Business Details
Award-Winning Riverside Dining in Llanwrtyd Wells
Established in the heart of Mid Wales, The Drovers Rest Riverside Restaurant has built an unparalleled reputation for its exceptional culinary offerings and commitment to sustainability. Our award-winning team, led by head chef Peter James, crafts traditional Welsh dishes and innovative vegetarian cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Nestled on the banks of the River Irfon, we offer a unique dining experience complemented by a heated riverside terrace, a renowned cooking school, and eco-conscious accommodation.Recognised globally for excellence, we hold prestigious accolades including the Green Tourism Award and multiple culinary distinctions. Our dedication to environmental stewardship is evident through energy-efficient practices, community engagement in sustainability initiatives, and accessible cooking courses that promote local food systems. With over two decades of excellence, we combine warm hospitality with gastronomic artistry to create unforgettable Welsh experiences for discerning food enthusiasts.
Services
Riverside dining
Cooking school
Vegetarian cuisine
Mountain biking
Walking tours
Eco accommodation
Wine pairing
Dinner courses
Gift vouchers
Catering events
Highlights and features
- We offer Michelin-starred chef-led cooking courses with local ingredients
- Our menu features 100% Welsh-sourced produce during seasonal Welsh Cooking Days
- We maintain a 7-year consecutive Egon Ronay recommendation
- Our accessible cooking school accommodates guests with disabilities
- We combine 25+ years culinary expertise with innovative vegetarian cuisine
Associations and certifications
- Green Tourism Award
- Investors in People Award
- Welsh Tourism Board Awards
What people say
Award-winning chef
Stunning river views
Exceptional vegetarian cuisine
Warm hospitality
Scenic terrace dining
Services
Riverside Dining
Our riverside terrace offers seasonal outdoor dining with breathtaking views of the River Irfon. Guests enjoy three-course set menus and la carte options featuring locally sourced Welsh ingredients. The heated terrace ensures comfortable dining year-round, complemented by an extensive wine list and professional service.
Cooking School
Award-winning chef-led courses teach traditional Welsh cooking and modern techniques using fresh local produce. Options include game preparation, vegetarian cuisine, and patisserie masterclasses. All courses include hands-on experience, wine pairing, and a completion certificate in our fully equipped kitchen facilities.
Eco Accommodation
Historic 18th-century building offering comfortable B & B rooms with Welsh heritage features. Rooms include en-suite facilities, complimentary breakfasts, and eco-friendly amenities. The property features accessible design elements and promotes sustainable tourism through energy-efficient operations and local community engagement.
Mountain Biking
We arrange guided mountain biking adventures through Mid Wales' premier trails. Packages include bike hire, secure storage, and route planning across moorlands and forests. The service caters to all skill levels with expert guidance and safety equipment provisions for exploring the region's challenging terrain.
Walking Tours
Curated walking experiences through scenic Welsh landscapes starting from Llanwrtyd Wells. Routes range from 10 to 25 miles across varied terrain, with expert guidance on navigation and local ecology. The service includes map recommendations and safety advice for exploring the region's natural beauty.
People
Peter James
Head Chef & Owner
MBE award-winning chef with 25+ years culinary experience, recipient of multiple Welsh Tourism Board awards, and pioneer of sustainable Welsh cuisine through his cooking school initiatives.
Paulette Reed
Patisserie Chef
Specialist pastry chef renowned for innovative Welsh dessert creations, leading patisserie courses, and contributing to the restaurant's internationally acclaimed sweet menu offerings.
Questions
Do I need to book restaurant tables in advance?
Yes, we strongly recommend advance reservations via telephone or email, especially during weekends and peak seasons to guarantee seating.
Are vegetarian options available on the menu?
We specialise in vegetarian cuisine with dedicated menu sections and cooking courses focused on plant-based Welsh ingredients.
Can cooking courses accommodate dietary restrictions?
Our courses are designed to be inclusive, with options for vegetarians, vegans, and guests with specific dietary requirements.
Is the restaurant accessible for wheelchair users?
We provide accessibility information upon request and have made provisions for guests with mobility requirements.
What sustainability initiatives do you implement?
We use locally sourced produce, energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and promote eco-tourism through our Green Tourism Award-winning practices.
Are gift vouchers available for purchase?
Yes, we offer gift vouchers from £50 for dining experiences, cooking courses, and accommodation packages.
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