The Laughing dog in Powys

I took my parents to "The Laughing Dog" for Sunday Lunch. It must be our umpenth visit as we always doing the food so good. The portion sizes are great too 😊 I had the duck and it was cooked to perfection. One wouldn't be disappointed eating at "The Laughing Dog"

We had a meal here one night of our short break in the area and were made very welcome by the landlady! A very enjoyable fish and chips with a glass of good wine! We enjoyed it very much, but it was just unfortunate that the pub was so very quiet (we were the only ones there) so there was no atmosphere! It did however mean we had unimpeded access to the lovely fire on a very cold, windy and rainy evening!

It was the last darts game of the season when we happened to come across this friendly pub. Made us feel very welcome and had a nice atmosphere. What more can you ask for ...

Popped in for a couple of drinks and some food, very quiet but the couple running the pub were extremely friendly and accommodating. Drinks are very reasonably priced and the food was comforting and delicious. Only a 15 minute walk from where we were staying, would definitely return!

Stayed at the most amazing b&b very close to the laughing dog and decided to visit the local pub. Got to say the food was absolutely amazing as well as the choice of ales. The locals were also very welcoming. We'll definitely be visiting this place again!

Popped in for a evening meal.,they were fully booked but they made room for us. Nice meal lovley staff and very reasonable prices.

As we were staying nearby we took the opportunity to have a Sunday lunch here. I am not normally that bothered about Sunday lunch but this was by far and away the best lunch we have ever eaten. The food was fresh, tasty, plentiful and cooked perfectly. Add to that the friendly efficient service and I cannot recommend this restaurant hilghly enough. We will be back for another meal soon. Well done to all.

We visited this on a Friday evening for a meal. It's an old fashioned pub with a restaurant and bar area. The bar allows dogs so that where we atw. The food is all freshly cooked and was excellent. A bread basket was provided without being asked which was warm and tasty. I had fish and chips. The fish was fresh and thick and meaty and the batter light and not greasy. The chips were thick cut like wedges. Very tasty. My wife had lamb casserole which she enjoyed. The kids portions were large and the kids loved it. A good selection of local brews at the bar to quench your thirst (I could pronounce what they were called though). Would highly recommend this place for a meal.

What a find! This is the perfect place to stop for lunch halfway through Wales. It’s 90 minutes from Cardiff and 2 hours from Wrexham . A warm welcome, fire blazing in a traditional pub environment. The kids loved using the Jukebox - a novelty unless you grew up in the 80’s. A comprehensive menu from light lunches to a three course meal. Everything freshly prepared and with attention to detail- even the garnish was lush! Really really top food and good value fo money . The puppy even had treats too . Thanks -we will be back.

Popped in here for lunch after a long walk with the dog and had a fantastic meal. Freshly prepared, hearty meals. Could not fault the service or quality of the food. Even our Labrador was made to feel welcome with a nice table next to the fire and a couple of doggy treats.

Tried this restaurant for Sunday lunch today, I was a bit disappointed the dining room was very well laid out and the tables were nicely spaced and laid out nicely. The food was quite good although some items on the menu were not available, perhaps that was because we were the only ones there. Unfortunately we were the only ones there perhaps that's why the room was so cold and of course the meal went cold before it was finished. The price was reasonable though but totally spoilt by the temperature. on a warm day it might be very good. Douglas.

We found the restaurant to lack in ambiance, to bright due to overhead lighting on so lit tea lights on tables ineffectual, fire place with some kind of electric fire that wasn't even on, radiators cold and not even on. It was a cold December night and we were very uncomfortable.Waiting staff were ok but not professional in both dress code and approach. Coffee weak and insipid.The food was ok but nothing to write home about. We wont be going back.

