Foyles of Glasbury

Before it became known as Foyles of Glasbury, the hotel was known as the Maesllwch Arms, a coaching inn built sometime during the transitional years of the 18th and 19th centuries. It served as a local pub and stopover, with stables and coaching facilities that made it a versatile establishment. The word maesllwch means the field by the pool, referring the inn's location along the River Wye. While Glasbury‑on‑Wye remained a significant thoroughfare near the Welsh-English border, it still suffered a period of decline during the 20th century. Ownership of the inn passed to several people, with varied rates of success and decline.

Despite being registered as a Grade II listed building in 1996, the inn's fortunes still flagged. It wasn't until 2011 that the current owners took over, who carefully restored the property over the course of four years. When it finally opened in 2015, it came with a rebranding and was rechristened as Foyles of Glasbury.

When it was established around the closing years of the 18th century, the Maesllwch Arms was built as a coaching inn for locals and travelers crossing the Welsh-English border. The main structure survives to this day, built with whitewashed rubble and slate roofs, arranged in a practical U‑shaped layout. The exterior is notable for symmetrical bays, sash windows, and lunette windows, which arguably were popular design conventions during the Georgian Era. The interiors also feature some of the original early‑19th‑century elements, like the molded handrail and stick balusters on the staircase.

It was the 2011–2015 restoration that transformed the old Maesllwch Arms into today’s Foyles of Glasbury, creating a posh and modern boutique hotel and pub. While the renovation preserved heritage aspects, the rooms and spaces embrace contemporary splendor. The 11 guestrooms, in particular, are individually designed and styled with the classy ambiance of a warm and welcoming home.

As a pub and inn that has been operating since the late 18th century, Foyles of Glasbury is proud to represent Welsh culinary traditions in its menus. Because the restaurant uses seasonal ingredients, the dishes offered change every season, letting guests savor a wide variety of delicacies and regional specials. Residents can look forward to complimentary breakfasts during their stay, though walk-in arrivals can also avail of the Breakfast Like A King service. For lunch and dinner, the menu includes items such as duck, beef in the form of steaks and burgers, and freshly caught salmon and sea bass. There's also a lovely dessert menu offering decadent treats such as profiteroles, lemon sorbets, and brownie sundaes.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: Thursday to Saturday: 8 am - 11 am; Sunday: 8 am - 10 am
Lunch: Wednesday to Saturday: 12 pm - 2:30 pm
Dinner: 6 pm - 9 pm

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via their official website.

Sunday Lunch

Join this wonderful British tradition and discover how the Welsh prepare their hearty portions of beef, chicken, and lamb. Dive right into the roast, or treat yourself to a course meal with proper starters, mains, and desserts.

Availability: 12 pm - 3 pm

Afternoon Tea

Just like with Sunday Roasts, the Brits also love their Afternoon Tea and is quite an essential part of the day to many. At Foyles of Glasbury, this quintessential experience includes savory items like sandwiches, along with sinful pastries and desserts. There are also options to add a glass of Prosecco or fine wine to complement the rich tea blends.

Availability: Wednesday to Saturday: 3 pm - 5 pm; Sunday: 4 pm - 5 pm

The Afternoon Tea service cannot be booked online, so guests will need to make reservations via email, phone, or Facebook.

Foyles of Glasbury wishes to preserve how special a wedding day is for couples, so instead of offering set packages, they promise to tailor each event uniquely. You will need to contact them directly, which can be done through our Book Venue button below. That said, the hotel is not licensed for ceremonies, but the management can assist in making arrangements at licensed venues. What they can ensure on their end is a bespoke reception with your loved ones during your stay.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Travelers will have plenty of immersive cultural adventures the moment they step outside Foyles of Glasbury. Hay-on-Wye is a neighboring medieval town known for its bustling shops and markets, as well as the beautifully preserved Hay Castle. The fortified mansion now serves as a community center promoting arts and literature, especially during the annual Hay Festival. Another neighbor is Bronllys, which is home to the remnants of Castell Bronllys.

If you're raring to go on outdoor adventures, The River Wye Activity Centre is just a few minutes walk from the hotel. The campground offers a wide variety of fun things to do, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, bushcraft, and axe throwing. The Cors y Llyn National Nature Reserve is a small nature area featuring one of the best-preserved mires and fens in the region, making it perfect for birdwatching. Another park you should visit for wildlife encounters is Pwll y Wrach Nature Reserve, featuring a small mystical pool and cascade often visited by woodland denizens.

Foyles of Glasbury welcomes guests to celebrate the many aspects of life itself with a private dinner or reception at their venues. Birthdays and anniversaries are very welcome, and should be celebrated with a banquet or private dinner. The hotel also invites commemorations of the departed with bereavement receptions, remembering the life and memory of your loved one.