The International Welsh Rarebit Centre in Powys

Great smell of rarebit as you enter. Parking available on the road. Staff were very informative and interactive. It has an art gallery area and plenty of welsh cards, books and crafts of real quality. It uses recycled wood pellets for heating. The rarebit menu was diverse and they were delicious. Quite a few local interest booklets laid out for visitors. Very fresh and bright decor.

Amazing food and great friendly service in a beautiful community setting. Cakes were amazing too! Would definitely recommend.

Had heard so much about this place , felt disappointed when we got there . The Welsh rarebit was ok , but to pay that much for one slice of bread with cheese was laughable ,Won’t be visiting again . Not very cosy either ,although dog friendly in one part of the building

What a gem! Fabulous choice of rarebit toppings with wondrous salads. Sparkling clean and wholesome in an Artisan setting.

This place is good,really really good. We went 15 miles in the wrong direction having read TripAdvisor reviews. It was a great decision, home made rarebit,homemade chutney and a selection of homemade cakes. And the lady who made it all was behind the counter. Very recommended

Delicious Food, superb atmosphere. We arrived and what a pleasant surprise, staff very friendly homemade soup very tasty and the Welsh rarebit was out of this world. All reasonably priced. Products available to buy were locally sourced a super place to stop and have lunch.

We visited here yesterday, and we're not disappointed. The staff were so friendly and helpful, the restaurant is beautiful and has a lovely old worldly meets modern feel. My husband had the standard rarebit and I opted for their autumn rarebit and both were amazing, definitely worth the 45 min drive! If you haven't visited here you definitely need to! They also had an art exhibition upstairs showing amazing photos, we ended up buying one as they were all fantastic!

Amazing balance of flavour, in particular serving it on thick bread. Pity I only had time to order one, the original. Must go back one day for some more.

Travelling through the Brecon National Park looking for somewhere to have lunch and we came across this amazing, quirky place.. great selection of Welsh Rarebits, lovely staff, and a really nice experience 😋

If you think Welsh Rarebit is just cheese on toast, think again and eat here. Several to choose from and all looked delicious. You get a slab of bread covered with combinations I have never heard of. My only criticism is that, as I love my cheese, I would have liked just a tad more, but I'm a pig. It is definitely way better than I've had anywhere else.

Visited during our stay locally at the Brecons. As a huge ‘cheese on toast’ fan I was super excited to taste the classic Welsh rarebit. Lovely little building, friendly welcome. We sat outside as it was quite busy and we didn’t book in advance. Was lovely food, little side salad was a nice touch. I was expecting it to be a little cheesier, however I would visit again as this was a lovely place for a quick lunch.

My wife & I enjoyed a lovely lunch here again. The food is fantastic & the Peppery Patagonian is highly recommended. Lovely selection of cakes as well. The staff are very friendly and the service is excellent. Clean and tidy with a nice relaxed atmosphere. Would recommend booking in advance as the place is very popular as a stopover for cyclists etc.

Called in today on our way past on the off-chance that 13 of us could be seated for lunch. We knew it might have been a stretch for such a large group, so did expect a chance of not being able to dine. We enquired, had a friendly exchange with the chap on the till and then a less than friendly exchange with the female manager, who instead of simply saying that they couldn't accomodate such a large group was incredibly rude and condescending, passing comments such as "well, you'd think you'd know to book for such a large group". Incredibly sorry that we hadn't fully planned in advance where we might stop for some cheese on toast, we won't make that mistake again. The fact I'm even writing the review highlights what a poor taste the exchange left with us all collectively.

The best Welsh rarebit we’ve ever had. This cafe is in such a lovely location and has loads of different flavour combinations and specials. Also does some amazing cakes and we sat outside with a lovely view of the hills. Staff all so friendly and made for a lovely lunch.

Absolutely delightful place to visit. It’s a lovely atmosphere and the meal was outstanding. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

Always wanted to visit having driven passes numerous times. Had a lovely lunch from a choice of various rare bits, lovely deserts and warm welsh cakes. Parking is on the road, or up a nearby street. Unfortunately they don’t sell their rarebit - the owner...

The International Welsh Rarebit Centre is; a Wonderful venue which is owned & managed by Rose (Roos) and staffed by Lovely Happy People from the local area. Most of the 'special ingredients', such as parsley, pesto, rhubarb, garlic, elder flower and so on, are grown...

