Black Lion in Gwynedd

We were a very fortunate walk-in as all the other tables were booked. We were greeted by a human dynamo in the shape of Mel, who ran front of house single-handedly for the first hour. She was friendly, cheerful and extremely helpful. The food was excellent, we both had the sea bass, which was beautifully presented and tasted even better! It seems churlish to make a negative comment, but we both found the waffles a bit too much - one would have been enough! An excellent experience and one we shall repeat next time we visit the area.

Very warm welcome from Nige, I had the burger which was lovely. Hubby had fish and chips... All very nice good sized portions too ... Not really a pub, no pool tables slot machines or bar stools, just a really nice eatery ..that's also licenced, table service ... Great beers on tap. A great dog friendly place. Would visit again. Low ceilings, beams and fairy lights ,cosy, romantic lovely

Sunday lunch, loved the amount of vegetables served, meat was lush, cannot fault it, probably needed a larger tummy...

Birthday meal, only managed starter and main, generous portion sizes. Friendly attentive staff without being over bearing, food cooked brilliantly, flavours lush, great choice of menu, thank you for a wonderful meal, thoroughly recommended, will be back.

A lovely front room style/ very atmospheric pub - dating back to the 1600s I think I read. Cool evening, so the fire was on when we got there which made it feel all the cosier. Nice lighting. Food was very good. Staff lovely. Not overly busy which was good as limited parking out front - which is the only real draw back. Car parking was not important when the terrace was built so understandable. Definitely worth the trip.

We had a really tasty Sunday dinner. I had the beef and my husband the pork, and both meats were lovely. We treated ourselves to a cheesecake and tiramusu dessert!The young girl that served was very friendly and efficient. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

I booked online the morning of our visit. 4 of us.. On arrival (we nearly drove past it) we looked at the front and thought this is small. Inside was a lovely surprise. So cosy and quaint. The log burning so inviting and huge.. We all opted for a Sunday roast. Beef & Pork.. The meals were plentiful and delicious. The sweet selection was good also. The staff were really friendly and chatty. That is so important. I’m really glad we booked as all tables were taken. A must if you are in the area or near..

One of my fave places to eat, we always eat here when we visit this neck of the woods. Never disappointed, the food is home made, large portions & great service, nothing is ever too much trouble & they go above & beyond to provide a great service. Thankyou

It is located about a 10 minute drive from Machynlleth. The space is 500 years old and retains many of its original features and offers a traditional Welsh dining experience for the whole family. We had eaten a lot of meat on this holiday and so for this meal we chose a lighter fish option. We both had the prawn cocktail, followed by the Sea Bass. Several others in the room had more heartier dishes like the beef burger, which was piled high with four huge onions rings on top. Another guest was picking up a chocolate birthday cake the chef had made for them. It’s a small place, in the middle of no-where but packs a great culinary punch. The chef, Daffy and his partner Nigel are charming hosts!! We'll be back for sure

Great food, the seabass fillets were really tasty and the blade of beef was tender with a lovely gravy. It was quiet but it was a Monday night in November. Service was attentive and the atmosphere was cosy with an open fire. Wine and food were both reasonably priced.

Home cooked food at its best. Staff couldn’t have been more helpful - adapting the burger for my youngest who’s a little picky with his food. Mussels and burgers were really tasty and a good size matched by good quality. If we’re ever in area again we will definitely visit. And they’re dog friendly - even our dog got a treat too.

Lovely old pub - authentic decor - great food - Sunday roast with large or small plate choice of pork,beef,nut roast or veggie. Piled high so great value. Would definitely recommend - worth the small drive out of the centre of Machynlleth

Went for Sunday lunch. Disappointed because you could tell the food had been prepared a while ago and was dry.The roast potatoes were hard on the outside and dry on the inside. You could tell that it was put in the microwave and then served. A very average pub because of the food.

Wonderful experience, welcoming front of house staff knowledgeable of the menu and bar. Felt very relaxed throughout our meal, couldn't fault the food, fabulous flavours, generous helpings, good choices, will definitely visit again, thank you to all staff on duty that evening

I visited this restaurant a few years ago. I can say that is was actually a lot better this time around. Didn't think that after a few years things would be the same, but the atmosphere is so friendly and welcoming, the food is fresh hot and absolutely delicious. If I lived local this would be my regular place to eat. Well done Black Lion we will be back hopefully sooner rather than later.

