The International Welsh Rarebit Centre

Defynnog

Welcome to The International Welsh Rarebit Centre

The International Welsh Rarebit Centre celebrates one of Wales’s best-known dishes from the Old School in Defynnog, within Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.

The menu includes classic Welsh rarebit alongside more imaginative variations, with seasonal soups, salads, cakes and daily specials offering further choices. The café also hosts changing art exhibitions and sells a selection of local artisan gifts.

It is a welcoming place to stop while exploring Sennybridge and Defynnog, including the nearby Defynnog Yew and St Cynog’s Church.

Opening days and times can change during the year, so visitors should check the centre’s Facebook page before travelling. Discover more cafés and coffee shops across Bannau Brycheiniog.

Show more
Opening hours
Visit our website
the.rarebit.centre@gmail.com
+44 1874 636843

The Old School, High Street, Defynnog, Powys, LD3 8SL

Logo for The International Welsh Rarebit Centre in Defynnog

Amenities

  1. Dietary Requirements Catered For
  2. On-Site Parking
  3. Wood Burning Stove
  1. Family Friendly
  2. Shop on Site

Things to do nearby

The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is full of beautiful, interesting places to visit. Take a look at a few suggestions.

Things to Do
Visitors beside the underground waterfalls in Cathedral Cave at Dan-yr-Ogof

Dan-yr-Ogof, National Showcaves Centre for Wales

Three showcaves, 250 life-sized dinosaurs and Shire horses—included in one ticket at Abercraf.
An alpaca in a red halter being led across a field, with other walkers and alpacas behind.

Alpaca My Boots

Guided 90-minute alpaca treks near Brecon, with family tickets, private bookings and gift vouchers.
Silhouette of a person with a raised hand against the sunset over the hills.

The Wild of the Words – Cwmffrwd Farm

Self-catering, meadow camping and nature-based experiences at Cwmffrwd Farm near Talgarth.
Two adults and two children wearing helmets, wetsuits and buoyancy aids beside trees.

Black Mountain Adventure

Outdoor activity days, group adventures and canoe hire near Hay-on-Wye and Bannau Brycheiniog.
Stone exterior of Brecon Cathedral with lawn and trees in the foreground.

Brecon Cathedral

Historic cathedral, music, events and Pilgrim’s Café, a short walk from Brecon.
An instructor and a helmeted participant handling ropes during indoor abseiling practice.

Climbing and Bouldering at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre

Indoor Climbing and Bouldering at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre
Sunlight across patchwork fields and woodland, with Sugar Loaf rising beyond the valley.

Dragon Trails

Small-group walking holidays from Crickhowell, with guided hill walks and guesthouse stays.
Turquoise Tramway Coffee kiosk beside a covered seating area with wicker sofas and chairs overlooking the canal.

Tramway Coffee Shop, Beacon Park Boats

Canal-side coffee, cakes and light bites at the Beacon Park Boats wharf in Llangattock.
Leather armchair with a patterned cushion beside a vase of dried flowers at Peterstone Court.

Peterstone Court Restaurant

Seasonal food, afternoon tea and Sunday lunch at Peterstone Court in Llanhamlach, near Brecon.
Colourful café tables, a wood-burning stove and a serving counter, viewed from the stairs.

Base Camp Café at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre

Base Camp Café, Llangorse: Fresh Food and Lakeside Views in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Glyntawe Outdoor Centre Activities

Outdoor activity programmes for schools, families and groups, based at Pen y Cae.
A visitor brushing a miniature donkey’s neck as it lifts its head towards him.

Good Day Out – Animal Experiences

Small-group pig walks, mini-donkey experiences and sheepdog sessions in Bannau Brycheiniog.
Dining room at The King’s Head in Llandovery

Eating and Drinking at The King’s Head

Local produce, restaurant meals, Sunday lunch and Welsh ales on Llandovery’s Market Square.
an antipasti plate with bread and wine at Café Brycheiniog

Theatr Brycheiniog Café

Canal-side dining, coffee and homemade treats in the heart of Brecon.
Visitors walking beside the underground River Llynfell in Dan-yr-Ogof cave

The Showcaves at Dan-yr-Ogof

Explore Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave—three underground experiences in one ticket.

