It's hard not to love Walnut Tree; it's got a cosy, open-fired bar, a dining room adorned with colourful art, and owners who run it with heart and soul. Shaun Hill, the quintessential chef’s chef, has been here for over 20 years and has a great understanding of flavours and balance. His overtly seasonal cooking blends the classical and the modern across dishes that are prepared with a no-frills, yet consistently delicious approach. Fish is a particular strength, be it red mullet with dashi or cod with brown shrimps, and the muscat crème caramel is a great way to finish.

13.1km

Kilpeck Inn

Traditional Cuisine

££

This understandably popular local pub has origins dating back to the 17th century and began life as a cottage, built from stone taken from the nearby Norman castle. Today, it's a smart, whitewashed property with a characterful interior – imagine stone fireplaces and plenty of beams – along with a garden terrace for when the sun is shining. The cooking has a traditional heart, featuring robust, flavoursome dishes such as lamb rump, fish of the day or sirloin steak and chips. The charming service team add to the appeal, as do the four bedrooms.

6.1km

The Gaff

Modern Cuisine · Bib

££

Three converted sheds hidden away in the heart of town play host to this bright, airy restaurant with an attractive summer courtyard for alfresco dining. The menu lists an enticing, seasonally changing selection of well-priced small plates and larger sharing dishes. Robust, satisfying flavours abound across the cooking, starting strong with the excellent sourdough and Marmite butter. The team are welcoming and friendly, and their operation also includes a coffee shop and deli on the High Street.

16.8km

The Bull's Head

Traditional Cuisine

££

Nestled in a lush valley bordered by the Black Mountains, this former drovers' inn is separated from Hay-on-Wye by a six-mile single-track road. It retains a homely charm, boasting flagstone floors, slate walls and open fires. Unfussy, ingredient-led cooking is natural, wholesome and full of flavour, with meats from the owners’ farm, homemade charcuterie and a traditional roast on Sundays. Low intervention wines feature alongside a fine selection of beers. Book one of the cabins to allow more time for countryside exploring.

13.2km

Click a row to locate it · distances are approximate. Data from Overture / Michelin / Wikidata.

The Temple Bar Inn

Room types · 4

Double Room with Private Bathroom

Double Room with Private Bathroom

Double Room with Private Bathroom

King Room

Facilities · 14

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