This was my 3rd visit to The Black Lion and I will definitely be going back! I have family local to Machynlleth and whenever I visit we always try to visit as it’s a family favourite. There is always such a warm welcome and a warm atmosphere inside the pub. There were 5 of us and although the pub is small there was still plenty of room for us all on our table. The food was amazing, tasty and gorgeous presentation. I have always had the lasagne and cheesy garlic bread but this time opted for the burger which was incredible! Such a big burger for a great price, alongside some homemade chips. The service was impeccable from arrival to ordering to getting checked on to make sure everything was ok, I can’t fault it! Thank you for a lovely evening and I’ll be back in October when I visit Machynlleth again!

Turned up with the family having pre ordered our meals due to the size of our party and because the food was home made and the kitchen was small which we thought was fair. We arrived and got told we’d have to order another starter because the Brie and mango tarts hadn’t been delivered which started the alarm bells ringing. Drinks then were ordered and after receiving Zinfandel rather than blush rose got abruptly told that we could only have blush by the bottle. No problem, ordered a gin but they’d ran out! The staff are clearly passionate but unfortunately come across rude and on a number of occasions we noticed dirty looks and could hear them talking about us. Everyone has their own opinion of customer service but the number one rule is customer is always right but having received what we felt was an average meal at a high price in an uncomfortable environment we wouldn’t return. I have read the other poor reviews on here about the establishment and the response always seems to be “you didn’t bring it up at the time and you should call us rather that write a review” the reason people like myself haven’t chosen that path is due to how unapproachable and rude you come across. The fact we got charged for the rose wine we sent back and didn’t argue it proves the point we didn’t want to enter a conversation with you at fear of a backlash especially after accusing 3 young girls of flooding the toilets that I’m afraid had already flooded. Pub grub is pub grub and it’s fortunate your the only pub for a couple of miles.

I came for dinner last week with my family and we received a wonderful welcome. The staff were so kind and attentive, nothing was too much trouble. The food was plentiful and delicious. We had the seabass with prawns and leek mash, lamb shank with garlic mash and green beens, home made beef lasagne and the steak. The portions were huge! Everything was so tasty and perfectly cooked. We couldn't fault anything. Thank you guys!

Beautiful 15th century inn in Derwenlas near Machynlleth. I feel claustrophobic normally in low ceilinged buildings but this felt perfect. Pretty white lights festoon the ceiling area and give more space and light. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier or more accommodating. I thought I’d made a reservation but turns out I hadn’t and yet they welcomed us in. I’m a recent convert to veganism and plant-based food and the cauliflower “buffalo” wings were to die for and the mushroom and peanut roast was extremely delicious. My husband had the sea bass and the liver pate which he really enjoyed. No review with so many ticks would be right without one small wish! My wish would be that the management would reinstate the chocolates given with the bill. It costs virtually nothing but I think people still like that little treat at the end of the meal! Prices were reasonable and in keeping with the excellent fare. Highly recommendable! Thank you to our two waiting staff for the evening. Wonderful diplomats for the venue! Try the cauliflower wings! Heavenly!

The staff were very friendly and the food was delicious, will certainly be going again soon, so if you are in Machynlleth give it a try you w9nt be disappointed.

Fantastic service, fantastic food. Such a lovely atmosphere And staff so friendly Food was amazing..

On our annual trip from Scotland to this part of Wales we booked into the Black Lion as a group of 4 adults and 1 child and it was just as good, if not better than our previous visit as a couple in July 2022. It's a small quaint place with parking just outside and feels like you've stepped into someone's home. There are a handful of tables maybe allowing for around 25 diners but they stagger the bookings to ensure food is served timeously and fresh. The staff were super friendly and accommodating and nothing was too much for them. The food was absolutely delicious and generous in portion size. The pate starter was like a meal in itself! Highly recommend the burgers. The puddings were also amazing and kept our 10 year old very happy! Really lovely place, though can be difficult to get hold of to book as closed most days of the week and we got little or no phone signal around the area so calling was impossible at times. I ended up using messenger to contact them. Hopefully they can devise a system to book online as we will definitely be back next year.

What a fantastic place! My partner, and I booked for a table for dinner. A huge thank you to Mel for her fabulous service. It was busy and she continued to provide exceptional service, knowing when to ask if wanted a drink, to ordering food and to ask if we were enjoying our food! The food was excellent! We had fish and chips. How many pubs actually cut their chips now? This place does! I was surprised. The chips were handcut, and wow! The taste was incredible. The fish was excellent with the most tasty batter! The whole place is clean and guest are treated so well. Thanks to Mel, and an amazing chef!

Delicious home made food & excellent service. Very accomodating for families. We would certainly come here again.