Having tried to lunch here in several occasions without success it was good to finally get here with friends. Lunch was a great success with my GF wife’s lunch being very good, along with the other meals. An enjoyable experience - many thanks.

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Very friendly staff in a lovely building. Everyone enjoyed their rarebits. Mine was the leek rarebit served with a lovely little side salad, delicious. The cakes were equally delicious. The rarebit was a little pricey. There is a little shop area...

We visited here after seeing it on route. Extremely tasty Welsh rarebit prepared with care and attention. Nice gallery upstairs and the most authentic gifts sold here, really lovely Welsh car after items. Staff were fantastic and very welcoming.

Wow, just the friendliest service and amazing food, a great way to embrace local food. Definitely a place to go back rp

A wonderful find just off the A40, situated in the small village of Defynnog. We received a really warm welcome from Rose and her staff, the food and coffee ( Coaltown, locally roasted in Ammanford ) were both excellent - so much so that we...

Wow where do you start - this was just a delight from start to finish. Simple, unpretentious fun, fabulous Welsh rarebit and gorgeous cakes. I did rather wonder how welsh rarebit could be elevated to near gourmet standards but I soon found out! I had...

I only have time to write a short review, as we have booking at the International Welsh Cheese Centre (IWCC). The name is a bit of a mouthful, so too are her platefuls! The owner, Roos Geraedts of Holland, has magically managed to turn an...

We had a lovely lunch here - all had different rarebits but they were really good. Super friendly team that looked after us. Reasonably priced and all freshly prepared. Would definitely recommend. Dog friendly too!

I visited in September 2022 with a party of 10 of us on a motorbike trip. We hadn't made a reservation but we were easily looked after. A lot of people in the group are hard of thinking so they were quite the challenge for...

Exceptional service, warm atmosphere, welcoming staff and great food. We have been as a family, dog included, a few times now and always leave well fed and impressed. Can’t recommend this place highly enough.

You won’t be cheesed off here! We’ll worth a visit and outside of Holland, I doubt you’ll find better cheese on toast!

Fantastic cafe with little shop, exhibition gallery (currently superb wildlife photography), kind, cheerful staff and fantastic food. Do not miss this place if you are anywhere near Brecon or Sennybridge. Amazing range of Welsh rabbits, salads and homemade cakes

The atmosphere here is always full of welcoming warmth. The staff are attentive without being intrusive and always friendly. The range of rarebits on offer, reflecting global and seasonal tastes , cause an issue in what to chose! There is always a homemade seasonal soup...

Tasty food, delicious salads. Very cosy and classy and relaxing. Excellent tea, good service. Lovely place.

A pleasure to visit this little gem, the Welsh Rarebit was outstanding along with the service, will definitely visit again 😎👍🏻😎

The International Welsh Rarebit Centre is technically a correct title, even if a little misleading! It is a cozy 3 room establishment hidden away in Defynnog in the beautiful Brecon Beacons. Hidden away being the understatement. We walked around the Old School building about three...

We were so grateful to the staff here when our car broke down in Defynnog and they looked after us during the very long wait for the relay truck. This is a great little place and we will definitely stop here again (hopefully under happier...

We were staying not far away and as I’d read about this, I wanted to have a little lunch there. Well, ‘little’ is extremely generous and it was all delicious. The place is a delight, and the staff are so very friendly that you think...

What a fabulous little place! The building is lovely and maintains so much of its original character which is lovely to see. There's some cool bits on the walls from old newspapers etc... about Welsh Rarebit... Who knew that the 'Welsh Rarebit Fiend' was a...

I used to think Welsh Rarebit was just a fancy way of describing cheese on toast. Come to the IWRC to discover how much more there is to this quintessentially welsh dish. Service is slick, options are plentiful and all food is fresh and homemade....

A day out with our son and his partner, and a trip to Pendryn Distillery already completed, it was approaching lunch time, and this unique cafe is only about 20 minutes further on. What a simple, but excellent idea. You can have whatever you wish...

Not only is the service excellent but more importantly the food is excellent. The traditional Welsh Rarebit is fantastic but the cakes , especially the Brownies, are AMAZING !!! Thank you for a truly delicious lunchtime.

Popped in here several times now and always excellent service and lovely Welsh rarebit. Well worth a stop.

