bakeries that have been going for years. In summer, look out for food stalls at country shows and village events.

Markets and Farm Shops

Weekly markets still run in Brecon, Cardigan, Llanidloes and Builth Wells. They are not themed or curated. They are simply where local growers sell what is in season. Farm shops across the region stock Welsh lamb, local cheeses, free-range eggs and preserves. Ultracomida in Aberystwyth brings Welsh and Spanish food together under one roof.

Good to Know

Many restaurants in rural Mid Wales are seasonal or close on certain weekdays. Booking ahead for evening meals is wise, particularly at weekends and during school holidays. Most pubs and cafes are dog friendly. Take cash if you are heading off the main routes, as not everywhere takes cards.