What a lovely place very friendly and accomodating lady at front of house. Food was freshly cooked and delicious. Overall I would definitely recommend if passing as we were.

Great food early doors Saw the reviews and thought we’d risk it without a booking Got a table straight away and was served up with some great quality food Thanks very much

We had a very good meal here after a misunderstanding with the booking. The food was excellent, I had sea bass and it was very tasty and well prepared. The pub is a tiny, old characterful place. Mel the waitress was really lovely and made...

Fantastic Sunday Lunch. Excellent food and friendly staff. Would recommend you book as there are only about 20 seats inside.

We went out for a Sunday dinner, well The Black Lion certainly knows how to do a traditional roast, everything was fantastic, food was so tasty and home made gravy was a bonus, will definitely come back

We made a last minute booking for Sunday lunch and were greeted by friendly front of house staff who seated us to accommodate our dog too. We both ordered the roast beef which was amazing. Plenty of food and everything tasted fresh and homemade (Yorkshire...

Popped in on our way home. The staff were lovely and friendly. Sunday lunch was amazing and really good value. Only issue is parking is difficult However the meal and service cannot be faulted. Highly recommend.

What a find. We were looking for a place to eat after a great day on the beach and managed to get a table at The Black Lion Inn (booking definitely advised). The place is a grade ll listed building and has beautiful features. We...

I have been staying in Machynlleth for a few days and nothing popped out until i read the reviews on The Black Lion, over the past two days i have been there for the celtic burger and the gamon tonight. Both were really nice, big...

Excellent Sunday lunch. Quite difficult parking but food, welcome and service made the visit worth while

this was without doubt the best Sunday lunch I have had in a long time, only wish it was my local, the food was outstanding coupled with very friendly staff and excellent service, I will be going back if I return to this area.

Had an absolute gorgeous 3 course meal, food was excellent. The front of house staff was brilliant, friendly and professional can't recommend the place more

A cracking Sunday lunch! Choice of beef, pork, veggie nut roast and vegan sweet potato and chickpea parcel. Portions are large to humongous. Everything was cooked beautifully, from tender beef to crisp fluffy Yorkshire puds and cauliflower cheese on the side. The desserts looked amazing,...

Had dinner here tonight and all 3 courses looked and tasted great ! A very friendly atmosphere and good service ,excellent value can highly recommend

Heard great things about The Black Lion, but first time visited. It won’t be the last. Sunday Lunch was superb.Veggie options very good and puddings to die for. Staff are excellent and a throughly pleasant couple of hours spent in the lovely old inn..

Had abeautiful meal here tonight 23 january 2022, is was amazing, the service was excelent xxthe place was warm and welcoming,the lasagne was home made,and excelent ingredients used,x

Called here yesterday with friends January 3rd the food was magnificent 3 of us had the same beef and ale pie Omg it was gorgeous can’t wait to come back one other person had fish which she said was fabulous too !!!

Christmas meal with friends and a second visit to The Black Lion in Derwenlas as we enjoyed the food and great service the first time. Traditional festive food, cooked to perfection and served by lovely staff. Our ladies group really had a great get together....

Greeted by lovely friendly staff. Drinks came quickly so we could relax. The starters were packed full of flavour especially the prawns. I had the Xmas dinner of beef and what a delight. Well cooked veg, and beef that was succulent and tender. Full marks...

Read reviews and thought we would try it aut whilst we were passing. Overall the meals were quite good but the Gammon sadly was chewy Pleasant atmosphere and very friendly staff.

Great cosy atmosphere with super friendly staff willing to make your experience fabulous - massive shout out to all the team but in particular Nigel. Food was immense and great selection of wine

Really enjoyed our meal here of Good quality pub food accompanied by decent beer and wine (we had the gammon & the tremendous “Black Lion Burger”). Food fresh & hot well served by friendly, polite staff.

From the host Nigel to the delicious food, we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. we would definitely recommend to others oyr meal was pulled pork burger and seabass garlic prawns and leek mash, no complaints and it didnt hit the sides! Nigel was front of house...

The title sums it up. This was a random choice although informed by TA ratings as we were in the area. Had an evening meal that was excellent. We were made very welcome and the staff were friendly and offered good advice on the menu....

My partner and I visited for an evening meal. We booked ahead and when we arrived we were given a choice of tables (I think its always lovely to choose). We ordered the pulled pork burger and a gluten free pizza. The pizza wasn’t on...

We came here for an early evening meal before going to see a concert in Machynlleth and were not disappointed. The food was reasonably priced, delicious and well-presented. The pub is extremely characterful, having kept many of its original features and the staff were friendly...

