Hay Castle Café

Hay-on-Wye
Wooden tables and chairs inside Hay Castle Café, with large windows and a fireplace
A cup of frothy coffee on a saucer with coffee beans
A slice of iced cake topped with blueberries beside mint and lime
Hay Castle’s stone façade above clipped shrubs and garden steps
A knife and fork on a folded napkin beside a drinking glass

Welcome to Hay Castle Café

Hay Castle Café makes a relaxed stopping point in the centre of Hay-on-Wye, whether you are exploring the town or visiting the castle. On the ground floor, its large windows look across the lawn, bringing the setting into the room while you take a break for coffee, brunch or lunch. You do not need a castle admission ticket to use the café.

Run by Epicure, the café serves freshly prepared daytime food alongside cakes, snacks and drinks. The menu changes with the seasons, drawing on local suppliers rather than keeping every dish fixed throughout the year. Brunch and light lunches suit different stages of a day in Hay, from a meal before exploring to a pause between shops and exhibitions. Hot and cold drinks, including alcoholic options, are available.

The experience changes with the weather too. In summer, take food or a drink outside and spend time on the lawn; in winter, the open fire becomes part of the café’s appeal. Dogs on leads are welcome on the ground floor and in the grounds, so the café can be included in a visit with your dog.

This is one part of the wider Hay Castle experience, alongside its history, exhibitions, tours and events. It can also be enjoyed on its own, without organising a longer castle visit. The entrance from Oxford Road is close to the public car park; the castle has no visitor parking of its own. For those combining lunch with a tour or exhibition, both are within the same castle setting.

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Hay Castle, Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DG


Explore more cafés

Find more cafés for coffee, cake and a pause during your visit to Bannau Brycheiniog.

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How to book

For café table bookings, telephone 07546 345280. The café page carries current menus and opening arrangements.

Explore the surrounding area

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