The Swan at Hay
Hay-on-Wye, Wales
In the heart of Wales situated in Hay-on-Wye, The Swan at Hay offers a stylishly modern stay, entwining the town’s quaint character in the simplest ways. Hay-on-Wye is a book lover’s dream, filled with almost 40 bookshops and is a town that flaunts local creative talent; The Swan pays tribute to this, with an array of books set out along the staircase, to the toiletries being from local suppliers. The Swan at Hay is at the heart of so much in this iconic town. There are also plenty of galleries, antique shops and craft shops to show off the best of Wales’ countryside.
The grade II listed Georgian building was built in 1812 and currently boasts a restaurant, two separate bars, an events hall; with 19 newly refurbished bedrooms, The Swan at Hay provides the perfect base from which to explore the world-renowned town of Hay on Wye, the Brecon Beacons and the Welsh/Herefordshire Marches. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with a shower whilst most rooms also have a bath. All rooms are equipped with flat screen TV, tea & coffee making facilities and Myddfai toiletries. Each bedroom features botanical studies created by local artist Lea Gregory.
Local talent is where The Swan at Hay shines best. The hotel works with many local companies from Hay-on-Wye and guests will experience a true Hay-on-Wye experience whilst staying at the hotel:
The hotel also boasts three rooms to dine in: The Garden Room Restaurant, 1812 Bar and The Market Bar. The 30 cover Garden Room restaurant is open daily under Head Chef Jerry Adam. With previous experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, Jerry showcases his talent by providing exquisite meals, mixed with a personable touch. The Garden Room’s five-course meal gives guests an opportunity to taste a range of dishes that have been finely cooked with local produce; from partridge to prawns and trout to tofu, Jerry’s menu will equally impress taste buds and stomach, perfectly completing your night. If there is room for something sweet, refresh your palate with the highly-recommended passion fruit curd with coconut and meringue, or try something new, such as the dark chocolate tofu and hazelnut.
Jerry also oversees the two more casual bars. A bar menu is served in either the 1812 Bar (named after the date the hotel was built) with 25 covers or The Market Bar. The Market Bar overlooks the functioning market and dogs are welcome in this bar. The design is rustic with wood salvaged from the original stables and guests and visitors are free to dine selecting from any of the menus where they like at the hotel.
Fans of contemporary painting, sculpture, pottery and glass will be spoilt for choice in Hay-on-Wye. A total of seven galleries have come together under the ‘Hay Gallery Trail’ all from different disciplines. Hay-on-Wye has the highest concentration of galleries (in relation to the size of the population of the town) to anywhere in Wales.
The Swan at Hay will unveil a selection of Literary Salons in 2017 and 2018 hosted by journalist and author Liz Hoggard. These salons will include lunch or afternoon tea, a Q&A with the author and a book signing at the end. The hotel is also teaming up with several chefs throughout the year for Guest Chef Evenings including with Great British Menu runner up Andrew Scott of Restaurant 56 in Faringdon. Several Wine Dinners are also scheduled with leading sommeliers including a dinner supported by Tanners Wines and hosted by former Le Gavroche Head Sommelier, Thierry Tomasin. For the more adventurous Murder Mystery Events will also be hosted with event partner Murder on the Side.
The Swan at Hay is licensed to hold civil ceremonies and the hotel can cater for up to 120 guests. The hotel is also home to a smaller meeting and events room which can cater for up to 12 guests.
The Swan at Hay is family friendly, pet friendly (4 rooms allow pets for a £15 fee) and offers a car park at the side of the hotel. The hotel is the perfect base for exploring the north-easternmost tip of the Brecon Beacons National Park, ideal for outdoor activities including walking, cycling and canoeing close by.
Church Street
Hay-on-Wye
HR3 5DQ
01497 821188 B&B
priced from £115 per room per night
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