Drove past this and remembered it because the name caught my eye. However, it just looks like your average 'mans pub' from the outside so did not pay much attention to it. How wrong we were! After a search on Tripadvisor looking for places to eat, we decided to give the Laughing Dog a go or at least have a drink there to decide later if we wished to stay for food. On arrival we were told that there would be a bit of a wait for food. There was us and one other table but the food was all cooked fresh so we were happy to be waiting a while. They brought the freshly baked soup bread a bit ahead of the soup and having been waiting half hour we devoured it pretty quickly before the starters even came so kind of wish there had been an additional bowl of bread to eat while we waited - the bread was delicious though and the butter to die for! We had three courses and it was the absolute best meal I have had in such a long time. Every course was beautifully presented and tasted as though it should cost much more than what we paid. The girl who waited us was friendly and nothing was too much trouble and the Chef was charming and seemed genuinely interested in our satisfaction as diners. Asked for apple sauce for the pork and he informed us that he had apple and rose hop jelly that he hadn't tried yet, so of course we tried it! Absolutely heavenly! I am going straight home to try and make some myself. Roast potatoes were cooked to perfection, gravy was perfect and the pork was tender and full of flavour. I am not a big dessert person but even I found them delicious! In all, beautiful food that's unbelievably reasonably priced for the quality, cheerful and attentive staff and a comfortable dining area. I am even happy to make the hour and 20 drive back down to the area again just to eat here! Definitely not one to miss, stop here and try it out; you won't be disappointed. All the negative reviews seem to be from a year or more ago so clearly a lot has changed since those days. Can't compliment the Laughing Dog enough!

Lovely food especially the lamb casserole, highly recommended ! Very friendly landlord and landlady very accommodating Many Thanks Martin Julie & Leo

We were staying in the area for two nights a couple of weeks ago and chose to once again eat at the Laughing Dog both nights. The food was amazing ! Both nights as a starter I had a beef broth which was superb. My husband and I both tried a home made pie which was fantastic. The second night we tried the duck which just melted in your mouth. I cannot recommend this pub enough as the food is first class and the chef is exceptionally talented. We cannot wait to return again as the food and service is excellent. Thanks Amanda & David

A delightful pub with a comforting ambience. The staff are absolutely lovely and everyone that enters here is met with a genuine smile. The food far outlived any of my expectations; it was of such a high quality. In fact, I believe that the gentleman that should take the credit for such incredulous culinary delights, is possibly far too humble. Helen is exceptionally accommodating and very patient, or so I witnessed during both of my visit, during busy periods. Cannot wait to return.

Faggots where amazing and service was brilliant, in a warm a cozy room with an open fire, good prices and ample portions with a nice cold beer.

Took 3 friends for lunch on Sunday 13th August 2017 as had heard good things. Not disappointed- fantastic meal for all four ranging from traditional beef dinner through lamb casserole with garlic potatoes to pork belly. Clean plates all round and very reasonable prices. Lovely pub with separate restaurant in a quiet street off the main road and nearby parking. Will definitely visit again

Visitamos el riendo perro durante su estancia en camping disserth. Llegamos justo antes de las nueve, pero el personal todavía dispuestos a poner comida en restaurante de calidad, con precios de pub. El personal era servicial y amable y gente amable.

Volver al perro riendo como nos alojábamos localmente, y una vez más nuestra familia tenía la comida era de primera clase.

This is an idiolice village pub with everything from from fish n chips to high quality steak and local specials.Fantastic value for money where the chef can met your reauirements xx

Unwelcoming and unfriendly on arrival, we booked but were the only people in all night, that tells you something on a Friday. The food was badly cooked and seemed to be out of packets. We had starters and a mains and we left food, we were going to have desserts but we're so underwhelmed we left. It wasn't cheap for what we had, we had a beautiful meal at fabulous Foyles last week for only £15 more and that was with desserts and coffee! Will definitely not visit again and I am removing them from my business so I don't recommend to my guests.

Have been here a few times only for a drink although they do have a restaurant.The bar is a little qhirky but nice,there was a log fire going when we went in on a saturday night which was very romantic.There's also a games room with a pool table & dart board.Went there on a weekday when there was a domino match going on.Both times were made very welcome

We visited here as a group of friends this evening for a meal, the place itself is quite basic in appearance however there was a warm and friendly welcome. The menu was quite varied with some unusual dishes on. We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals and were really impressed. The T-bone steak was cooked beautifully and the home cooked chips lovely, the steak and beer pie was huge and really tasty. Deserts were equally as impressive and everyone loved them! Would definitely recommend this place for great food!

