Eating locally

Within half an hour of our gates, we can offer a huge range of eating options, from pubs, to cafes, to Michelin starred restaurants. A few of our favourites are:

• The Aleppo pub in our local village, Carno – the homemade soup is always a winner. Otherwise good local cooking, and takeaway when they’re not too busy. Dave knows everyone locally. Ask him about the fascinating history of the historic Aleppo Merchant pub.
• The Checkers in Montgomery – Michelen starred - the delicious food is complimented by a really relaxed atmosphere. Open each evening and lunchtimes on Friday & Saturday. www.thecheckersmontgomery.co.uk 01686 66982201686 669 822
• Very sadly, the wonderful Lloyds Rooms & Dining, In Llanidloes – a special and intimate setting, with the food created around the guests who are coming, is now closed. Tom & Roy are retiring. www.lloydshotel.co.uk
• The Great Oak café – Llanidloes. Angharad runs a fabulous vegetarian café here – always filled with locals, and local art. This is also the venue for the bi-monthly Soundbites events showcasing local and other musicians. 01686 413211.
• When music is not at the Great Oak cafe, you can enjoy music, comedy and other happenings along with your food, at The Old Mill in Llani (how locals refer to Llanidloes). Pizza night is especially popular, so book early. Andy of Andy's Bread bakes here. www.oldmillbar.co.uk. 01686 412008
• Measmawr Gallery café – Caersws. Cathy’s main focus is the Gallery and associated events. And.. if you can catch her for cakes it’s really worth it. www.midwalesarts.org.uk 1686 688369
• Oriel Davies Gallery café – Newtown. A good resting place if you’re shopping in Newtown. Rosie’s cakes are not to be missed! www.orieldavies.org/en/cafe 01686 622288
• Measmawr Hall Hotel – stop in for a cream tea, or drink and delicious starter in front of the log fire – or stay for a meal. www.maesmawr.co.uk 01686 688255
• Another much missed local cafe is Feast of Food in Caersws, where our friend Lavinia used to offer coffees, teas, cake and a wonderful range of Welsh produce to take home – brilliant for presents too, before retiring. Sorry to disappoint - couldn't resist keeping the reference here!
• Wynnstay Hotel, Machynlleth. Award-winning Chef Gareth is famous far and wide. Great food and atmosphere in another historic building. www.wynnstay-hotel.com 01654 702941
• Blasau Delicatessen, Machynlleth has a busy café and Serena’s delicious home-made treats and bread to take away. 01654 702172
• Machinations: just along the road in Llanbrynmair, Sarah and her people offer freshly cooked meals, including breakfast and supper on request, surrounded by amazing wooden working models, a rabbit village and play barn and gifts. Cakes are courtesy of Jo from the fabulous Amy Beth Bakery (who also provide for many an event at Tyddyn Retreat). www.machinationswales.co.uk and www.facebook.com/AmyBethsBakery 
• Bull & Heifer, Bettws Cedewain is a short trip along lanes to a lovely village with this traditional black and white pub. A friendly welcome and good food will greet you. www.bullandheifer.co.uk 01686 651210
• TH Roberts Coffee Shop, Dogellau, in the lee of Cadair Idris mountain, is a bit further away and definitely worth the trip, for a fabulous array of teas, coffees and Mum Meg’s cakes. Son Tom is a world class tea and coffee expert, and Mum and Romy (Tyddyn Retreat’s owner) share a birthday! This place is a must visit - see the Trip Advisor reviews too. 01341 423552.
• The Bay Tree Vintage Tea Rooms, Welshpool – delicious cakes and more, in a delicious setting. 01938 555456