The Roast Ox in Powys

A wonderful homely pub with an exceptional standard of food and presentation. We had dinner here with family and enjoyed the atmosphere, the service and the quality of the food. Julie and Tony add their own warm hospitality to this mix, and we have to mention Michael the cat, who presided over the bar ! It represents terrific value for money in this area, and we will not hesitate to recommend the Roast Ox to anybody visiting this area. We will certainly eat here again when visiting.

The vegetarian gratin was the best vegetarian food I have had in years. The staff were so friendly the Welsh ale was great and the rooms were cozy clean and really comfortable. A really super place

Terrible customer service, very rude.. on the phone and at the pub! Food was average. Wasn’t must choice of drink or food. Very unhelpful just disappointing!

A rural treasure in Painscastle. The Roast Ox Inn has panoramic views over the countryside, friendly and efficient service, plus a good selection of food, including gluten free. The staff seemed knowledgeable about what I could eat and I certainly didn’t feel deprived with succulent local lamb followed by apple crumble and ice cream. It was well worth the drive.

We stayed overnight in a double room and ate dinner and breakfast here. The pub has a lovely welcoming atmosphere, with good staff and an excellent cook. Food was exceptionally good, from a standard pub classics menu but fresh and full of flavour. Breakfast was equally good. It's very convenient for Hay on Wye and in beautiful countryside. Fully recommended.

Fantastic Sunday ĺunch and very friendly welcome from every member of staff. We felt relaxed taking our dog and even she was offered a few special treats - it's a shame that not all local hostelries welcome our canine friends. We seem to be making this an annual visit so I definitely look forward to our return!

We had the best sunday lunch ever and were able to take our dog. The food was amazing and we had a lovely warm welcome. The chef was so friendly and gave some beef for our dog which she loved. So this 5 star rating comes from me, my husband and our dog. Definitely returning!!

A gorgeous pub with amazingly friendly owners who make everybody welcome. We had the Sunday roast and it was the best one we ever had. The quality of the food was outstanding. We also love the atmosphere and we are definitely back soon. Love it!

This was the fifth year on the run that we have stayed at the Roast Ox whilst visiting family that live locally. We have always found the staff and owners to be extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming. The accommodation is very comfortable and the food, both breakfast and evening meals, have been excellent. Michael the pub cat likes to meet and greet and if you are privileged he may allow you to make a fuss of him. Looking forward to our next visit, which is already booked.

We booked the Roasted Ox for Christmas Eve whilst we were staying locally. We arrived at the time of the reservation only for the pub to be shut. We went back about twenty minutes later to find the pub open but they didn't have our reservation and weren't doing food except burgers. If they had let us know beforhand it wouldn't have been a problem and we would have booked somewhere else, but to just deny we had made a reservation is disgusting. We can't tell you what the food is like as we'd rather go somewhere that has honest people running it.

We stayed here for one night on route to North Wales. We had a very comfortable stay and the bar meals were excellent. My lamb was superb and my wife very much enjoyed her fish and chips.

We have static vans 2 miles away so we walk to the Roast Ox having booked ahead. It was a Friday night. We had our dog with us. The fab landlord likes dogs and we didn’t know that Friday night is dog welcome night so not only did we have our usual scrumptious meal but our puppy was relaxed and very happy. The inn was full. I’d suggest other pubs try it. We love the roast anyway but this takes the “dog” biscuit

The Roast Ox is a must for those looking for good, homemade pub grub. Tony the owner who’s in charge of the food coming out the kitchen is such a character and the meals are top notch! Been here a few times and every meal has been great, in April we had the gammon, egg and chips as a late breakfast/early lunch and everything was delicious, proper homemade chips, had alongside a local cider. The staff are always very friendly and welcoming and you may even catch a glimpse of the pubs cat sleeping on top of the dishwasher too. 🙂

We stayed here and had an evening meal. We chose the steak and ot was well cooked, good portions and plenty of chips and veg. More than we good eat, piping hot and accompanied by a good range of beers and cider. etc. The service was quick and the staff friendly. Very popular with outside seating and plenty of parking.

Julie and Tony are amazing hosts. So friendly and accommodating. The dinner was delish and the beds super comfortable and very clean.

