The Old Black Lion Hay-On-Wye Exterior photoThe Old Black Lion Hay-On-Wye Exterior photoThe Old Black Lion Hay-On-Wye Exterior photo

The Old Black Lion, Hay-On-Wye

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From$161 /night
Check-in
01Sept
Check-out
02Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Lion Street, Hay-On-Wye
-
Near the River Wye
Great
8.5
/10
5.0
4.5
/5

3-Star Historic Inn in Hay-On-Wye with Award-Winning Dining

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.

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
    12 sq. feet
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Superior Double Room
    2 persons
    20 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    18 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Old Black Lion offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • 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
Show more

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
Explore Hay-On-Wye
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Hay Castle
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
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
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
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
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
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
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-Wye 4 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 the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
9

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Old Black Lion from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 488 verified reviews
8.7 /10
Great
90 %
Recommend
Breakfast
7.5/10
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Comfort
8.8/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free WiFi
9.0/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.0/10
Staff
9.3/10
Value for money
8.3/10
Guest reviews
based on 488 reviews
8.7/10
based on 366 reviews
4.5/5
based on 734 reviews
8.5/10
Clive from United Kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 21, 2026
9/10

charming place for a visit

friendly service delicious food great atmosphere
the team gave first rate friendly service. the food were delicious. the atmosphere are great. they had a great local welsh cider too.
0 Helpful
kieran from ireland
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 16, 2026
9/10

a solid stay

generous breakfast friendly staff clean room
i appreciated the breakfast served each morning (it set me up well for the day). the staff were friendly and helpful, especially with directions. the room was clean and well kept.
0 Helpful
Ava from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 13, 2026
9/10

A Cute stay!

fresh linen local beer cooked egg easy access
I stayed in the Double Room. The room had crisp, fresh linens. I found a selection of local beers at the pub. I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast, with perfectly cooked eggs. The location offered easy access to local shops and attractions.
I noticed very slight wear on some of the carpets in the hallway. It was barely noticeable but I thought worth mentioning.
Service
9/10
The staff greeted me warmly upon arrival. They were very helpful with directions and recommendations for local sights. Staff members ensured my stay was comfortable and addressed my inquiries promptly and thoroughly.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Jackson from United States
Single
Double Room
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 29, 2025
7/10
attentive staff convenient location sunday roast old room poor cleanliness mould presence
The staff were attentive. They seated us promptly for sunday roast. They helped where they could. ALL staff were just so down to earth and cute. the location was convenient too, close to the border. it was a short walk from the town square and a great pub, supporting local breweries. I enjoyed the pub atmosphere. the roast was excellent.
Our room desperately needs updating. It felt very old. Cleanliness appears very low on the agenda as the toilet needed a proper clean. There was MOULD around the shower tray. This was concerning. the sink drained slowly.
0 Helpful
jenny from united kingdom
Single
double room
4 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: November 14, 2025
6/10

adequate, but with issues

stained carpets unpleasant odor
the location of the building proved convenient for accessing town amenities.
the room showed signs of neglect with stained carpets and outdated furniture. i found the lack of attention to detail disappointing, particularly the sticky door handles. the bathroom had an unpleasant odor coming from the sink drain, far from ideal.
0 Helpful
Evelyn from United Kingdom
Single
double room
4 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: November 10, 2025
7/10

balanced stay

cute staff delicious food car registration bar noise heating option extra blankets
the staff were very cute it really created a nice atmosphere. the food tasted delicious i especially enjoyed the local welsh cider. they even welcomed dogs and i noticed they had a car registration system.
the noise from the bar was noticeable i think light sleepers might have a problem. i noticed there wasn't a heater or extra blankets provided. i think they should offer extra heating options.
0 Helpful
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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