The Old Black Lion, Hay-On-Wye — Top Rated (8+) from $161| BestHotel.net

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The Old Black Lion Hay-On-Wye Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Lion Street, Hay-On-Wye, United Kingdom

Near the River Wye

Great

8.7

/10

5.0

4.5

Accommodation

The Old Black Lion Inn offers 10 individually styled rooms, including the superior en suite Cromwell Suite and five additional double en suite rooms. Each room comes equipped with modern amenities for convenience. The layout allows for a comfortable stay, accommodating various group sizes.

Dining

The hotel hosts an award-winning Bar & Restaurant that seats up to 40 guests, showcasing a diverse menu crafted by a talented kitchen team led by Head Chef Mark Turton. The emphasis on local ingredients and seasonal produce enhances the dining experience. Guests can also choose to dine outdoors in The Marquee, with options available for well-behaved dogs.

Entertainment

Regular live jazz performances add an engaging cultural aspect to the hotel experience, featuring local artists such as John on drums and Guy Shotton on piano. The Old Black Lion also organizes quiz nights where guests can enjoy a delicious curry while testing their knowledge. These events foster a vibrant community atmosphere among guests.

Local Attractions

Primarily known as a haven for bibliophiles, Hay-On-Wye boasts over twenty bookshops, many specializing in rare and collectible books. Adventure seekers can explore a multitude of hiking and cycling paths or engage in canoeing activities along the River Wye. The town also offers boutique independent shops and several cafes for leisurely browsing and dining.

Awards and Recognitions

The Old Black Lion has received multiple accolades, including the Good Food Award and 2AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence. These recognitions highlight the establishment's commitment to high-quality food and exceptional service in a welcoming environment. Additionally, it was awarded the title of Best Pub & Bar in Powys, further showcasing its excellence.

Highlights

Location: Over twenty fascinating bookshops nearby

Dining: Award-winning Bar & Restaurant with local produce

Entertainment: Live jazz performances and quiz nights

Awards: 2AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

Must-do experiences

Visit Hay Castle for stunning views and rich history.
Explore the independent bookstores lining Lion Street.
Try the local specialty: Welsh rarebit at The Old Black Lion.
Don't miss the Hay-On-Wye Market on Thursdays for local crafts.
Take a walk along the River Wye for beautiful scenery and tranquility.

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Select your room type

The Old Black Lion offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Single Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

195 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Twin Room

2 persons

305 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Superior Double Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Facilities

The Old Black Lion offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.5/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
No pets allowed
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Old Black Lion showcases a delightful array of dining experiences, from hearty breakfasts to exquisite dinners, all rooted in the tradition of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With a welcoming atmosphere that suits families, couples, and groups alike, each meal is a celebration of seasonal flavors and culinary craftsmanship.

The Old Black Lion Restaurant

Traditional British with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options

Ambiance

Family-friendly, cozy indoor setting that balances traditional charm with a romantic feel during evening meals

Key Offerings

An award-winning lunch and dinner menu crafted by Head Chef Mark Turton, featuring seasonal delights alongside refreshing cask ales from local breweries and a carefully selected wine list to complement each dish.

Reservation

Booking is recommended, please use our website or phone to book a table.

Lunch served Monday to Friday from 12:00 - 14:00, Saturday from 12:00 - 14:30; Dinner served 18:30 - 21:00 daily; Closed on Sundays for lunch

The Lounge Bar

Casual dining with a selection of local ales and wines

Ambiance

Relaxed bar/lounge atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration or enjoying casual gatherings

Key Offerings

A rotating selection of cask ales from nearby breweries, complemented by light bites and a selection of wines to savor in a laid-back setting.

Reservation

Reservations are not needed for the lounge.

Open during restaurant hours; specific hours may vary.