These people are just so helpful and friendly. Fabulous food and a great welcome. Hearty portions and great value. I wish this was my local pub. Next time I'm cycling past I'm going in!

Beautiful pub, hidden away atop the hills of Radnorshire. Lovely service. Great portion size, friendly staff, lovely cat! What’s not to like?. The apple and wimberry crumble to finish was superb.

We visited the Roast Ox for Sunday lunch and it was amazing. Proper traditional food using local ingredients. The lamb was delicious. We also booked for dinner the following Thursday and had the same experience. The staff were brilliant despite being very busy. They even warmed the glass when serving the brandy. It is advisable to book in advance as they are not open every day.

This pub was recommended by our holiday host. Dinner was absolutely lovely ( Welsh Lamb ). Menu was short on choice but meals looked well prepared & presented. Staff very attentive when we visited on a busy Thursday evening. Try the 1985 lager !

We stayed about 5 miles away in Llandeilo Graban, and this place was recommended to us. Couldn't find a menu online so I've added a pic of what was on the menu the night we went but I think it must change. There were 5 of us and a large dog (Newfie) and they made us feel so welcome. Place itself was beautifully maintained. Food was lovely, and whilst it was a bit more expensive than the other nearest place (the Wheelwrights) it was much much nicer. Be careful on the single track road up there though, beware of the tractors.

Stayed opposite this wonderful village pub on holiday. We ate there 4 nights so gave it a really good try! Beer was lovely, food was gorgeous and staff, Jan in particular, were amazing. Not a massive selection on the menu, but, to be honest, what they do, they do REALLY well and we thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The lamb was so good we had it twice. Our huge compliments to chef from the three of us. It’s also a nice pub, decor wise. We went with our dog and she was very welcome in the bar area, which was lovely.

I stayed at the Roast Ox inn with my sister and niece whilst on a free rein holiday. The welcome was warm and welcoming. The rooms were well equipped and clean with a great en suite, the shower was great. We were given fresh milk for our tea or coffee in the room. We ate here the food was really good with an interesting menu with choices for all. I had the vegetarian option the main was potato, leek and cheese Rossi, these were amazing and being a trained chef myself I still can not work out how the chef made them. The salad dressing is also really good. The others in my party also greatly enjoyed their food options. We all had a good nights sleep on comfortable beds. We had a good breakfast in the morning. They provided us with a lovely packed lunch that included our choice of sandwiches which were lovely, malt loaf, apple crisps and a carrot and polos for our horses which they were grateful for. I can not recommend this Inn enough both the accommodation and food.

Exemplary service and outstanding food. We felt very welcome and nothing was too much trouble for the ladies who served us. We would highly recommend The Roast Ox Inn.

We (a group of 10) had a Friday evening dinner here. The menu wasn't too extensive but there was several options I would have been happy to choose. We shared a number of different starters and I then had the lamb, which was really nice....

I stayed here earlier in the month with some friends and was so impressed with the food that I returned with my wife and family for a Sunday lunch. The staff were really friendly and made us very welcome. We ordered a drink then went...

Stayed over night whilst on a Horse Riding Holiday. Hosts were so lovely, couldn’t do enough for us. Rooms are fabulous, all have TV’s and on suite, kettle and selection of hot drinks available, towels provided and beds are so comfortable. We stayed for evening...

We had an excellent Sunday Lunch, party of 10 for a family member's birthday. Great menu choice, food was superb, we will be back!!

As my other half is such a great cook I always have a little trepidation when eating out for Sunday lunch. I needn't have worried with The Roast Ox as our lunch was first class. We both had beef and lamb and even our dog...

Spent two very comfortable nights at this welcoming Inn after a long road trip. The rooms are immaculately clean and the bed was so big we forgot we were in the same bed. The breakfast was delicious with plenty of options, but we stuck with...

18 of us visit every year on a golf trip. The rooms are comfortable, clean and warm, with good beds. We have a great cooked breakfast every day and a lovely evening meal. It's always a pleasure to return

Lovely countryside pub, good selection on beers, we had the lamb roast and it was divine, one of the best I’ve had in a very long time. Delicious homemade desserts to finish off. Overall a really enjoyable afternoon.