Stopped off on route home from holiday after reading reviews. Housed in lovely old school, quaint with outside eating space as well as indoors. Dog friendly, very pleasant staff. Had traditional Welsh rarebit with side salad and lovely apple chutney, very tasty. Also shared a...

Live locally and can't recommend enough. Top notch coffee, cake and main meals. Lovely ambiance and personal service whether with children, cycling, or just passing by. Super place to sit out or in the winter curl up by the fire. The owner is super friendly...

Spent a few days in Wales really keen to find Welsh Rarebit. I can't believe that so few people seem to know about this place, it is incredible. Maybe slightly tricky to find, we parked easily on the road. Service brilliant. The soup was very...

We loved this place and visited it twice during our one week stay in the area! The rarebit is out of this world with so many options, the service is great and everyone was very friendly, and the cake is just so tasty! There is...

I hit upon this cafe while researching the area ahead of our weeks holiday. Now I'm a Welsh rarebit fan (posh cheese on toast, if you're wondering) so it was on our list of "must go's" The building which houses the cafe is an old...

Our first meal out since the beginning of the first COVID lockdown in Wales, in March 2020. We have driven past this establishment many-a-time on the way to walk our lively English Springer Spaniel, Lottie, on Mynydd Illtud common. Today we stopped for a bite...

What a delightful building with plenty of seating indoors and outdoors. A nice warm wood burner in the main room for colder days. Good booking system, delicious food - what a great idea for a restaurant! Lovely side salads - I also hear the soups...

Since our first visit last summer we've made a point of eating here every time we are in or passing through Brecon.... Once or twice we may have driven up from Caerphilly just to have lunch! The rarebit is delicious and the staff are wonderful,...

A return visit to the Rarebit, which never disappoints. Rose and the team are delightful, the setting beautiful and the food superb. Lots of variety of Rarebits as well as other options. Great coffee and cake to round it all off. Honestly the best choice...

Lovely old school building turned into a cafe, as expected from the name a wide choice of Welsh Rarebit variations including Vegetarian and Vegan. Lovely people. Slightly on the expensive side or would have given 5*.

Wow. I had rarebit before but NOT LIKE THIS ! The bread was light and delicious, cheese was top quality, not a watery greasy mess you can get in some places! We had spicy and classic and shared half half. I wish we had this...

We stumbled across this place on holiday and so glad we did. It’s a really lovely cafe with incredible food. They catered for gluten free and dairy free. The staff were really friendly and service was incredible. Highly recommend.

Always a warm welcome here! Highly recommended for the best coffee and cakes and outstanding welsh rarebit

Had this recommended to us and we weren't disappointed. If cheese on toast is your thing, this is well worth a visit and cheese on toast doesn't come better than Welsh Rarebit. They do several variations on the theme - including seasonal ones and a...

First time I have been here in s long time and went with a group of friends as a cafe stop on our cycle trip. Found the staff very helpful and the food lovely with a fair sized portion of bread and lovely tasty rarebit...

The International Welsh Rarebit Centre is tucked away and we circled the area a couple of times before finding it. We were so glad we did. We received a really warm welcome from staff to a beautiful building with a lovely fire in the burner....

Best pit stop in the Brecon Beacons! Delicious rarebit (I had spicy, he had Smokey), delicious coffee… smiley welcome on a Sunday lunchtime!

Had friends to visit so thought when in Wales take them for proper Welsh Rarebit. I asked the waitres if I needed to come to the counter to order or if our order would be taken at the table. She was extremely rude and snapped...

Found this little gem by accident today and thought we would stop for lunch. We were certainly not disapponted by the food. The traditional and the spanish rarebits were fantastic, served on a slice of bloomer bread with a very good salad. The bread was...

Stumbled across this on a drive through the Brecon Beacons…. An absolute joy as I love cheese… great staff, beautiful building and the tastiest rarebit I’ve ever had 👍👍

I was fortunate to have this as a control stop on an Audax recently. The weather was typically autumnal and the staff were very accommodating of wet cyclists. The food was really first class, served in a friendly atmosphere and definitely worth repeat visits whatever...

After a mornings bike riding round the Brecons we saw this place and decided to stop for a break and boy was it worth it. Good coffee and stunning Welsh rarebit followed by a fantastic piece of cake. A fantastic find a well worth a...