Adventure Britain / Call of the Wild

Outdoor activities and group adventure breaks across South Wales, including Bannau Brycheiniog.
Wooden tables and chairs inside Hay Castle Café, with large windows and a fireplace

Hay Castle Café

Brunch, light lunches and cakes at Hay Castle, with lawn views and an open fire in winter.
The Bear Hotel on Crickhowell’s High Street, with the town monument in front and green hills behind.

The Bear, Crickhowell – Stay, Eat and Drink

Rooms, a restaurant and a historic bar at The Bear, a family-run coaching inn in Crickhowell.
A person looking through a telescope illuminated by red light, with trees and hills behind.

Dark Sky Wales

Dark Sky Wales: Stargazing and Astronomy Experiences in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Fishing at Llandyfan Camping

Coarse fishing in a one-acre woodland lake near Trapp, open to campers and day visitors.
Traditional woodworking workshop at ToolBox Tan in Bannau Brycheiniog

Toolboxtan at Tŷ’r Philip Evan Farm

Small-group woodworking workshops at Ty’r Philip Evan Farm near Crickhowell.

Ellesmere Riding Centre

Horse-riding experiences beside Llangorse Lake, from gentle treks to adventurous trail rides.

Market Hall Cinema

First-run films in Wales’ longest continually run cinema, a historic venue in Brynmawr.
A group of walkers smiling beside a woodland waterfall, with a Walk Hay hat in the foreground.

Sarah Price Hiking

Guided walks and hiking experiences in Bannau Brycheiniog with a local walking guide.
Dark-painted Book-ish shop front with books displayed in the window on Frogmore Street, Abergavenny.

Book-ish Abergavenny

Independent bookshop on Frogmore Street, Abergavenny, with books and author events.

Books at The Dragon’s Garden

Independent bookshop in Llandovery offering books, Fair Trade gifts, gardening tools and events
An orienteering group navigating outdoors at Glyntawe Outdoor Centre.

Glyntawe Outdoor Centre

Group stays, self-catering and outdoor activities for up to 35 guests at Pen y Cae.
Angler casting a fly line while standing in the River Usk beside a wooded bank

Glanusk Estate, Fishing

Trout and salmon fishing on the River Usk near Crickhowell, with guides and tuition on request.

Talgarth Mill, Tours and Craft Shop

Working watermill tours, riverside gardens and a local craft shop in the centre of Talgarth.
Pale blue frontage of The Plough Rhosmaen, with a glazed entrance porch and potted shrubs beside the road.

The Plough Rhosmaen – Stay, Dine and Celebrate

Hotel rooms, dining, weddings and events near Llandeilo, with gardens and valley views.

Bridge 76 Adventures

Explore the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal by SUP with Bridge 76 Adventures.
Helmeted mountain bikers listen to a guide beside their bikes on a sunny forest track.

WyeMTB

Guided mountain-bike rides, skills coaching and British Cycling courses across South Wales.

Welsh Venison Centre, Beacons Farm Shop

Farm shop, butcher’s counter and café near Bwlch, with local produce, gifts and online shopping.

Y Castell – Stay, Eat and Drink

Rooms, a bar and restaurant in a restored coaching inn on Queen’s Square, Llangadog.
Two harnessed riders travel from a wooden platform with grassy hills behind.

Zip World Tower Colliery, Tower Flyer

Three seated zip zones covering 270m at Tower Colliery, with two parallel lines in each zone.
The Visit Brecon information centre entrance, with signs and window displays at Lion Yard.

Visit Brecon

Local advice, maps and guided town walks at Visit Brecon Tourist Information Centre.
a family playing in the grounds of Carreg Cennen Castle

Carreg Cennen Castle Café and Tea Rooms

Homemade lunches and cakes beneath Carreg Cennen Castle, with free entry to the tea rooms.
Two mountain bikers in helmets riding a rocky trail between trees.

BikePark Wales

Mountain Biking Adventures at BikePark Wales | Near Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
Aerial view of Carreg Cennen Castle on its limestone crag with green fields beyond.