We went to the Roast Ox in the run up to Christmas in the evening. We had a lovely time and the food was well cooked and delicious. Would definitely recommend and we will go back. Much better than the pubs and restaurants in Hay...

A must if eating around hay on wye! Good food in cosy surroundings, particularly love the cat in the bar. Would recommend

After a long walk we ended at this pub and were overwhelmed with just how welcoming the staff were. The team were attentive to both us and our three dogs- who were treated to some delicious beef! The bowls of chips we ordered were possibly...

Simply the best roast Lamb dinner I have ever eaten! The welsh lamb was superb, delightfully moist and tender and served with perfectly cooked fresh veggies and cheesy leeks - who knew how fabulous these would be? Himself had the roast beef which was equally...

Excellent Sunday lunch. Well priced and well served. Nice pub with hard working staff. Can definitely recommend. Just a pity real ale not available on the day we went.

The staff were very friendly and helpful . The food was good .Even though it was busy the staff need an amazing job.

I visited this pub with a group of friends in the evening. We each made our choice of food and drink and no one was disappointed . The standard of cooking was exceptional from starters through to desert. The service was friendly and the atmosphere...

Stayed here for one night while on a riding holiday with Freerein holidays. The food the service and the rooms where excellent. So much so I keep mentioning to my husband that we should have a few days away in Wales and stay here.

The Roast Ox is a restaurant first and foremost, although there are locals who are ‘regulars’. It’s a very much a comfortable, cosy, country pub. The menu is small, but each dish is freshly cooked, and delicious. It’s reasonably priced, especially in view of the...

We had been recommended the lamb main course by someone else, and it was indeed very good. For me, though, to my surprise, the highlight was the hot Bakewell tart with cream! That and the very friendly and welcoming staff!

Where do you find a pub that isn’t open but will still serve you a drink? Fantastic service and food. Made to feel completely at home, would highly recommend.

We visited this place as part of a riding holiday package. Comfy bed, warm welcome, fantastic food (I had roast lamb). The ponies even received some treats, courtesy of the owners! Highly recommended .

Great service, prompt ordering and delivery. I had the fish which was exceptional, Hubby had the lamb Rump which was very tasty indeed. Will be back, TY. Only one VERY SLIGHT gripe, had better chips!! But wouldn't put me off returning ☺️

Recent stay over Royal Welsh week fantastic pleasant stay. Staff went out of the way to help you. Lovely clean fresh room. Food made fresh great choice. Highly recommend for relaxing stay.

What a wonderful place to stay ! Very friendly welcoming Staff the evening meal was extremely tasty . The rooms as were the whole place absolutely spotless . Breakfast was fantastic all local produce we really enjoyed our stay and will be booking to stay...

Really lovely country pub. Great food, fantastic beer and wonderful atmosphere. The service in particular is super friendly. 100% recommend this place

We stayed one night in June and ate dinner in the restaurant which served an excellent pub meal. The room was fine and the beds very comfortable. Quiet rural location in a small village.

We had dinner here last night to celebrate a friend's 30th. We were staying nearby and booked as saw it was close. We weren't sure what to expect but were absolutely blown away! We were welcomed warmly to the cosy pub and made comfortable. The...

Such a friendly welcome after a long day in the saddle. Couldn't do enough to help. They opened when they should have been shut through a mistake in booking but didn't make us fell uncomfortable. Great food, rooms clean and comfortable and a great shower!...

Lovely old inn with rooms and a restaurant. I had a double room for one night. Check in was simple and helpful. The room was tidy and comfortable. The bathroom needed a bit of an update but the shower worked well and it was all...

A warm, friendly and wonderful place where I was literally bought to tears by the meal (their cheesey leeks that went with the roast beef were just like my Grandma’s and I had to ask for their recipe)! Great value for what was undoubtedly one...

Has to find somewhere memorable for our special day. Four of us loved our relaxing evening with great food and charming service. Will be back

A party of 12 of us were staying locally for New Year and decided to visit the Roast Ox for lunch on NYE. The welcome we received, the service we had and the food they made for us was absolutely outstanding - what a gem...

