The Powis Arms — Restaurant in England

We were encouraged to book a three-night stay at the pub based on positive reviews, while our friends opted to camp on-site. Unfortunately, our experience fell far short of expectations.

Upon arrival at 4pm, we were shown to the upstairs breakfast room and informed that a continental breakfast was included, with an option to purchase a hot breakfast for an additional cost. We were surprised to see the continental items—croissants and pastries—already laid out at that time. What was more concerning was that the same items remained untouched and unreplaced throughout our entire stay. Their freshness and hygiene were questionable at best. That said, the hot breakfast offered on the first morning was enjoyable, and there was bread available for toast.

On the second morning, we chose the continental option and discovered mould on the loaf of bread provided. Given the extent of the mould, it was unlikely to have developed overnight, raising concerns that we may have consumed stale or unsafe food the previous day. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate any staff to address this issue.

The accommodation itself was quite run-down and in need of refurbishment. The room and breakfast areas were dirty, and we encountered several issues with the plumbing. On the first night and following morning, there was no hot water in the shower. By the next day, the water temperature was excessively hot and could not be moderated—until we discovered by chance that running the sink tap allowed the shower temperature to stabilize.

Noise from the pub was another significant issue. Although closing time was stated to be 11pm, the noise levels suggested otherwise and made restful sleep difficult.

Rather than a relaxing getaway, the stay felt more like an endurance test. We were relieved to leave and return home to basic comforts like cleanliness, fresh food, and functioning hot water.

Our friends who camped also reported a poor experience. They said the shower and toilet facilities were not cleaned all weekend. The showers were blocked, leaving them to stand in several inches of dirty water. The overall hygiene and upkeep of the facilities were unacceptable, and repeated requests for essentials such as hand towels and toilet paper were ignored. The disabled toilet facilities, in particular, were described as inadequate and poorly maintained.

In summary, our group was deeply disappointed with both the accommodation and the campsite. Regrettably, we will not be returning and cannot recommend this establishment based on...

The pub has developed very well.

This is a review limited to the pub itself and the food on offer. I heard that the pub's tenant/operator has changed (again) in recent months. This time, it's a great improvement. While I felt that since my first visit in 2000, the pub had become a little less welcoming each year and the food offerings had dwindled, during my multiple visits last in August 2025, many things have improved enormously compared to previous years.

The pub is once again much more frequented by locals and holidaymakers than I've experienced in recent years. The selection of beer, ales, and other drinks is good.

The best change has been the food. There are specials with special themes and dishes on several days of the week. The Wednesday special end of August 27th was excellent. A starter and main course for 12 GBP, prepared as a barbecue in the kitchen. I felt a bit transported to Greece with my chicken kebab. I like to compare the quality of the food with that of fish and ships (when available). This summer, I had fish and ships seven times in various places in Wales and Shropshire. Three times from takeaways and four times in a pub. Takeaway has the advantage that the fish usually tastes better, as pubs often serve "pre-made, shaped fish," which is always the same shape and size. And the taste is usually dry and bland.

The winner of this holiday is The Powis Arms. Great fish, ships good, tartar sauce superb and the presentation on the plate also excellent.

The significant improvement is visibly attracting local residents.

Keep up the good work, boss, and thank you! And congratulations to the pub owner for his good hand in choosing the new boss.

P.S. I have been visiting the Powis Arms in Lydbury regularly for 25 years, visiting friends or, in the past, on business trips. Usually for a period of one to four...

Let's start this review with the word 'excellent'. Knowing Walcot Hall we did expect something a bit special. But relatable. Good pub grub with a twist. Local ingredients. Bit gamey. Bit earthier. Well. Walcot Hall have always, in our experience, taken one's highest expectation and added an unexpected element. Never mind the charming surroundings. Warm, welcoming, stylish, down to earth. Dogs welcome. Walkers welcome. Workers encouraged. Everything curated with a classy, rustic, ramshackle, but exquisite, intelligent twist. The menu board (we were invited to take a photo rather than given printed sheets, which the petty 'waste-not-want-not' voice in my head approved and enjoyed immensely) was not the glamorous pub grub we had read on the website. It was far more interesting. Something for everyone, but not a straightforward menu. There was burger and chips. And fish and chips. I bet they are nothing like you'd ever expect. Our meals weren't. We plumped for lamb and chicken. I'm not one for trying new things. I'm far too old to have time (and meals) to waste on eating something I'm not going to enjoy. This chicken with bubble and squeak (which Chef very accomodatingly swapped for the proposed white pudding... See above statement about my inherent fussy suspicion of things I'm not familiar with) Was, in a (couple of) word(s), delectably magnificent. Big Ds lamb with red onion tartan and seasonal veg was equally mouthwateringly fabulous. We groaned and exclaimed with pleasure at every mouthful. Spud the Dog was a bit miffed at the lack of leftovers... Apparently Chef is only staying for 8 weeks, so I strongly advise anyone considering visiting The Powis Arms to do so with the most...