LLANWRTYD WELLS.

In this town there are only three things; cyclists, walkers and beer drinkers. The pub is across the road form the Neuadd Arms Hotel though doesn't take part officially in the twice yearly beer festivals. Inside the pub part is remarkably like a 1970's house, with glass partitions and decor. There is one bar 'L' shaped with a pool table in one corner plus a TV screen showing sport. The bar is 'dry stone walled' - with cement and horse brasses. Round the other side is the food hatch area, plus an eating area through some doors (here is where the festival is held). The seating is tables and chairs on dark carpet. Ordinary beers come from Brains brewery. Food choice is varied, and there is a vegetarian section on the menu. Prices are around £6. Outside there are tables for summer drinking. There is accommodation en-suite from £20-£25 per person. Tents (bring your own) with breakfast included is £5. The hotel does special group weekends for walking, riding, etc. Call for prices. Access for the disabled is reasonable. The BR station is not far away.

This is the venue for the Mid Wales Beer Festival in November. The festival is held in three pubs in the town (smallest in Britain) centre. The hotel has the usual restaurant and residents lounge, but it also has two contrasting bars. One bar is a traditional public bar with tiled floor and rustic charm for locals who don't want to change clothes to have a drink. There is an open fireplace in the winter which is welcoming when it's cold outside. The other bar has carpet and a corner bar. On occasion they have live music here. When visited the beer festival was in full swing (it lasts ten days) and the hotel was fully booked for most of the time. Staff were rushed off their feet in the restaurant which served wholesome and simple fare - mainly curries, though there were things for vegetarians. Prices started about £4 to £5.50. the beers usually available are Felinfoel Double Dragon, plus guests. For the beer festival there were 20 real ales available including, Plassey - Cwrw Tudno & Dragons Breath; Watkin - OSB & Bitter; Cambrian - Premium & Best; Black Sheep - Special and many others. There is plenty of time to sample the ales as residents can stay up until they want to go to bed. This hotel is well worth a visit, whether for a beer festival or just for a weekend away with some real ale and good company. The accommodation is good and comfortable. It's very scenic around the town and is a favourite for walkers in the summer and winter. Accommodation can also be found at The Carlton Hotel around the corner. A double en-suite room costs £60 a night including breakfast, but beware there are plenty of stairs to climb if you book late. (see also Stonecroft Inn). Accommodation Rating

This is a friendly Victorian pub just off the main square of the town (smallest in Britain). The scenery around is the stunning Heart of Wales railway line's pulling power. For the summer it has a large riverside patio that has special evening events and barbecues. It is also one of the venues for the Mid Wales beer festival. For those who sup the beers are listed outside the pub in a friendly way that allows you to choose before you enter. The food is wholesome and simple, reasonably priced as well, though for vegetarians there is a much more limited choice. The standard beers are Brains SA and Wyre Piddle on hand pump. During the beer festival they had a tent out back with more beers in. The accommodation is of dormitory hostel type and is used by walkers and young backpackers alike. If you intend to visit during the high season, we recommend booking well in advance as it can get busy.

Other accommodation try:

Lasswade House Hotel, Station Road, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RW, (01591) 610515, Fax: (01591) 610611
8 bedrooms, en-suite
Wales Tourist Board
Highly Commended
Single standard rate: £36.50
Double standard rate: £63.50
Standard price includes full breakfast

Trout Inn - Llanwrtyd Wells - (01591) 620235

Carlton House Hotel, Dolycoed Road, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RA
(01591) 610248, Fax: (01591) 610242
Single from: £32
Double from: £65
per room per night

Tourist Information:Ty Barcud, The Square, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RB. Tel: +44 (0)1591 - 610666; Fax: +44 (0) 1591 - 610666

Not open all year