Eating & Drinking.
Although River Cottage is tucked away in an idyllic valley, there are plenty of places to eat and drink in the area to suit all occasions, tastes and budgets. Be prepared that opening hours can be a bit erratic, especially during the winter months.
Casual
Cann Office, which is around 5 minutes’ drive from the cottage in the direction of Welshpool. They do basic pub grub e.g. burgers, fish and chips etc. Dog-friendly.
Brigands Inn, which is around 15 minutes’ drive in the direction of Dolgellau/Machynlleth. Slightly more up-market pub grub. Dog-friendly.
Cross Foxes, which is around 25 minutes’ away, just outside Dolgellau. Nice pub food. Dog-friendly.
Mawddach Pizza, which is around 30 minutes’ away near Dolgellau. Really good authentic Italian pizzas. Takeaway available. Dog-friendly.
George III, (our favourite!), around 30 minutes’ away in Penmaenpool. Good pub grub. Dog friendly. Gorgeous views, and right on the Mawddach Trail to burn off some calories!
Fancy
Ynyshir, which is around 40 minutes’ drive from the cottage, just the other side of Machynlleth, is the UK’s best restaurant! 2 Michelin Stars. Booking is essential, you will need to book a long way ahead, though there are cancellations from time to time (keep an eye on their Insta stories). Not to be missed.
Gwen, which is around 30 minutes’ drive away in Machynlleth, is Ynyshir’s sister restaurant. You don’t need to book for the wine bar, but you do for the restaurant (it’s tiny!).
The Checkers, which is around 30 minutes’ drive away in Montgomery. Really gorgeous and Montgomery is a pretty place. Booking advisable.
Pale Hall, is about 50 minutes’ drive away, close to Bala Lake. Really great food and location. Booking advisable, especially at weekends.
Penmaenuchaf Hotel, about 30 minutes’ drive from the cottage in Dolgellau. Great food in a wonderful location. Booking advisable.
Breakfast / lunch
Greenhouse Cafe & Kitchen (our favourite!), which is about 30 minutes’ away near Berriew. Serves THE best breakfasts.
Gregynog Hall, which is about 30 minutes’ away towards Newtown, has great walks and a dog friendly café.
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel does great afternoon tea with views to die for, around 20 minutes’ away.
Kerry Vale Vineyard, which is about 40 minutes’ away near Montgomery, and it has a nice café (and a gift shop!).
Try an award winning Sunday lunch at The Boat at Erbistock near Wrexham, about an hour away.
Idris Stores in Corris (about 40 minutes’ away) or Ty Cemaes in Cemaes are small village shops serving great homemade cakes and lunches to eat in or take away.
Glansevern, which is about 30 minutes’ away near Berriew, has great walks and the café does great cakes and light lunches. Dog friendly.
Other
Takeaways are a bit limited unless you try somewhere in Welshpool, Newtown or Oswestry BUT:
Hennighans in Machynlleth (30 minutes’ away) do fabulous fish and chips.
Rye & Roses, just outside of Machynlleth, do takeaway pizzas on Thursdays - you have to order in advance and collect.
Other recommendations are:
Machynlleth Market on Wednesdays – good for fresh bread and cakes, fruit & veg. Montgomery Market is on Thursdays.
Hermit Crab Coffee in Machynlleth does great coffee, and pastries from local bakers.
Our Instagram has various highlights including an ‘Eat & Drink’ section for more ideas, which we update regularly.