Tony was a great host. Very dog friendly. Food was lovely and a good choice of vege meals. Would totally recommend and we are hoping to go back.

Pre booked for a saturday lunch, very warm welcome. Even though it was a quiet time, there was a really friendly atmosphere. The food matched the service, great quality home cooked food, large portions and good value. A nice touch was the long chat we...

I was recommended to try as staying nearby. They were rushed off their feet. Which is great. But couldn’t feed one more person. Even asked the Chef so a wasted drive.

We had popped in to the Roast Ox in Painscastle on a wet Friday after a visit to Hereford and had a pint outside under the umbrellas whilst our Patterdale wisely and comically sat in the porch of the pub, staying dry and looking like...

We stayed in a local ABNB over the August Bank Holiday WE... We were lucky enough to book two evenings at the The Roast Ox Inn for dinner. Providing local fare, the food was absolutely exceptional. The highlights for us were the Roast Lamb, Deep...

Fantastic food lovely staff very welcoming. Highly Recommended. Perfect after our bike ride on the hills above .

We were very fortunate to get the last table for Sunday lunch today in a very busy setting. So glad we got to eat here

Delightful welcome form the staff and a buzzing atmosphere on entry. The waitress was with us within a short time and took our drink order then returned with our glasses before taking the food order. She was charming and efficient. The food was excellent: well...

Lovely old pub with rustic furniture. Spacious but not too big. Very friendly staff and the food was just delicious! We had four fish and chips and two steaks and chips for our family of six and it was all superb. Nice choice of ales...

I stayed here for 2 nights as part of freerein holiday. A lovely place to stay, The roast ox provided our food for 2 days to include breakfast,lunch and 2 course evening meal. The food was delicious. I requested gluten free/vegetarian which definitively was not...

Absolutely a place to avoid!!! ordered two cheese sandwich as that was all they had on offer. Four slices of yesterdays supermarket bread with a few slices of cheese, £6 each!!! the pub and staff had the all the panache of a morbid funeral. Awful...

I rang today to book a table for 2 on Sunday as in September I wished to book 15 people in Sunday lunch. I St call a lady told me she didn't know if there was availability and asked me to ring back at 5.30pm....

We have missed this fabulous pub so much. It was a joy to be back. We were given a v warm welcome, even the puppy! We sat outside. The service was excellent, the food delicious, the ambiance perfect and we will return as soon as...

We were looking for an overnight stay in the Builth Wells area and happened upon the Roast Ox Inn on our Google search. It sounded ideal however, our initial telephone call to them to ask for availability was met with "I don't know if there are any rooms", "there's nobody here to ask" and "you have to book online in any case" so we did, rather nervously after our strange telephone call. So we booked. For tonight. Everything went through, payment was taken and the room confirmation received and printed out. Then the telephone rings. It was the Roast Ox Inn. We're not taking any bookings, we're closed so I asked how was I able to book a room and receive a confirmation? The extremely rude and forthright lady then told me, I don't know how you were able to book, did you do it remotely??? I said I booked it through your very own website. I was then told I shouldn't have been able to and that ultimately my payment will be refunded. I told her I thought this was outrageous and she put the phone down on me. Had this person been even vaguely apologetic I would not be writing this review but she was not apologetic at all and made it sound as if it was our fault we managed to get a booking through! All in all I think we have had a lucky escape.

We understand the food is very good here - but we just popped in for a quick drink on our way somewhere else. I had high hopes of a lovely pint of local beer after a long drive. Was disappointed to find the options were Carling or Doom Bar. It is such a shame that a lovely venue in great surroundings cannot support some of the excellent local breweries. Appreciate times are difficult at the moment - but it would be good to support those other local businesses.

Due to a slight fail at map reading on a self-guided horse trek, my sister and I arrived far later than intended at the Roast Ox! Tony and Julie could not have been more welcoming and the evening food was delicious. Great shower and a beautiful, comfy room for the night, what more could you want?! Thanks must also be given to the other host Michael (their handsome ginger cat) who kindly ensured all guests could admire and stroke him. His customer service was exemplary and we enjoyed his companionship during breakfast! The Roast Ox has a really friendly atmosphere and we shall certainly be back. Can't recommend enough!

