The Old Barn Tea Room — Restaurant in Wales

I visited the Old Barn Tea room today (I have reviewed it on Trip Advisor). I don’t get to visit as often as I would like (As it happens I hope to visit the Old Barn again next month) but then you can have too much of a good thing. It crossed my mind that when you forget just how good a place is, that surely must mark it out as special (The Woodman Inn at Parkend, Forest of Dean springs to mind).

The visit today was superb and the glorious weather helped. Despite not having eaten since breakfast (I guess I got to the Old Barn sometime after 2.30), a bowl of soup and afternoon tea filled me to capacity. I was able to eat outside today and I cannot think of a more pleasant experience. On a fine day, the location cannot be beaten, the whole atmosphere being enhanced by the whistle of the steam engine, on the nearby Brecon Mountain Railway and the very tame “Wild” birds, who seem to know a good thing when the see it. They don’t land on the tables but they come close enough to get a good look at them and I couldn’t resist giving them part of my scone and sponge!!

Today I travelled to the Old Barn by car but I also visit via the Brecon Mountain Railway. Here are two separate businesses, that actually complement one another really well. Aside from the scenery (Which you might justifiably say is enough), there is nothing else in Torpantau. Some visitors, to the Brecon Mountain Railway, have made reference to there being very little at the northern terminus of the line (Basil Fawlty’s remarks about “This is Torquay” spring to mind) but I am sure that had these people known about the Old Barn, their impression of the Brecon Mountain Railway and this part of the National Park would have been much better. Apparently signs placed near Torpantau station, pointing towards the Old Barn have gone missing.

I understand that the management of the BMR see the Old Barn as some kind of competition, rather than as something, which compliments their operation. I hope this has nothing to do with the disappearance of the signs. Frankly, whilst the BMR café facilities at Pant are more than acceptable, they are not the same thing at all, as the Old Barn Tea room and as to the BMR café at Ponsticill, to attempt a comparison, with the Old Barn, would be like comparing a five star hotel with a small caravan. Caravans have their uses but how many caravan dealers would seriously view a five star hotel as a threat to their kind...

Visited this place the other day in August on a summers weekend after my dad needed to use the toilet facilities. We felt it would be polite to purchase some food/drinks for doing so. I liked the gazebo to sit outside, so that's where my 1 star is given for. Was handed the menu (I felt it would have been much nicer if they gave throw away menus, I feel its much more hygienic, unless they wipe down every menu after each use). Having glanced at the menu, its definitely not the cheapest place to eat. (Half a sandwich? With a few scones for £15? I had the tuna mayo sandwich with crisps and a side salad. I was utterly shocked at what was given. I do not feel corn chips are crisps, disgraceful charging £5.95 for 4 small triangle sandwiches, 5 tortilla chips, and a slither of tomato/ a pinch of icebergs lettuce and a 3 slithers of red onion the size of a thumb nail. I'm not exactly sure why they have side salad on the menu as all I could see was a garnish,nothing more.The tuna sandwich was smothered in butter, which unfortunately is what I could taste and all I could taste for the next hour or so and the brown bread was awful. When we went to pay we were informed that we could not use a card payment as they do not have signal.This was not brought to our attention when the.person dealt with our order, which is quite unacceptable and was given a slip with there bank details on, ready to send a payment when we had signal. If you're thinking of visiting this place, make sure to bring cash as they have no signs stating cash only I can safely say, we won't be visiting to this place again, I could say I could puke out better stuff than...

The Old Barn Tea Room is an absolute gem. From the moment you step inside, you’re struck by its rustic charm – it really is an old barn that’s been lovingly transformed into a tea room, and the atmosphere is both warm and welcoming.

The service here is, quite honestly, the best I’ve ever experienced. The staff are incredibly attentive without ever being intrusive – they notice the little things, anticipate what you need, and make you feel genuinely cared for throughout your visit. It’s rare to come across such consistent thoughtfulness and friendliness, and it makes the whole experience stand out.

The food is excellent – beautifully prepared, presented with real care, and just as good to look at as it is to eat. There’s plenty of choice on the menu, and something to suit every taste. The selection of teas and drinks is outstanding too, with a wide variety that really adds to the enjoyment.

Altogether, The Old Barn Tea Room offers a combination of outstanding service, lovely food, and a unique rustic setting that makes it a real pleasure to visit. It’s the kind of place you leave already planning your...