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The New White Lion

Brecon Beacons, United Kingdom

Comments from members who have stayed at The New White Lion

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, whenever you book a stay through us, we’ll invite you to comment when you get back. For every entry we publish, we credit your loyalty account with money to put towards your next booking. Read the Guestbook entries below to see what real-life Mr & Mrs Smiths have said about this hotel…

The Guestbook

The New White Lion is quite possibly the most perfect hotel. The proprietors Sylvia and Gerald make you feel so at home and cook so well, you don't want to leave. This was our second visit, on the first Michael had proposed and this second visit was the finale of our honeymoon. On this trip we did venture further afield. Felin Fach Griffin, which is just the other side of Brecon, is a wonderful restaurant and we would highly recommend. Good honest food, large portions mind, so don't eat much before going. I recommend the table by the fire for a post-dinner drink. The Penderyn Whisky Distillery is again a must visit, the Sherrywood Whisky beatifully smooth, even for me, a non-whisky drinker and their export-only Portwood Whisky can be bought there too (a little lighter in alcohol but with possibly even more flavour). Llandovery itself is a beautiful little town,  the castle ruins are enjoyable for a little roam and there are plenty of tea rooms to enjoy an afternoon cream tea. We're already looking when to book our next visit, with the sole purpose of walking in the Beacons.

Hannah, BlackSmith, stayed on 19 Nov 2011

Sylvia and Gerald are by far the best hosts we have ever found at a Mr & Mrs Smith hotel, and we have stayed at a lot. After walking on the windy wet Brecon Beacons, they are a delight to return to. The Brecon jazz festival was also fantastic and well worth the visit. The bands are top notch and with very little crowds, it was brilliant. Front row to the Radio 2 big band and Maceo Parker will not be forgotten. Also fantastic pub in Felinfach called The Griffin for sleeping dogs and squishy sofas, and very, very good food. Another atmospheric hideout against the weather. First stay after our wedding at the totally beautiful Barnsley House and that takes some beating.

Suzanne, BlackSmith, stayed on 12 Aug 2011

If you have half an hour to spare take the road marked Cilycwm out of Llandovery heading to meet the A482 towards Lampeter. A couple of forestry car parks, tracks for brave bikers, great scenery in the hills and waterfalls of rural Wales.

stuart, BlackSmith, stayed on 11 Feb 2011

A fantastic hotel, so welcoming and relaxing. Sylvia and Gerald were great hosts. We really liked the honesty bar - get a good book and a drink and you will struggle to pull yourself up form the sofas in the lounge. Gerald planned a day of walking and exploring for us which was followed by a delicious home-cooked meal. A perfect anniversary! We would definitely go back.

Richard, BlackSmith, stayed on 29 Aug 2010

The stunning scenery around the area of Llandovery, where the hotel is situated, is really impressive. After checking in we drove north towards Llandeilo and followed signs to Aberglasney House and Gardens where we had a wander around the grounds and warmed up with some bowls of French onion soup in the cafe whilst reading and admiring the view. By chance we happened upon the ruins of a castle (Dryslwyn) on the way back to the hotel and the views over the Brecon Beacons were breathtaking. (This was ideal for me, as I wasn't as fascinated by the castle as my boyfriend!) Don't be put off by the quite dingy looking pub The Kings Head in Llandovery - their a la carte dishes are delicious! I recommend the duck with honey and ginger sauce and stir fried veg. A perfect end to a day of exploring the Brecon Beacons!

Sarah, BlackSmith, stayed on 28 Aug 2010

Although the B&B food was excellent, one night we decided to venture into the streets of the village. Although it doesn't sound very romantic, we found a kitsch all-night fish and chips resturant. After a long day's walking around the beautiful countryside, there was nothing more relaxing and perfect for us than that proper British food and a well-earned cup of tea, before skipping back to our boutique hotel!

Kerry, GoldSmith, stayed on 12 May 2009

I would highly recommend a trip to Aberglasney Gardens and tea or lunch in the Gardeners' café there. The gardens are beautiful and very serene. If the sun shines, that's even better but there is a small covered greenhouse and, of course, the café if it pours. I would avoid at all costs the Indian restaurant in Llandovery – tastless, overpriced food.

Sue, BlackSmith, stayed on 30 Apr 2009

The New White Lion - Llandovery was wonderful. The hotel has been tastefully renovated, and Sylvia and Gerald were perfect hosts. Gerald is a great help in advising on local walks. We followed his suggestions and saw some breathtaking scenery. Sylvia cooked a beautiful meal and a tasty breakfast was served on both days. Would definitely recommend a short break here.

Christopher, Non-member, stayed on 20 Mar 2009

The only word I could use to describe The New White Lion is brilliant! The village of Llandovery appears to be a quiet place, with a few interesting shops in it. We ate at The Kings Head pub one night, and it served lovely home-cooked food. The castle, although not that impressive, is worth paying a visit to just to see the huge silver knight protecting it. I wouldn't hesitate to stay again.

Rebecca, BlackSmith, stayed on 15 Dec 2008

This hotel was perfect, from the welcoming Welsh afternoon tea taken in the quirky living room  (included in your room rate) complete with honesty bar, to the excellent breakfast served by Sylvia the owner. We stayed in the best room named The Physicians of Myddfwr, after local folklore. Go see for yourself.

Katherine, BlackSmith, stayed on 24 Nov 2008

The guest-only restaurant at the New White Lion was superb. Although I only stayed one night, it was one of the best meals I have ever had. Sprout mash, Welsh Black Beef, and other vegetables, washed down with a local beer from the 'honesty bar' (which I declared!) made for a wonderful evening. Reading all about the adventures of Twm Sion Cati and the Physicians of Myddfai before I went to bed fired my imagination and set my holiday off to a great start. Superb.

Gareth, BlackSmith, stayed on 6 Oct 2008

We loved our stay at The New White Lion, and our top tip would be to eat in – we did on both nights! The owners prepared some of the best food we have ever eaten. The menu is limited and all ingredients are very locally sourced – all the vegetables come from their own allotment. Delicious fine dining and very reasonable prices.

Zoe, BlackSmith, stayed on 30 Aug 2008

Offers at The New White Lion

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Smith extra at The New White Lion

Either a gift set of Penderyn Welsh single malt whisky miniatures with a special ‘nosing’ glass, or a selection of handmade chocolates; you’ll also get 10 per cent off your first dinner at the hotel