The Old Black Lion Location

Lion Street, Hay-On-Wye, United Kingdom

Map view

Lion Street, Hay-On-Wye, United Kingdom

City landmarks

Landmark

Brook Street Pottery & Gallery

2500 ft

Landmark

Paddles and Pedals Canoe Hire

4100 ft

Landmark

The Warren

4300 ft

Landmark

St Mary's Church

2700 ft

Castle

Clifford Castle

2.2 mi

Church

St Marys Church

2.1 mi

Bridge

Whitney Bridge

4.1 mi

Nearby

Castle

Hay Castle

1600 ft

Hay-on-WyeWales

Castle Book Store

2000 ft

Gallery

The Lion Street Gallery

700 ft

The Drill Hall 25 Lion Street The Drill Hall

Hay, Ross on Wye

100 ft

41 Lion St

Hay Deli

700 ft

The Old Electric Shop

1000 ft

2 St. Johns Place

The Haymakers Gallery

1100 ft

Store

Bain & Murrin

700 ft

Restaurants

Hay Conservative Club

400 ft

35 Lion Street

Tomatitos Tapas Bar

700 ft

38 Lion Street

The Hay Tap

500 ft

The Bull Ring

Chapters Restaurant

600 ft

Lion Street

Oscars Bistro

600 ft

Hightown Hay on Wye

Eve's

800 ft

4/5 High Town

The Granary

1100 ft

20-21 Broad Street Herefordshire

Three Tuns

1100 ft

4 Broad Street

Rose and Crown

1000 ft

Broad Street

The Globe At Hay Kitchen

1000 ft

Newport Street

Explore Hay-On-Wye

Local Highlights

Hay Castle

6 minutes' walk

A historic site offering exhibitions and beautiful grounds, perfect for a leisurely visit and learning about local heritage.

Brook Street Pottery & Gallery

9 minutes' walk

A pottery studio showcasing unique ceramics and local art, featuring workshops for both children and adults.

Clifford Castle

5-minute drive

This medieval ruin offers stunning views of the Wye Valley and is ideal for history enthusiasts and scenic walks.

St Mary's Church

10 minutes' walk

An iconic local church known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, hosting community events and services.

Paddles and Pedals Canoe Hire

15 minutes' walk

Canoeing and biking along the River Wye, offering rentals for both activities. Ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

The Warren

16 minutes' walk

A scenic riverside green space perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying nature with family and friends.

Tomatitos Tapas Bar

3 minutes' walk

A vibrant eatery specializing in Spanish tapas and an extensive wine list. Reservations recommended for busy nights.

Chapters Restaurant

2 minutes' walk

Offering a farm-to-table menu with seasonal dishes, this cozy spot caters well to dietary needs, including gluten-free options.

Hay, Ross on Wye

1 minute' walk

A local venue hosting various community events, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities throughout the year.

The Hay Tap

2 minutes' walk

A lively pub with local brews and occasional live music nights. A perfect spot for evening relaxation in a friendly atmosphere.

Getting around

City Centre

Hay-On-Wye4 min · 1000 ft

Airports

Gloucestershire (GLO)124 min · 51.3 mi

Swansea (SWS)157 min · 65.0 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:30-21:00

Check-out

from 08:00-10:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Old Black Lion from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 378 verified reviews

8.6/10

Great

92%

Recommend

Breakfast

7.5/10

Cleanliness

8.9/10

Comfort

9.0/10

Facilities

8.5/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.3/10

Location

9.5/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.0/10

Staff

9.4/10

Value for money

8.4/10

based on 366 reviews

4.5/5

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

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FAQs

About The Old Black Lion

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Old Black Lion?

Check-in time is 14:30 and check-out time is 10:30.

Is parking available at The Old Black Lion?

Free public parking is available on-site without reservation.

What dining options are available at The Old Black Lion?

Guests can enjoy an à la carte restaurant on-site, as well as a bar/lounge area.

What is the distance from The Old Black Lion to Hay Castle?

Hay Castle is within a short walking distance, approximately 0.5 km from the hotel.

Which popular restaurants are near The Old Black Lion?

Nearby restaurants include Richard Booth's Bookshop Cafe, Tomatitos Tapas Bar, and Origin Pizza, all within 0.5 km.

What types of room amenities does The Old Black Lion offer?

Each room includes a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and a private bathroom.

What recreational activities can guests enjoy near The Old Black Lion?

The surrounding Brecon Beacons National Park offers excellent opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.

What languages are spoken by the staff at The Old Black Lion?

The staff are proficient in English.

How far is The Old Black Lion from the nearest airport?

The hotel is located 85 km from Gloucestershire Airport.

What awards has The Old Black Lion received?

The hotel has been awarded 'Best Pub in Powys' and the Good Food Award Gold Seal for 2024.

Is there an option for breakfast at The Old Black Lion?

A locally sourced breakfast can be ordered for £10 per person on arrival or through advance messaging.

What is the historical significance of The Old Black Lion?

The building dates back hundreds of years and is rumored to have hosted Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century.

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