The Old Black Lion - Hay-On-Wye

$$$$||View on mapHay-On-Wye, United KingdomLion Street, Hay-On-Wye, United Kingdom|
8.5
Great
|45 photos
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 room
The Old Black Lion - Hay-On-Wye
Lion Street, Hay-On-Wye, United Kingdom·View on map
$$$$
Overall Score
Great
8.5Great
Location9.5
Staff9.3
Free WiFi9.2
Cleanliness8.8
Comfort8.8
Who stays here
Couples57%
Groups16%
Families13%
Solo13%

Overview

Overall Score
Great
8.5Great
Location9.5
Staff9.3
Free WiFi9.2
Cleanliness8.8
Comfort8.8
Who stays here
Couples57%
Groups16%
Families13%
Solo13%

Historic 17th-century inn with 2 AA Rosette restaurant and live jazz in Hay-on-Wye

Award-Winning Dining at The Old Black Lion

The Old Black Lion Hay-On-Wye holds 2 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence and earned the Good Food Award Gold Seal for 2024. The restaurant uses exclusively local ingredients, with dishes like Hereford steaks, Black Mountain Smoked Salmon, and South Indian style coconut curry. Diners can book private dining in the atmospheric Lions Den or enjoy cosy outdoor meals in the heated Marquee.

Live Music & Regular Events

The black lion hay hosts live jazz performances every Friday night, with musicians playing at a volume that allows conversation. Wednesday quiz nights draw locals and guests alike, featuring a South Indian style coconut curry served during the break. Butty Bach ale is a popular local beer on tap, and the bar also serves local gins and wines.

Historic Rooms Full of Character

The old black lion hay-on-wye offers rooms in a 17th-century building with original low beams, sloping floors, and oak doors. The standout Cromwell Suite is a duplex with a mezzanine seating area and countryside views, while other rooms feature modern ensuite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. Guests should note the low doorways and steep stairs, with prominent 'Mind your Head' signs throughout.

Prime Location for Exploring Hay-on-Wye & Beyond

The old black lion sits just 2 minutes from Hay Castle and the town's famous bookshops, with private parking included. The hotel is also a gateway to the Brecon Beacons National Park for hiking and cycling, and close to independent cinemas. Guests can leave their car in the free car park and walk everywhere in the centre of Hay.

Pet-Friendly Stay with Extra Services

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the black lion hay on wye, and the staff can accommodate dog-friendly tables in the bar. The hotel offers special diet menus and packed lunches for guests exploring the area. A freshly cooked breakfast using locally sourced produce is available each morning for £10 per person.

  • Location: 2-minute walk to Hay Castle and town center bookshops
  • Dining: 2 AA Rosette restaurant with Good Food Award Gold Seal 2024
  • Entertainment: Live jazz every Friday and weekly quiz nights
  • Rooms: Cromwell Suite with mezzanine seating and 17th-century character
  • Pet Policy: Well-behaved dogs welcome in designated areas
  • Parking: Free on-site parking for all guests
  • Breakfast: Freshly cooked full English or Welsh breakfast for £10 per person
Good to know
Check-in/Check-out
from 14:30-21:00
from 08:00-10:00
Amenities
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Other information
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Building
Number of rooms:9
Price calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Rooms and availability

Single Room
  • Room size:

    12 m²

  • Bed options:
    1 Single bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
Superior Double Room
  • Room size:

    20 m²

  • Bed options:
    1 Double bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
Double Room
  • Room size:

    18 m²

  • Bed options:
    1 Double bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
Show 1 more room typeLess

Facilities

Main facilities

Wi-Fi
Free parking
Luggage storage
24-hour services
Food/ Drinks

Bar/ Lounge area

Restaurant

Welcome drink

TV

Flat-screen TV

Kitchen facilities

Electric kettle

Facilities for kids

Children's menu

Cots

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 all facilitiesHide facilities

Essential information about The Old Black Lion

💵 Lowest room price 119 £
📏 Distance to centre 300 m
✈️ Distance to airport 82.5 km
🧳 Nearest airport Gloucestershire, GLO

Location

Lion Street, Hay-On-Wye, United Kingdom
Address
The address has been copied.
Lion Street, Hay-On-Wye, United Kingdom
Map view
Lion Street, Hay-On-Wye, United Kingdom
  • City landmarks
  • Nearby
  • Restaurants
Castle
Hay Castle
470 m
Hay-on-WyeWales
Castle Book Store
600 m
Gallery
The Lion Street Gallery
190 m
The Drill Hall 25 Lion Street The Drill Hall
Hay, Ross on Wye
30 m
41 Lion St
Hay Deli
210 m
The Old Electric Shop
300 m
2 St. Johns Place
The Haymakers Gallery
320 m
Store
Bain & Murrin
200 m
Restaurant
Hay Conservative Club
100 m
Restaurant
Tomatitos Tapas Bar
190 m
Restaurant
The Hay Tap
140 m
Restaurant
Chapters Restaurant
160 m
Restaurant
Oscars Bistro
180 m
Restaurant
Eve's
220 m
Restaurant
The Granary
320 m
Restaurant
Three Tuns
320 m
Restaurant
Rose and Crown
290 m
Restaurant
The Globe At Hay Kitchen
300 m

Reviews of The Old Black Lion

The essence·from guest reviews·past 2 years

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One honest summary, pulled from every verified stay – no scrolling through hundreds of reviews.

Guests say: worth booking
rated 8+
4.5/ 5
31 reviews
8.5/ 10
744 reviews
4.5/ 5
96 reviews

FAQ about The Old Black Lion

Which attractions can we visit during our stay at the charming 4-star The Old Black Lion hotel?
One of the most famous landmarks in the vicinity of the charming 4-star The Old Black Lion hotel is The Warren Park, placed just 1.3 km away. Other sights that are worth your while are The Haymakers Gallery (350 m) as well as Hay Antique Market (200 m).
What popular attractions are closest to The Old Black Lion hotel?
Guests of The Old Black Lion hotel can visit Hay Deli (a mere 5 minutes' walk from the accommodation), or Hay Castle placed 6 minutes' walk away.
Is there free parking in The Old Black Lion?
Yes, at The Old Black Lion a car park is provided on site for free.
What are the recommended dining options during the stay at the charming 4-star The Old Black Lion hotel?
Guests of the charming 4-star The Old Black Lion hotel can dine just outside the property in a highly rated-9/10 according to reviews-bar Tomatitos Tapas Bar offering European cuisine.
Does the inn serve breakfast?
Yes, guests can enjoy breakfast, served daily in the restaurant of the inn.
What is the timeframe for check-in and check-out in the hotel?
Guests of the hotel can check in from 14:30 to 22:30 and check out from 08:00.
How much does a room at the charming 4-star The Old Black Lion hotel cost?
The prices at the charming 4-star The Old Black Lion hotel start from $161.
What payment methods are accepted in the charming 4-star The Old Black Lion?
At the charming 4-star The Old Black Lion, guests can pay using сash, Visa, and American Express as well as other payment methods.
What room types does the charming 4-star The Old Black Lion hotel comprise?
The charming 4-star The Old Black Lion hotel provides such room types as Twin Room, King Room, and Superior King Room.
Which facilities are included in the rooms at the inn?
Every room at the inn includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels for guests' entertainment.
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 room