There is a wide range of good places
to eat and drink around here, ranging from top restaurants to delightfully quiet
and totally unspoilt local pubs. Some of these establishments are wise enough
to stock wines supplied by Andrew Darwin Fine Wines of Church House, Kington...
The Stagg Inn at Titley has has, ever since Steve and Nicola Reynolds opened it, been easily the best place to eat
around here. In 2001, the Stagg was awarded a Michelin star, the first
one ever for a pub - and it's just down the road from us! The massive publicity
and endless reviews naturally ensured a constant stream of customers for the
Stagg. Luckily this has died down now, so it's probably not necessary
to book for a Saturday night quite so far in advance!
The Swan Hotel, Church Street,
Kington is the nearest place to eat in Kington (about 6 minutes walk from our
house). Telephone 01544 - 230510.
Opposite the Swan is the Royal Oak, which does a good line in Sunday lunches, with large quantities of excellent meat available.
The most interesting pub in town is unfortunately the furthest away from us! This is the Old Tavern, a small and delightfully old-fashioned establishment which is virtually untouched since about the 1920s, by the look of it. It used to be the domain of the oldest licensees in Britain (two sisters in their 80's); but now it houses Steve and Gaye Dunne, who run a successful micro-brewery from here - and a fine restaurant at the back. Tel. 01544 - 231993.
The Burton Hotel in Mill street, Kington is the principal hotel in town. A brand-new health club, with a swimmimg pool (Kington's first) and sauna, gym, etc was completed in 2006 - which is proving a valuable new facility for visitors as well as for residents. Ask the hotel for further details.
HYDERABAD Pakistani restaurant, Bridge Street, Kington, opened in 2002. We
are very fortunate to have these delightful chaps offering us bumpkins such
delicious and exotic food. You can eat in or have a takeaway. Tel. 01544
- 231999.
The Royal Oak at Gladestry - a simple country pub at the far end of Hergest Ridge, the Royal Oak is the obvious destination for Kington-based walkers. Walk there to build an appetite for lunch, then walk briskly back to work it all off!
The Rhydspence Inn at Whitney-on-Wye.
Between us and Hay-on-Wye is this lovely old 14th century drovers' inn. Timber-framed building,
old oak beams and dark and cosy bars, permanently lit log fire, good food, the lot.
Penrhos Court - just a mile outside Kington, Penrhos is
a hotel formed from a fine group of mediaeval buildings where you can eat very
good organic food. Vegetarians particularly well catered for.
The Harp Inn, Old Radnor - an unassuming country pub with spectacular views from the lawn. Best place for many miles from which to enjoy the sunset on a fine day.
The Bateman Arms, Shobdon - a fine old pub with excellent food. Before or after lunch, park here and walk up the delightful 'private' drive opposite to visit the incomparable Shobdon Church, a Strawberry Hill Gothic gem.