Review on The Swan at Hay
A Grade-II listed Georgian coaching inn with numerous additions, the Swan at Hay is a highly popular destination for bibliophiles and others visiting the book Mecca of Hay on Wye. Informal meals are served in the casual surroundings of the bar/bistro, with its period pine and oak furnishings and twentieth-century lithographs on the walls.
Alternatively, opt for the more traditional restaurant, which has views of the peaceful gardens from its original windows. The kitchen looks to Europe (especially the Mediterranean) for much of its inspiration, although ingredients are gleaned from the Welsh larder where possible (think Herefordshire beef, Wye salmon, plus fruit and vegetables from the county's gardens and orchards).
The main menu changes every couple of weeks, but it might open with starters of, say, rillettes of Gloucester Old Spot pork with piccalilli or a salad of warm Ragstone goats' cheese with red onion marmalade, tomato and pine nut salad. To follow, there might be braised shank of Marches lamb with mint and honey sauce, char-grilled Herefordshire steaks or seared scallops on crab risotto, while desserts might feature chocolate torte with Bower Farm cream.
The Swan at Hay is also featured in: Michelin Guide, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Modern British / European
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.30pm (12.00 - 3.00pm Sun) (3.00 - 6.00pm Mon-Sat Afternoon Tea)
Dinner: 5.30 - 9.30pm Mon-Sun
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express