So lucky because we don’t live too far away so we can go back again. Absolutely scrumptious rarebit don’t think it’s just cheese on toast it’s NOT! This is a delicious carefully crafted treat to be savoured and enjoyed preferably in the sunshine. Fabulous coffee...

We went here for brunch whilst on a motorbike tour round the Brecons. The food was to die for - we had the traditional Welsh rarebit and the Spanish rarebit with Chorizo and salsa - delicious! The staff were efficient and very helpful, giving us...

Stopped for a drink after visiting the nearby Welsh Ape Sanctuary. Ended up trying the Guiness Welsh Rarebit. Flavour was absolutely fantastic. The accompanying salad was excellent. The cakes looked incredible and such unusual ingredients. Highly recommend. The staff were lovely and friendly. The tea...

Lovely tea rooms in a village setting. We sat outside at a comfortable table with a parasol. Everything very clean with close attention to COVID sanitation. The menu is unusual and all sounds delicious. We had the classic Welsh rarebit and the Patagonian Welsh rarebit...

Absolutely beautiful lunch here. Stumbled upon by accident and made my trip worth while! Highly recommend for lunch, and very friendly staff

Honestly what a wonderful surprise this place was….I have lived in the area for over 11 years and only just discovered it. The staff were amazingly friendly and helpful and the food was incredible. The accompanying soup was fresh and there was a wholesome soul-food...

The food was absolutely delicious, couldn’t fault it, the food was excellent and the service was outstanding, they stayed open a little longer so we could eat. Definitely somewhere to eat!

Happened upon this great place while travelling in the Breacon Beacons with friends and recommended by a pub close by that was just closing for lunch. The Welsh rarebit were to die for and the service so friendly. We sat outside in bright sunshine with...

What a find! This place was recommended to me and it was wonderful. Great food, service and atmosphere. If I’ve near Defynnog I’d be there a LOT!

This is a must visit for anyone who loves cooked cheese and happens to be on the A40 heading west from Abergavenny. The Brainchild of a charming young Lady that works so well on all levels. The choice of which Rabbit ( you have to...

Could not fault it, very welcoming staff, great service and absolutely delicious food. Lovely selection of rarebit and one of the most delicious soups I’ve tasted. Beautiful cakes too. If I didn’t live so far away would go all the time!

Delicious and generous food, with friendly service, in a beautiful setting. They catered well for me with a dairy intolerance and could even offer a vegan rarebit. Proper homemade food. Dog friendly. Highly recommend.

Called in here as we were staying locally,1st visited about 12yrs ago but think it was a tea room back then,the owners are really friendly as we're all the staff,the meals are to die for and plenty of it,just wish I had room for cake,this...

It was our friends mystery destination which they had previously visited but we hadn’t. The rooms were plainly recognisable as an old village school, clean and tastefully decorated, external seating available. The service was excellent and very pleasant with an overall 5* experience. Food -...

What a gem of a place!!! Lovely, well presented food with outstanding personal service 👌🏻Definitely be going back

Lovely food, excellent service from Rose, Kelsa and Jenny! 100% recommend to anyone in the area. I had the Spanish chorizo rarebit and I am dreaming about having it again!

Our first visit to this establishment and what a lovely surprise. We took our in-laws out for a drive on what was turning out to be a lovely day, and a quick check on google brought up The International Welsh Rarebit Centre, so we called...

This was our second visit to the International Welsh Rarebit Centre, and both visits have been glorious. This time we sat outside in the sun for coffee and cake. The cake - a rhubarb, orange and cinnamon confection - was SO GOOD, and our server...

Return visit in spring, a few weeks after indoor hospitality opened again. We sat outside, but the precautious were well thought through and effective without being awkward. Asparagus, leek and spinach soup fresh and lovely, great for dunking cheese on toast. The springtime special was...

Yet another annoying venue that opens only certain days of the week. I can see why the national chains of cafes thrive, they are open every day of the week and you don't turn up to find everything closed. It makes it very difficult to...

I wanted to visit Defynnog to show my family the ancient yews in the church yard, and searched online for a place nearby to have lunch with the family. The International Welsh Rarebit Centre popped up with good reviews, so a quick phone call and...