Just returned from visiting here . What a absolute gem of a place . Such a friendly cosy place . Staff were extremely attentive and nothing was too much trouble !! I opted for sea bass on a leek potato mash with garlic prawns and...

Lovely little pub but such a shame the food was poor. For the children they ordered fish goujons but they were just basic fish fingers and sausages which looked really cheap and horrible. The vegetarian burger for main course was also disappointing, would of expect...

Service with a smile as greeted by friendly efficient staff. Drinks brought to the table quickly and the food in good time. I had mussels which were lovely. The sauce was so tasty. After eating all the mussels I put my chips in the sauce...

Came to celebrate mine and my other half’s engagement, absolutely amazing!! 100% recommend to anyone! The host Nigel made sure we comfortable and happy all evening. It was the best service I’ve ever had in a pub/restaurant will be deffo coming again, the food was...

We have stopped here so many times but have always missed it being open - today we got lucky ! Inside it’s exactly how I imagined it to be be - in keeping with its date. The manager was just so lovely & so friendly,...

Really nice warm welcome by all the staff. I didn’t have a reservation but they managed to accommodate me. The menu is really wide ranging and lots of homemade items. I had the BBQ pulled pork burger which was delicious and meant I could not...

The food here is absolutely phenomenal. service is so so good and the atmosphere is stunning. Highly highly recommend!!

Absolutely fantastic food and a very nice friendly environment. Would very highly recommend. The special of the day, cod fish cakes and garlic potatoes was fantastic along with the other dishes too. Thank you so much.

The second time I have eaten here recently. Sunday lunch was delicious. Proper home cooked food. Yesterday we had a sharing platter, salmon and lasagne for our mains. All so tasty, hot, and well presented. FOH staff really friendly, and happy to chat, making us...

As we were staying locally it would have been rude not to try the place out. Certainly advise booking however we were quickly seated and given menus and had a few minutes to decide on our meal. A good selection of food and drinks on...

Booked a table for 5. Black lion burgers were delicious. Mother in law said it was the best lasagne. Even my daughter had whose usually quite fussy ate her burger.

Been here a number of times and never had a bad meal. Very cosy little pub with a decent menu to choose from. Would recommend

Having visited The Black Lion on a Sunday and experienced an amazing lunch, we had no hesitation in booking my father's birthday meal there. We were extremely disappointed in the lack of choice. If you like beef burgers then you will be fine. I had...

500 year old pub with wooden beams and cosy corners. Lovely ambience. Great food and drink at reasonable prices with wide choice of dishes. Friendly and attentive staff. Enjoyed it and will definitely visit again!

Me and the other half called in tonight and as ever had a lovely warm reception. Very friendly, drinks served quickly by Cat the waitress who was most welcoming. Nigel came to take our order and again a pleasure to talk to. Our meals werent...

My partner and I booked in for dinner and it was amazing. We had the sharing platter, wow!!! Fresh, filling and fabulous! I also ordered a pizza and couldn't finish it because I had raided the platter! I was gutted as it was all homemade!...

We visited on a Saturday night. Warm, cosy pub with friendly quick service. Great choice on the menu. We shared the popcorn chicken and calamari cheese balls to start, the Black Lion burger & scampi for main and couldn't leave without getting a takeaway biscoff...

Lovely traditional pub situated in a beautiful area. The staff are friendly, the food is delicious and the general atmosphere is warm. We would definitely recommend this pub to anyone. There isn’t a lot of parking outside the pub but, there are a lay-bys/lanes you...

What a lovely little find this was. Fantastic cosy little pub with great Sunday Lunch. Really grest service and lovely owners. Would definitely recommend.

Eaten here twice lately. Sampled the festive menu. Once with a few of us and the next with a party of people. Whether you are a small or large gathering of people the food is second to none. Everything came out on time and piping...

Visited on friends recommendation for Sunday Lunch. A small lovely proper pub tucked away in a row of terraced houses in Derwenlas , 2 miles outside Machynlleth. Lovely frontage, very Christmas Ready at the moment , tastefully decorated . Low beams, warm glowing stove fire...

We were recommended the Black Lion for dinner near Mach. Unexciting from the outside but on entering, the charm of the place was clear and supported by good food and excellent attentive service. Thank you for a lovely evening and, in particular, for the stunning...

Lovely welcome on arrival, food was fantastic, good price for portions, ended up having to take some home as it was soo good… defo recommend … and 100% be back again..

We enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Black Lion, the food was delicious. The team were friendly and it was a good place to relax and catch up over a good meal. It was quite busy when we were there, although that didn't slow the...