Went here for lunch on a Saturday. Took friends who were visting the area. Chose it because of the location and what we read on the website.From the front this is a lovely old stone building in a small but historic Powys village.Inside it starts well - cosy bar area and a log burner.However from then on things go down hill. Only one real ale on tap, and that was the dreaded Doom Bar - what happened to all the local ales ? Only one person on duty so she was rushing around trying to do 6 things at once.The "restaurant" area was simply an extension of the bar, filled with empty tables. It was far too big and impersonal to have any atmosphere even when full - much more like a cafe. Virtually empty when we arrived.It was also cold - the other log burner threw out no heat at all - and deathly quiet.The menu was very straightforward and lacking in imagination. Simply bog standard dishes like pies, fish and chips, lasagne, and so on. On the positive side the chips were homemade and really good - for the rest it was just not memorable.I always think going round the back of a pub tells you a lot about it - here what you find is is a hideous modern-ish brick extension, a crappy car park, and loads of rubbish lying around.My guess is that the owners here are struggling to make any money and can't afford the investment this place really needs. That's a shame because it has all the potential to be a real star of a pub. Right now it's very ordinary.

Amazing food for the whole family and great atmosphere, would definitely recommend. Good size portions and delicious!

A cheery fun Landlord , who couldn’t have been more helpful, great choice of quality pub food all home made

The Rooms were immaculate and The Owners Tony and Julie are fabulous Hosts. The Food is Fantastic Very Big Portions and The Prices are very Reasonable. We can Thoroughly Recommend The Roast Ox Inn will definitely be going back Next Year xxx

Painscastle is a lovely place to stay, and this inn was conveniently placed opposite our cottage that we stayed in. The pub is very clean and traditional with a hint of contemporary about it. The hosts were polite and welcoming and the drinks were cool. We didn't eat here but seeing the food that was brought out to the diners, I must admit the food did look very appetising. Lots of people use this pub from horse riders to motorcyclist and we often saw horses tied up whilst the riders were having a break on the outside benches.

Lovely place . Our third time dining there and enjoyed every meal ! Fresh cooked home made food. Friendly staff too .

This is a lovely pub and I am told the food is excellent but it is a pity the reception on arrival was so unaccomodating. The pub opens on a Saturday until 3pm. Four of us arrived at 1.50pm looking only for a drink and sandwich, not a full fledged meal. I asked if sandwiches were available only to be told that the kitchen was closing and sandwiches take longer to make than a meal. What do you bake the bread fresh then?The bar lady went to the kitchen to ask only to return with a refusal. I am glad I did not buy a drink first. Well I am glad they can afford to turn away £60 of custom in such a remote village. We will not be returning.

Super Sunday lunch for 2 adults and 2 children. Boys had fish and chips and we had roasts. Succulent beef, melt in the mouth lamb and moist fish with golden batter.

Comfortable Inn in a beautiful quiet village Warm welcome and comfortable room Good beer and tasty food

Huge portions of fresh produce, so occasionally, things run out. Not a huge menu, but it doesn't matter, there is something for everyone and the prices are very reasonable, highly recommended, have been here twice now and hope to go again.

The staff are really friendly and we received a warm welcome. The food is delicious home cooked food. We were staying at a cottage over the road from the Ox and had 3 meals there during our week's stay. The food was lovely and cooked to perfection. The Sunday lunch was delicious. Would definitely recommend this place.

We found this hotel on a popular hotel site and we’re so glad we booked it. Great location, fantastic food, lovely clean room, warm welcome and really great value. We would recommend a visit here wholeheartedly, we’ll be visiting again. Oh and definitely try the pie... it’s delicious!

Great food,had a Saturday night dinner there and a lovely Sunday lunch,served by Very pleasant staff,lovely log fires and a great atmosphere in a great village.