Carreg Cennen Castle

Medieval castle ruins, a limestone cave and valley views near Llandeilo, with walks and tea rooms.
The Blue Bell pub exterior in Llandovery, showing the beer garden, pool table, jukebox and darts

The Bluebell Llandovery

Town-centre pub in Llandovery with 14 draught lines, beer garden, games and dog-friendly welcome.
The Angel Hotel’s pale Georgian frontage, with flags, sash windows and a columned entrance on Cross Street.

The Angel, Abergavenny – Stay, Eat and Celebrate

Explore The Angel in Abergavenny: hotel stays, dining, the bakery, weddings and events.
Aerial view of the Greenman hedge maze surrounded by trees and lawns at Penpont.

Penpont

Self-catering, riverside camping, gardens and a farm shop at a family-run estate near Brecon.
A visitor leading a miniature donkey along a leafy lane lined with trees and foxgloves.

Good Day Out – Mini Donkey Walks and Agility Games

Quiet mini donkey walks and agility games near Sennybridge.
A helmeted pilot in a yellow jacket checks paraglider lines on a grassy hillside while visitors wait nearby

Crickhowell Paragliding

BHPA-approved tandem paragliding flights and training above Bannau Brycheiniog from Crickhowell.
A row of mountain bikes lined up outside a wooden café kiosk at Drover Cycles.

Drover Cycles, Hay on Wye

Bike Hire and Cycling Adventures with Drover Cycles in Bannau Brycheiniog
A black-and-white sheepdog running in front of a flock of sheep, with fields and hills behind.

Good Day Out – Sheepdog Herding Experience

Hands-on sheep herding with a Welsh Border Collie near Crickhowell.
Sunlight over a lake beneath steep mountain slopes in Bannau Brycheiniog

Friends of the Brecon Beacons / Cyfeillion Bannau Brycheiniog

Year-round guided walks, talks and conservation work from Friends of the Brecon Beacons.
Two riders with their arms raised in a Tower Coaster cart on an elevated track.

Zip World Tower Colliery, Tower Coaster

One- or two-seat coaster on a 1km track at Tower Colliery, with three rides and speeds up to 25mph.
Metal Cegin Glo lettering in front of a large wheel inside the bar and bistro.

Zip World Tower Colliery, Cegin Glo

Bar and bistro at Zip World Tower Colliery, welcoming participants, spectators and other visitors.
White exterior of The Angel Inn in Pontneddfechan with outdoor seating and plants.

The Angel Inn, Pontneathvaughan

Home-cooked food, real ales and a dog-friendly Hikers Bar near the waterfalls.
Interior of The International Welsh Rarebit Centre in Defynnog, with a wood-burning stove and menu board

How to book

Visit the website
the.rarebit.centre@gmail.com
+44 1874 636843

Ideas for accommodation

All Accommodation
A wooden stable door and glazed patio doors beside outdoor chairs at a whitewashed Coity Bach cottage.

Coity Bach Farm – Cottages, Glamping and Camping

Explore Coity Bach’s farm cottages, lodges, glamping and camping near Talybont-on-Usk.
Luxury holiday accommodation in Brecon town centre

Cantre Selyf

Two self-catering stays in central Brecon: The Cottage for two and The Wing for four.
Road House Narrowboats canal boat holiday in Bannau Brycheiniog

Road House Narrowboats

Canal boat holidays on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
Twin bedroom with exposed beams at Ty Newydd self-catering cottages

Ty Newydd Self Catering Cottages, Captain’s Lookout

First-floor studio apartment for two beside the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal near Brecon.
Ty Croeso located within walking distance of shops and cafés in Crickhowell.

Ty Croeso

Large luxury holiday house in Crickhowell sleeping up to 16, ideal for group stays.
a canvas tent set up under trees by the river in late summer

Camping at Penpont

Quiet, informal riverside camping with farm shop, sauna, and starlit campfires.
White-rendered cottage with a gravel drive and planted garden at Tan yr Eglwys.

Tan yr Eglwys

Two dog-free cottages at Cilybebyll: the Barn sleeps six and the Farm Cottage four plus one.
Room 5 at The Felin Fach Griffin, with a double bed, Welsh blanket and yellow armchair.

Staying at The Felin Fach Griffin

Eight en-suite rooms at Felin-fach, with breakfast, double and twin options, and no televisions.
Green glamping dome with a picnic table and fire-pit tripod, with buttercups in the foreground.