Dirty pub, we went in because it was somewhere we could take dogs we was on holiday near by landlady very unfriendly local stood at bar just staring. We had food which was definitely not worth the money worst pub I've ever been in.

Eight of us enjoyed an excellent meal here tonight, starters, mains and desserts were all superb - every plate was clean!

Good service, polite and friendly staff even though England were beating Wales and the match was on in the pub.

We had been fir dinner at the Thai Restaurant across the street and popped into the Laughing Dog for a beer or two before going home. What a friendly place and nice welcoming people. Discovered they do food as well so will put that on the list for next time. Darts pool and nice company what more could you ask for.

This pub was close to three wells hotel so we decided to give it a try. On arrival the tables in the bar were reserved, the landlady invited us in to sit by the log fire while she heated the restaurant. After a game of pool and a drink we enjoyed a good meal, the homemade sausages were tasty . Two of the party had puddings. A traditional pub, enjoyed by locals having a natter, the landlady went out of her way to look after us, very friendly. A relief as mixed reviews seen.

Called in to the local pub whilst we were staying in the area. Only the landlord and a local person in. No conversation made with us. Sat in the window and noticed a collection of dead wasps. Following day, called in again. Same lack of atmosphere and the dead wasps were still in residence. Shame as it would have been nice to have nice pub to relax in.

We were looking for a dog friendly pub for lunch so as we found this online we were set on having a pub lunch here. Walked in to find the place empty which was surprising for a Saturday 2pm but didn't think nothing of it and thought maybe faster service we Sat down straight away opposite the bar were we were in full sight of the lady behind the bar we asked for menus and her reply was we only have sausages... We asked if that would come with anything and she just pointed at the board which said sausages and chips.. Now as it wasn't busy and we were the only ones in there surely she could find other options but she didn't even cracked a smile or seemed like she wanted anyone inside we got up and left and said Thank you and still nothing. Would never step foot inside this miserable place again

My Husband and I popped in on our holiday as this is the local pub and we had heard good things. Whilst the wait time for food was a little longer than expected, when it arrived it was great and just what the doctor ordered. Lovely atmosphere and great for a game of darts and pool with friendly locals. Well worth a visit.

This was our 4th visit indeed it used to be one of the highlights on our annual trip to Builth Wells on previous visits we were delighted with the food and looked forward to it with eager anticipation. What a let down we had the salmon fishcakes as a starter they were swimming in a disgusting oil, we got 3 very small fishcakes 3 basil leaves and 3 corriander leaves only the bread and butter was worth eating, I had the venison as a main it consisted of a small quantity of venison in a sea of sauce, 1 small portion of tasteless polenta and a single piece of carrot it was more like a soup than a main indeed it was served in a soup dish, the venison itself tasted good but no way was it suitable as a main course. My friend had the chicken with pulled pork, it was more like chicken with a sausage meat stuffing and barbecue sauce, it was served with chips which she said were good and a few salad leaves. What happened to serving a balanced meal with some vegetables. The sticky toffee pudding was very average with cheap custard. I considered it to be very overpriced for such a poor meal. This place needs to get back on track and start serving the meals they did in the past.

Local mans pub, where the men stood by all the seats/stools with their coats and belonging draped over them and we had to stand in the corner by the dog bowls!

Wow, if your looking for an amazing lunch good value but get an open fire, a warn cosy room and have faggots to die for, then this is the place to eat, my ONLY small criticism is the bench in the main room, would like to see some leather sofa, but this in essence is a pub so it has to be hard Waring, Speaking to the owner you realize that he is a properly trained chef.... if you ever visit Llandrindod wells, seak this place out... you wont be dissapointed

We were a party of four and it was our second visit to the restaurant side of the public house. There was only six people in the place when we initially arrived and obviously as they finished their meals they left, leaving us on our own in a large cold room with none of the buzz/atmosphere that one enjoys when out for a Sunday lunch, The food was great, and plenty of it, but it was cold. I'm sure it was reasonably hot/warm upon its arrival to the table, but by the time you were half way through the meal, it was cold and unappetising. Shame really. I do recommend the pork with apple jelly though and my husband thought the beef was absolutely superb. Considering it was our second Sunday lunch within a four week cycle (both times the place basically empty of customers), it would have been nice if the staff had been chatty, friendly and happy to discuss the menu. I think next time we visit, we will use the bar - it seemed lively, more friendly and warmer.