Booked in for a meal for 4 with friends last week. The menu was adapted very well to suit our requirements and have to say, we all enjoyed our meals, was delicious. Nigel and his staff were very attentative and looked after us all Nigel...

Delicious food, reasonably priced and really good sized portions. The service was excellent too, with all staff being exceptionally friendly and helpful.

Cosy ambience of this 500 year old pub. Roaring fire adding to the charm. Excellent food cooked to perfection. Served by a polite young man, efficiently managing the restaurant by himself. Top notch food and service Highly recommend

Cosy and homely ambient with great service. One of the best roast we had. It was so delicious and very tasty! Definitely will go back!

Sunday lunch Wow what a meal Had Sunday lunch I Had the nut roast and my husband and so. Had the beef Gorgeous tasty and such good value Can’t wait to go again

We have been before and the last time we went the food was good but service was poor. That was a long time ago so we thought we should try again. Arrived as agreed and shown to table (Saturday night). Had been told over phone...

5 of us went for Sunday lunch and we all had different requests. The meat was cooked to perfection and the veg was all homemade which makes such a difference to us. The hosts were very attentive and nothing was too much trouble. Thank you...

We recently visited this pub with another couple. We had booked a table which was restricted to two hours due to covid restrictions. The Welsh speaking waitress was friendly and made sure we were happy with everything. This is an old world pub which hasn't...

This pub is so great, amazing menu with a great range of food for all tastes and a great selection gins and drinks. We went with our two children and all had a great meal, nothing was too much trouble and we are already looking...

Visited this restaurant on the day my daughter received her A level results whilst we were on holiday. This restaurant was snug and we just loved the atmosphere. The staff were attentive and nothing was too much trouble, they were friendly and professional. The Black...

Even though we had booked we were made to feel like we were more of an inconvenience than paying guests! We waited ages for our two drinks and had to remind them 3 times. The food, when it turned up, was average but the service...

Superb service - staff friendly, attentive and professional. Food was great and everyone enjoyed their choices. We will definitely be back!

We went to the black lion for our wedding anniversary, the food was amazing and the staff very efficient and friendly, the atmosphere is really relaxed and cosy. we will definitely be going back 😊

Booked for Sunday lunch, while on a short break, as a friend had recommended we should eat here. What a fantastic meal it was… beef that melted in your mouth,Yorkshire puddings.roast and new potatoes, plenty of fresh veg and home made gravy. The staff are...

As a family (2 adults 2 children) we booked a table for an evening meal on our way home to Pembrokeshire from our holiday in North Wales, and by chance I had searched for somewhere to eat in the Machynlleth area thinking it was roughly...

Me and my partner visited the black lion as we live locally, and hadn't been since the start of the pandemic. Very professional young staff, polite, attentive and efficient. I had the veggie lasagna and my partner had the Black Lion Burger - really generous...

We have visited the Black Lion three times over the past two weeks, as we were staying in the area. What a find- the food was excellent, the staff were really friendly and the service was second to none. Sunday lunch is blooming amazing -...

My self and my husband visited here after a Aberystwyth for the day. What can I say. From start to finish was exceptional!!! The level of the service was the best we have seen and quailty of food was second to none. We highly recommend...

We visited last night and had a beautiful meal. Staff were very friendly and the food was excellent. A real lovely homely feel to the place. We will return in the near future.

Excellent food, service and surroundings. Really lovely Sunday lunch ...looking forward to sampling the evening menu.

Had a lovely weekend in Wales. Topped of the last day with a fantastic Sunday lunch at this quaint little Inn. Booked on the of chance after hearing how great the food was. Welcome was great, staff were absolutely fantastic nothing was too much for...

It’s a typical old pub with plenty of character - try the rear beer garden if you want to sit outside, better than eating by the roadside. It’s a friendly place offering good quality pub food. Prices were reasonable for what we had and they...

We had a great meal here, the servce was excellent and the staff were very friendly. I highly recommend eating here, very good value for money and plenty to eat

Went here after an all-weather day cycling in beautiful Wales. Friendly, professional, prompt service with staff happy to go the extra mile. Two veggies with me who found plenty of options to choose from. AND amazing desserts. Covid measures in place but not intrusive. Very...

Had a fantastic meal with friends, called last minute to see if there was a table, service was brilliant, very friendly helpful staff, food was beautiful, very good portions, all covid rules in place very good all round service

We sat in the beautiful back garden amongst the gnomes. The friendly landlord very patiently explained the ordering system which took us a little while to master. After a pint the food quickly arrived. We ordered the sea bass with leek and potato mash, a...