Aber Glamping

Domes and pods sleeping four or six at Aberhyddnant Organic Farm near Crai.
Tents on grass pitches with campervans and mountain scenery at Dan-yr-Ogof.

Camping and Caravanning at Dan-yr-Ogof

Adults-only camping and touring pitches for guests aged 16+ beside Dan-yr-Ogof at Abercraf.
Decking and a chair beside the green timber Lookout lodge, with trees surrounding the path to its kitchen.

The Lookout at Ty Cefn Tregib

Woodland lodge for two at Ty Cefn Tregib near Llandeilo, with a wood burner and private facilities.
Penpont House beyond a meadow, with mature trees and hills in the background.

Penpont Wedding and Events Venue

Intimate Penpont weddings near Brecon, with gardens, historic Stables and exclusive use.
Flora’s Cabin exterior with countryside views near Pontsticill in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

Flora’s Cabin – The Pencerrig Collection

Luxury self-catering cabin in Pontsticill with private deck and views in the Brecon Beacons.
Children on a colourful swing-boat ride on a lawn at Glanusk Estate

Glanusk Estate Weddings and Events

Wedding and event spaces near Crickhowell, with gardens, parkland and historic buildings.
The house and glass-roofed conservatory at Penpont, seen from the garden.

The Courtyard Wing, Penpont

Grade I listed country retreat sleeping up to 16, with gardens, farm shop and riverside sauna.
Stone exterior of the Old Barn beyond a meadow, with a wooded hillside behind.

Porth-y-Parc

Two cottages below Sugar Loaf near Abergavenny, each sleeping six in three bedrooms.

Ty Newydd Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast

Farmhouse B&B near Brecon with four en-suite rooms sleeping eight, canal walks and mountain views.

Tyn y Coed Cottage

Welsh stone cottage near Sennybridge, with original beams, wood burner, garden and hot tub.
Bedroom at The Dairy, Ty Mawr, with a red headboard, checked bed throw, exposed beams and a stone wall

Ty Mawr Collection, The Dairy

Dog-friendly cottage for two in Llanfrynach, with a super-king bed, wood burner and garden.
a summer day a showing a path and 4 pods

The Roost Merthyr Tydfil

Eco-friendly cabins and a campervan pitch near BikePark Wales, with bike storage and sauna.
White dressing table and mirror between tall curtained windows in a New White Lion bedroom.

The New White Lion, Bed and Breakfast

Adults-only B&B in Llandovery with five en-suite rooms, breakfast, parking and secure bike storage.

Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages, Self Catering Properties

Self-catering cottages and stays across Bannau Brycheiniog for couples, families and groups.
Double bed, patterned armchair and wood-burning stove inside the white-panelled Shepherd’s Hut.

Shepherd’s Hut at Argoed Barns

Dog-free Shepherd’s Hut B&B for two near Felin-fach, with breakfast and a private hot tub.
Pale grey fitted kitchen with wooden worktops, oven, fridge and dishwasher

Aber Cottages

Stay on a 200-acre organic Welsh farm in Bannau Brycheiniog

Glyntawe Outdoor Centre Self Catering

Self-catering group stays for up to 35, with a commercial kitchen and shared spaces.

Coachingmans Cottage

Two-bedroom stone cottage for four in Trecastle, with log burner, garden, parking and Wi-Fi.
Aerial view of Farmstead and Wild accommodation and surrounding farmland, with rolling green hills and woodland in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).

Farmstead and Wild

Handcrafted shepherd's huts between Brecon and Hay-on-Wye for walking, wildlife and dark skies.
White-painted Meadowview Farmhouse beside a broad lawn with a picnic table, flower boxes and an adjoining stone barn.

Meadow View Brecon – Farmhouse and Arch Cottage

Two cottages near Brecon: Meadowview for ten and Arch for three, bookable separately or together.
Bedroom at The Bothy, Ty Mawr, with a wooden bed, purple bedding and exposed timber beams

Ty Mawr Collection, The Bothy

Dog-friendly cottage for four in Llanfrynach, with two bedrooms, a wood burner and private parking.