We booked a room here on New Years Eve, and we also had our evening meal too. We were given a warm welcome from the minute we walked in, Tony and Julie were very pleasant,and went out of their way to look after us. Our meal was fantastic, I had the beef strips in peppercorn sauce, it was delicious, and nicely presented. My husband had a duo of lamb, it was also excellent! There was a good selection of desserts, I loved the raspberry brûlée and my husband enjoyed the sticky toffee pudding. The service was also very good. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, our room was lovely and clean. Breakfast was good too, with a good choice of cereals and high quality bacon and sausage. We really enjoyed our stay and highly recommend The Roast Ox Inn if you ever want to stay in this area. We will definitely be returning. Many thanks. North Wales G&E..;.

We came for Sunday lunch, there were 6 of us plus a baby, the food was freshly cooked and delicious, the veggies were perfect. There was plenty of food to go around and loads of gravy.

Wow what a meal we had tonight. Whole family really enjoyed our dinner. Started with a warm welcome, lovely service and the food was amazing. Big portions and tasted great. All home made. Recommend and we will be back.

Called in today to see if there was availability for dinner. No problem, all accommodating and came back after a great walk on the hills. Had our dog with us, he was fabulously looked after and the food was Just Great.

We visited this pub in rural Powys for Sunday lunch. We were impressed by the range of vegetarian options (4 choices) given the pub's carnivorous name. It is set in the scenic Radnor Hills area of mid Wales, close to the National Trust heathland of The Begwns, which is great for a post lunch walk with amazing views of the Brecon Beacons. The food was good pub fare and service was good considering how busy they were. The vegetables were not overcooked, which is all too rare these days. I had an excellent quiche with Brie, and it came with roast potatoes and veg. A tempting list of desserts too - sticky toffee pudding was excellent. We'll definitely go again.

We went for a lovely meal here .

Stayed at the Roast Ox the night before a riding holiday with FreeRein in Clyro

We had an excellent meal here tonight. The food was freshly cooked and delicious, the veggies were perfect. We both had pies, one fish and one chicken and chorizo both were superb, the pastry was particularly good.

Staying at Clyro, we wanted to venture away from our inn and came across the Roast Ox. The staff were wonderfully welcoming and although they were full, they were able to accommodate us. The food came really quickly and the food was superb - we had roast pork, roast beef as well as the creme brûlée and treacle pudding. They didn’t fail to hit the spot. Again the service was absolutely fantastic. We would recommend booking though as they were busy even with 30mins left of lunch service to avoid disappointment.

Always a warm welcome, a good pint and an excellent pie - the food is great and always plentiful and there's always someone to chat to... Dogs and horses welcome and you will often find the horses parked up in the car park! so it's a great place to ride to for a late lunch...

We had 2 nights at the Roast Ox whilst on a riding holiday. Stayed in room 1 ( with bath) . The room was excellent . Large double bed. Coffee,tea making. TV etc. Bathroom with bath . The toilet was too close to the sink for ease of use.

Good value food in an old country pub. Absolutely value for money. There is also a small seating area outside which is perfect on hot sunny days

We visited on recommendation from our campsite and had a very welcoming experience, the food was some of the best ever and decent portions, the flagon cider was very moorish , and the lady serving was very friendly, if only it was closer we would be regular visitors

I booked a lunch for my friend and I yesterday, having been here a few times I knew I would not be let down by ANYTHING!!!, the service was superb, friendly and attentive at just the right level, the food was truly amazing,we had fish and chips, enormous piece of fish, snowy white and light batter, it was to die for!!!and so reasonably priced!I cannot praise this establishment enough, the food and service are always consistent which is so rare nowadays!!so book yourself in, you are in for a real treat!

What a fab experience we had at the roast ox, we were a group of friends who meet up with our dogs for a walk and they made us feel very welcome. Very dog friendly and very good beer and food, Sunday roast was well cooked and large portions! Thanks for a great visit

Stayed overnight while visiting Hay on Wye. Great friendly place good food. Frequented by the locals with good efficient service. The rooms were comfortable and the bed excellent in room 7 had a great night sleep. Walls though are thin you can hear all your neighbors activities.

We were stayiny in Painscastle so decided to try a pint. Fantastic drop of Cider. Tried them both, Excellent. Decided next night to have more Cider and a meal. The pictures on website and here are not accurate the portions are larger. Everything was fresh hot. Veg just right. All in all a very good meal. Prices gave very good value to a hungry couple