My partner and I both had a wonderful meal here. The lamb shank was yummy. The chocolate tort was fab and the sticky toffee pudding was outstanding.

The food was amazing best cod and chips I ever had . It was cheap too . The staff are so friendly and helpfull

Stopped here when staying in a nearby B&B. Great welcome, excellent bar meals served to our party of 7 girls. A superb find and very reasonable.

The main course was lovely, the cheeseboard for three however was straight out of a Fawlty Towers episode, served on one plate, as requested, it only contained one cracker between us!!! I suppose that, if not supplying us with a suitable end to a meal, it has at least given us a good story.

Spent the weekend in Builth Wells and were looking for a dog friendly restaurant within reasonable distance, this pub met the bill.We were shown into the bar area as opposed to the restaurant due to having our collie with us which was fair enough.The tables and seats were basic, but adequate. A lovely wooden fire had just been lit as we arrived, as it was a chilly afternoon this comfort was much appreciated.As we went on a Sunday the menu was limited, however we both enjoy a good roast so were not put off.Our starters were both excellent, my wife had a chicken starter and I had the mushroom. Both were fresh, reasonably sized and very tasty.Next came the roast dinners, I opted for the pork belly and the other half had the roast turkey. Both meals were generously sized, the home made Yorkshire puddings were a treat and the roast potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside which is exactly how I like them. We each had about 4 medium/thick slices of meat and a large gravy boat styled dish of mixed vegetables for us to share.The pricing was reasonable, the atmosphere was friendly and the food was genuinely good. Top marks, should we ever be down in the area again we will certainly make a visit.

Recommended to us by the owner of our B&B, the Laughing Dog proved to be both hospitable and satisfying. We were the only couple in the restaurant; the ladies looking after us were friendly and very efficient. I had the Road Belly Pork, it was simply delicious, and the homemade apple jelly was just fantastic. My wife had the vegetarian choice, Cherry tomato and Brie filo pastry tart. She savoured every mouthful. With a bottle of wine the total bill was less than 50 pounds. Superb value for money.

Lovely friendly local. We were made to feel very welcome. I hope Becky managed to get some sledging in!

As we did not plan to spend the night in Howey, neither did we have any dinner plans. Our B&B host recommended The Laughing Dog which my husband happily obliged to sample some nice local ale after a long day's drive. When we got there with our very hungry children, we were quite disappointed to learn that it was a buffet night! I am very skeptical about buffet in general, but a buffet pub?! As we did not have a back up plan, we sat in the restaurant with the kids to wait for the buffet to start.As the time drew closer, I was very surprised to see the waitress to bring out trays of steaming hot pie, lasagne, broccoli bake, shepherd pie, toad in the hole, and the standard chips. Each tray was a family size tray rather than a huge gynomous portion which would severely compromise the flavor and freshness of the food.A lady stood at the counter to serve the dishes, and each time a tray finished, the waitress will bring another steaming hot tray out.My husband who is never big on buffet was also impressed with the quality of the food. We loved the pie and also vegetarian lasagne. The quality and taste were very good. We highly recommend this pub!

Good beer, what more do you need?! I did not eat there but the menu offered a good choice. Parking is easy and is within range of the Three Wells Hotel if you fancy a walk.