GroupAccommodation.com

Find large group accommodation around Bannau Brycheiniog for gatherings, retreats and shared stays.
a double room in the Kings Head Hotel

The King’s Head

Coaching inn on Llandovery's Market Square, with nine en-suite rooms, food and drink.
Camden Lodge with pale walls, a slate roof, flower planters and a driveway in front.

Camden Lodge

Brecon B&B and self-catering cottage with parking, Wi-Fi and the town centre nearby.
a couple sitting side by side on a wooden outdoor chair enjoying a view

The Barn at Brynich, Wedding and Events Venue

Grade II listed wedding and events venue near Brecon with two spaces and on-site cottages
A grey shepherd’s hut beside picnic tables and a barbecue area at Camp Cynrig.

Camp Cynrig Glamping Village

Two bell tents and a six-person cabin near Brecon, with private facilities and outdoor cooking.
Stone cottage buildings behind a lawn, flowering tree and timber fence with a Caebetran Farm sign.

Caebetran Farm

The Granary and The Stable: two cottages near Felin Fach, each sleeping four.
An open book, glasses and flowers on an outdoor table overlooking fields and hills.

Argoed Barns, Glamping and Shepherd’s Hut

Two glamping domes and a Shepherd’s Hut B&B near Felin-fach; each sleeps two with a private hot tub
Living room at The Coach, Ty Mawr, with striped sofas, orange walls and a wood-burning stove

Ty Mawr Collection, The Coach

Dog-free cottage for two in Llanfrynach, with a wood burner, private patios and estate parkland.
Stone Coach House Cottage with arched doorways and flowering wisteria across its walls.

Ty Cefn Tregib, Self Catering

Self-catering near Llandeilo: Coach House Cottage sleeps five and The Lookout sleeps two.
fire-pit at Glasevin Mansion

Group stays at Glansevin Mansion

Exclusive-use Georgian mansion near Llangadog, sleeping up to 42 across 20 bedrooms.
Person tending a firepit in the leafy garden beside Glan-yr-Afon cottage.

Cambrian Escapes, Glan-yr-Afon

Former mill sleeping four near Cilycwm, with a wood-fired hot tub and streamside garden; two dogs.
Cottage living room with sofas, television, wooden floor and exposed ceiling beams

Aber Cottages, Hill Cottage

Pet-friendly farm cottage near Crai for five, plus a sixth guest by arrangement.

Mountain View, Cefncoedbach Farm

Self-catering holiday cottage near Brecon, ideal for couples, families and exploring Brecon Beacons
The Bear Hotel on Crickhowell’s High Street, with the town monument in front and green hills behind.

The Bear, Crickhowell – Stay, Eat and Drink

Rooms, a restaurant and a historic bar at The Bear, a family-run coaching inn in Crickhowell.
Stone exterior of the Old Barn beyond a meadow, with a wooded hillside behind.

Porth y Parc, The Old Barn

Barn for six near Abergavenny, with a separate en-suite bedroom, patios and Sugar Loaf walks.
Stone cottage buildings behind a lawn, flowering tree and timber fence with a Caebetran Farm sign.

The Granary at Caebetran Farm

Farm cottage for four near Felin Fach, with two en-suite bedrooms and hillside views.
Pale blue frontage of The Plough Rhosmaen, with a glazed entrance porch and potted shrubs beside the road.

The Plough Rhosmaen – Stay, Dine and Celebrate

Hotel rooms, dining, weddings and events near Llandeilo, with gardens and valley views.
A wedding ceremony in a glazed timber-framed space with the castle visible beyond.

Carreg Cennen Castle Wedding and Events Space

Wedding ceremonies, barn receptions and daytime events with views of Carreg Cennen Castle.
Bedside radio and flowers beside a double bed with patterned wallpaper at The Felin Fach Griffin.

The Felin Fach Griffin

Dining pub with eight en-suite rooms at Felin-fach, serving seasonal food throughout the year.
Wicker armchairs and a low table beside the wide triangular-panelled window overlooking countryside in Seren Mawr.

Seren Mawr at Argoed Barns

Dog-friendly glamping dome for two near Felin-fach, with a private hot tub and wood burner.
fire-pit at Glasevin Mansion

Glansevin Mansion – Stay and Celebrate

Exclusive-use mansion near Llangadog for group stays, weddings, celebrations and events.