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Eating Out in Mid Wales | Restaurants, Cafes and Pubs

Where to Eat in Mid Wales

Eating out in Mid Wales means independent kitchens, locally sourced ingredients and places where the cooking actually matters. Across Powys, Ceredigion and southern Southern Snowdonia, you will find country pubs serving proper food, cafes run by people who know their suppliers by name, and restaurants where Welsh lamb, beef and seafood from Cardigan Bay turn up on the menu because that is what grows and lives here.

The market towns are good places to start. Brecon, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth, Llanidloes and Builth Wells all have a mix of cafes, restaurants and pubs within walking distance of each other. Aberaeron on the Ceredigion coast has a food scene that punches well above its size, with independent cafes and bistros around the harbour.

Pub Food in Mid Wales

The country pub is still the backbone of eating out in rural Mid Wales. Many serve food sourced from farms within a few miles, and the cooking has improved enormously in recent years. You will find gastro-pub menus alongside traditional bar meals, Sunday roasts that fill the dining room, and pie-and-pint deals that do the job after a long walk. In towns like Rhayader, Knighton and Tregaron, the pub is often the centre of the community and the first place locals will send you for supper.

Dog Friendly Eating

Most pubs in Mid Wales welcome dogs. Many cafes do too. If you are travelling with a dog, you will find it easier here than in most parts of Britain. Check our dog friendly places to eat listings for specific options.

Local Food Worth Seeking Out

Welsh lamb is the obvious one, but look out for Teifi cheese from Ceredigion, locally brewed ales, honey from the Cambrian Mountains and fresh fish landed at Cardigan and New Quay. Several restaurants across the region have won national awards for their cooking, and most make a point of naming their suppliers.

For something simple, a bowl of cawl (traditional Welsh broth) in a pub by the fire on a wet afternoon is hard to beat.

Farmers Markets and Food Events

Weekly farmers markets in Builth Wells, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth and Cardigan sell direct from local producers. Expect seasonal vegetables, Welsh cheeses, free-range eggs, homemade cakes and bread baked that morning. The Machynlleth Wednesday market has been running for over 700 years. For a full list, see our farmers markets page.

If you are planning a trip around food, Mid Wales rewards the effort. Stay a few nights, eat in different towns, and you will come away understanding why the people here care so much about what ends up on the plate. Browse our restaurant listings to start planning, and find somewhere to stay nearby.

Number of results: 48

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Moody Meadows | The Moody Cow Bistro

Address

Bargoed Farm, Llwyncelyn, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0HL

Telephone
01545 580 947

moodycow@moodymeadows.co.uk

Aberaeron

Where Wales is on the menu
You will feel immediately at home in the rustic and welcoming bistro, where the best of Welsh food and drink is freshly prepared daily. Sit back, relax and enjoy a sumptuous home cooked meal, treat yourself to an afternoon…
The Wynnstay | Food & Drink

Address

Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8AE

Telephone
01654 702941

croeso@wynnstay.wales

Machynlleth

This long established hotel strikes a stylish balance of the modern and the classical. Chef Gareth Johns ably updates classic dishes and reworks them for the modern appetite. Fully licensed restaurant
Royal Oak Hotel

Address

Royal Oak Hotel, The Cross, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7DG

Telephone
01938 552217

relax@royaloakhotel.info

Welshpool

The Royal Oak is ideally located centrally within Wales, close to transport networks.
Old Hand & Diamond Inn

Address

Old Hand & Diamond Inn, Coedway, Shrewsbury, SY5 9AR

Telephone
01743884379

moz123@aol.com

Shrewsbury

Mid-way between Welshpool and Shrewsbury, this stunning, dog-friendly country pub also offers a children’s play area, a beer garden with plenty of outside seating on our sunny patio and a large car park.
Elan Valley Visitor Centre | Cafe

Address

Cwm Elan | Elan Valley & Visitor Centre, Nr Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP

Telephone
01597 810880

rangers.elan@dwrcymru.com

Nr Rhayader

The Elan Valley Visitor Centre cafe has a spacious seating area with windows all around to enjoy the view of the River Elan and Caban Coch Dam. There is a patio area with picnic tables for people wishing to sit outside in fine weather.
Aberystwyth Art Centre | Café Bar

Address

Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DE

Telephone
01970 622889

artstaff@aber.ac.uk

Aberystwyth

The Arts Centre award winning cafe offers a mouthwatering selection of freshly made salads, hot meals and snacks every day....
Powis Castle | Courtyard Restaurant

Address

Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 8RF

Telephone
01938 551920

powiscastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

Welshpool

Powis Castle’s restaurant has long been acknowledged as an example of excellence. Enjoy a variety of traditional dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients such as organic Welsh black beef, sourced from a local farm.
Brigands Inn | Dining

Address

Brigands Inn, Mallwyd, Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, SY20 9HJ

Telephone
01650 511999

bookings@brigandsinn.com

Dinas Mawddwy

Nestled in the beautiful Dovey Valley, this 15th Century Coaching Inn offers guests a choice of dining, drinking and sleeping options, as well as a function room suitable for large events and parties including weddings.