We arrived very early as had read reviews about this place and thought we would give their sunday lunch a go. It was about 12.20 when we arrived and we asked if we could have the Sunday Roast. 'Had we booked?' was the first question which we hadn't so the landlady had to go and ask if we could be 'squeezed in'. This was fine and we were seated in the restaurant relatively quickly. I was expecting the restaurant to be packed as we were so 'lucky' to be accepted at the last minute but we were the only people in there and from what I could gather there was a party of 10 who came in as we were leaving and one other smalll party of people to arrive so I can only assume they had not cooked a great deal of food hence why the Landlady had to ask if they could 'squeeze' us in as there was plenty of space in the restaurant!?! The food was very nice though with some great yorkshire puddings!We also enquired about the pubs evening meals, but you have to prebook to have one of these as well during the week! All in all a nice meal in a charming little pub, its just a shame they don't seem to like people showing up on speck for food?!

The food & service were terrible. Although the restaurant was completely empty we had to sit in a small bar area with other local drinkers whilst we ate our meal, which didn't feel very comfortable, we would not be going there again & would not recomment.

6 of us visited on a saturday night, we had hoped for a pub meal but found it was Indian Buffet night and would be starting at 7pm, we were all starving so agreed to stay. We sat down and sorted drinks, food was finally ready at 7.30pm, they bought out popadums and starters, all very nice. There was 4 curry/balti dishes to pick from, but the staff stand and watch you so we all felt we couldnt put much on the plate, there was not much in the servers anyway so we had to be careful so we all got some. Then 2 of us wanted to go back but was told we would have to wait for everyone else to have some and if there was any left we could have some. 15 minutes later they was told they can go back up but they didnt want to then. Puddings are around £5 each and very small portions. This is our 2nd visit but will be our last.

On arriving at The laughing Dog we were told that the resturant wouldn't be opened as they had a pub quiz on and we would have to sit in the bar, we were also told there was no steak. Not knowning the area and where else we could go for a meal we accepted this. The menu was given to us a piece of A4 paper with not a lot of choice. Having decided what to eat we sat at one of the only avaliable tables which was close to the mens toilets. Although the door was shut a terrible smell kept wafting through this smell all through out the meal was very off putting.My husbands meal was Lamb. He had a couple of small slices of very fatty lamb and just 2 small roast potatoes and a few vegs at a cost of £11.99. We felt this was very over priced. I had a curry which was nice but again £11.99 for a small curry with a small spoon of rice, some popadoms that were more like crisps and a few chips seemed very over priced. We paid the same price as a resturant meal yet had to sit in the bar which had seen better days, near a smelly toilet.The next evening we went to Jules, it couldn't have been more different and it was much cheeper, great food and portion sizes and smelt nice. If you want a good reasonable meal I wouldn't go to The Laughing dog.

We tried this inn and loved the warm welcome, the food was all home cooked and delicious. I had the pork and i had a portion of crackling that was just perfect. Highly recommended

A traditional village pub, with excellent ales (keeping him happy), a reasonable wine list (I'm happy too!) We chose to eat in the bar area and were pleasantly surprised with the menu on offer, mainly seasonal and a notch above your typical 'pub grub'. The freshly baked bread was moorish and both of us throughly enjoyed our meals (gineau fowl for me and welsh lamb for him) served with fresh vegetables, and the homemade sticky toffee pudding with homemade icecream was divine.The service was prompt and the waitress/barmaid friendly combining to make this a throughly enjoyable experience.Although quiet the locals were friendly and happy to recommend places to visit in the area. The sign on the door says dogs welcome and this was evident in the owners two Collies who were quietly lying in the corner, only bothering to move for a fuss from the locals whom they evidently have a good relationship with.Overall excellent food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere, can't wait to come back later in the season to see whats on the menu.

Lovely locals in a very quiet pub. Attentive owners keen to provide a variety of good home made food.

I visit relatives in Howey on a regular basis and when I'm there will always eat Sunday lunch at the Laughing Dog. The food is superb and the atmosphere that of a traditional old-fashioned pub which can be quite difficult to find nowadays.I am used to dining in top-notch eateries and am very fussy about what is served-up. Don't really understand where the negative reviews about this place are coming from! Would thoroughly recommend it - delicious roast dinners and scrumptious puds! And all at a reasonable price.