The cheese on toasts are brilliant. They have simple choices and great specialities. I had caramelised apple with smoked cheese which was superb. Soup very hearty and obviously fresh and home made. Nourishing and packed with vegetables. Very friendly people who run it, with great...

Stopped here for lunch. Absolutely excellent. Welcoming staff, outstanding fresh rarebits and salad, clean loos, good Covid precautions. Can’t speak more highly of this gem of a cafe/restaurant. A perfect experience - worth making the effort to seek it out

Had a brilliant visit here, excellent for cheese lovers! Different selections of rarebit are available, as well as a daily soup, served with a fresh salad. Vegan options also available (vegan cheese on toast) and dog friendly! will be stopping by again in the future

Called in today and had a real treat of Welsh Rarebit it was just so tasty and the staff friendly, love the old school, a typical village school small but roomy and cosy. I can recommend anyone to call in and try the food and...

Made the drive after seeing the interesting versions of Welsh rarebit on the menu. We were not disappointed. Friendly staff, clean and nice atmosphere. We had the stout rarebit and summer special both of which were delicious. Would visit again if in the area.

We had the summer rarebit special and the classic rarebit. My friend was visiting from Malaysia and wanted to try some classic Welsh cuisine. It's the cutest place. Amazing taste and great presentation. And the owner took a photo of us having our first rarebit,...

The food was delicious, the staff were very friendly and the building is beautiful. Vegetarians are well catered for as not only is the cheese suitable for veggies, but they use free-range eggs and have oat/soya milk available for coffee. I don't want to go...

Had lunch here and despite the necessary and well handled covid distancing I could not be more pleased. The menu is small and specialist but includes wonderful soups and about 6 variations of Rarebit. The 'firey' rarebit variant is particularly superb.Good selection of drinks and the staff are friendly and efficient. Whilst in the village do visit the 5000 yr old Yes trees in the church yard down the road.

As a family of six, novices to Welsh Rarebit, we ventured to the International Welsh Rarebit Centre on a Saturday lunchtime, having booked in advance. A lovely converted school building (?) with fascinating décor, friendly staff and quick service. A wide selection of Rarebits available, with all the chosen meals being enjoyed by the extended family. Congratulations to the owner and staff for providing such a unique and traditional eating experience.

We love coming back to this wonderful gem on our trips to Brecon Beacons! Charming place with friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. Delicious food and coffee, plus there is usually a variety of local produce to buy.

We visited the International Welsh Rarebit Centre and was very pleased we made the effort to to seek it out. The food was tasty and excellent that gluten free diets are catered for. Portions are on the smaller side but I had ready anticipated this and ordered double. Nice to little gift shop within the cafe. Excellent covid measures with sanitiser on entry and every table which were well distanced. Staff all wore face shields and screens were up around the counter. It was the first place I've eaten inside in over 5 months and my anxiety was reduced by seeing staff actively sanitising.

Situated in a former school, the Welsh rarebit centre is a delight. We had an ordinary rarebit and a chorizo one and they were both gorgeous. Tasty and plenty of it! The owner is friendly and really pleasant and the service was superb. Just great!

Once again another hit at the Rarebit center. Always a friendly welcome. Food is so tasty. We are working our way through the menu.

Just awesome all round. A must do. Amazing food and great service. You will not be disappointed. Fab fire too

Beautiful cafe much bigger than I thought. Great tea and cakes and rose is an amazing host. You have to stop if you are passing. Everything made on site and a roaring fire. I stop as often as I can now lol

Here as our target destination as part of a gorgeous late autumn quick tour around some of the BeaconsFirst in the door we got a fabulous warm welcome from Rose who has made such an amazing destination from the old school. It is warm, cosy, beautifully minimal and both artisinal and arty in its decor with a great local theme to the menu.We chattered about the story while she prepped drinks and breakfast - and wow! Best rarebit I've tasted, great Welsh cakes and so cosy it seemed like no time when 90 mins had passed and it was time to move on.Brilliant destination on an outing, great local food, amazing ambience and a wonderful host. Free parking too, what's not to love.This place feels like a labour of love and so close to both the A40 & the amazing beacons national park it's worth a detour (long or short) for real Welsh hospitality in a wonderful setting.Thank you Rose - amazing placeBack very soon - hardly need an excuse

Outstanding food in a cosy surroundings and a lovely host. We will definitely return on our next visit