Went for a meal last night and I must say I will never return. On arrival we were shown our table and asked what drinks we wanted, then given menus - not a huge choice. Our main course arrived in a reasonable amount of time, by a very grumpy waitress with no communication skills. I had the steak - this was very dried out, with not much taste, nothing special. Two out of the five of us then wanted pudding, half of what was on the menu wasn't even available, we then waited 45 minutes - yes 45 minutes for the pudding, which again was OK, nothing special. During our time there (2 1/2 hours), we were only asked for drinks when we arrived, it wasn't as if it was busy, there was a table of 2 and later a table of 4 arrived.

Eight of our family enjoyed a fantastic Sunday lunch at the Laughing Dog. I can honestly say the meal, and the delicious puds were the best ever. The service was great too! Well recommended.

we spent two great nights at this very frendly pub food was fantastic owners and staff were great fun. dogs are welcome as well, would go back again and again maney thanks to all of you good luck .

We were recommended to eat at the Laughing Dog, but found that, although the Staff were friendly and efficient, the food was a bit of a disappointment, and very over-priced.

I decided to give this pub another go after reading other people's comments. Again I thought the food wasn't great and this time the service wasn't great either! We had a different waitress to last time and she wasn't welcoming or friendly. I would say to anyone reading this review to go to Jules restaurant in Llandrindod Wells. It has wonderful food, service and atmosphere!! - avoid The Laughing Dog!

I have eaten at the laughing dog on two or t three occasions and I have never been disappointed. The food is of a very high standard and is well cooked. Their chocolate brownie pudding is very yummy! And the complementary bread at the start of the meal is nice and newly baked. The service is good.

This is a cute traditional pub in a small village and we were expecting the normal sort of bog standard bar meals that so many places serve. We could not have been more wrong! The fish and chips were the best I have ever tasted, cooked to perfection and served promptly by friendly staff. The ales on tap are also superb. Sadly we did not have room for dessert as the list of tempting puddings sounded fantastic! Well done Laughing Dog, we will certainly be back for more - I would recommend it to anyone!

I visited the Laughing Dog on a Tuesday night in early September on my own while away on business. Decor wise it's a typical British pub: lots of black beams with no obvious structural function, Artex ceilings etc, though it looked as though some of the fittings were quite new and the relative lack of horse brasses, old fishing rods and scenes of country life was a bonus and gave the whole place a bright and spacious feel. The waitress / barmaid was friendly and helpful, even tracking down a copy of a paper to keep me occupied. Food was definitely a cut above the usual; nice fresh warm bread, delicious salad, vegetables that were cooked just right. I had the battered softshell crab with sweet chilli dip, followed by slow cooked pork belly. Both dishes arrived promptly, warm and were very good (I particularly enjoyed the crab). Only criticism might be that they could have done with a little more depth of flavour (garlic or thyme perhaps?) Did I mention the beer? It's a free house and they do several nice ales on tap. Sadly I was restricted to a half as I was driving. But well worth a return visit.The bar section also has a very cute collie who clearly spends much of its days circulating round the pub looking to be stroked. With me this involved leaning against my legs as I was paying and looking adoringly up at me. All in all a very pleasant pub, well worth a visit. Howey is a nice little place tucked away from the main road too, so there isn't the common country pub thing of trying to eat with lorries thundering past.

We ate here because it was convenient for our location, despite mixed reviews on trip advisor and Qype. Not expecting a great deal, we were pleasantly surprised on all fronts.The menu had a good selection of options and the garlic mushrooms with blue cheese were delicious. A substantial vegetable dhansak sated the need for vegetables and the chips that came with other main courses were legendary!We found the service to be efficient and attentive, so clearly had a much better experience than other reviewers.

service was good. food is expensive and not much on. had to send it back!

Located in the small village this pub is a pleasant surprise. The locals are very friendly, the pub is rustic & basic in furnishing but the real ale is good, the welcome is great and the atmosphere is enlightening. Pool tables and darts are available. Dogs are welcome. The restaurant is separate and to the side of the bar area and very comfortable with a warm aura. The menu is varied and the food is of a very good standard. Nothing was too much trouble. The service was friendly and excellent. Food was fresh, hot, tasty and excellent!! A fabulous meal.