A Sunday Lunch to Savour at the Inn on the Wye

Some places quietly get everything right — and Inn on the Wye is very much one of them.

Set next to the banks of the River Wye, with a terrace overlooking rolling countryside and tantalising glimpses of Goodrich Castle in the distance, the Inn on the Wye is blessed with a setting that feels instantly restorative. It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying, helped along by the gentle sound of the river and wide open views that change with the light.

What makes it all the more remarkable is how peaceful it felt, even on a cold, rainy, blustery Herefordshire day.

For a place with such a stunning location, it was far quieter than this hidden gem deserves to be — something that honestly surprised us. Arriving just after midday on a Sunday, we were warmly welcomed by lovely Joanne, whose friendliness and genuine hospitality immediately set the tone. She reassured us that bookings would pick up later in the day, and we can only say they certainly should.

Before even getting to the food, it’s worth mentioning the overall atmosphere. This is a pub that feels comfortable, unpretentious and welcoming — like returning to an old friend.

That feeling was particularly welcome after a recent and rather disappointing visit to a different riverside pub near the Forest of Dean a few weeks ago, we won’t name and shame but we definitely wouldn’t return to that place.  It does leave you wondering whether other places are slipping, but thankfully that wasn’t the case here – in fact that poor experience elsewhere the week before made coming back to this old favourite haunt of ours for another lovely visit all the more appreciated.

We also have to mention that Joanne didn”t just give us a warm welcome, but the whole team always make a huge fuss of our little Frenchie, Meg – and just like on previous visits, she was spoiled rotten with treats and lots of fuss – it’s a dog-friendly venue that’s very much  ‘paw approved’ by Meg!

We often come for family occasions here due to the huge variety of food on offer  (this place serves a wide range of authentic Indian food as well as traditional pub food – with both Indian and British chefs), often meeting my daughters here around Christmas and New Year.

However, today we were out on a run in search of a really good old-fashioned Sunday lunch — and simply, we were not disappointed.  This was quite simply one of the best we’ve enjoyed in years. Properly home-cooked, generously portioned with thick slices of roast beef all clearly prepared with care, it’s the kind of meal that reminds you why Sunday lunch is such a cherished tradition. Everything felt hearty, well-balanced and deeply satisfying, without any unnecessary fuss.

The portions were generous without being overwhelming, the flavours comforting and confident, and the value for money excellent — very much in keeping with the Inn’s reputation for offering good-value rooms as well as quality food.  There’s a wide choice on offer and despite today being our first visit in a while, we have came here a number of times in the past and it’s always on point in every aspect.   They were also happy to do a smaller portion for me (I am dieting and currently have a very poor appetite!)

Add together friendly, attentive service, a genuinely warm welcome, a breathtaking riverside setting and food that delivers on every level, and you’re left wondering why this place isn’t constantly full (but very grateful they could accommodate a pair of Welsh wanderers at short notice in the rain last weekend!)

For us, the Inn on the Wye ticks every box — and then some. Whether you’re looking for a Sunday lunch worth travelling for, or an authentic indian meal to enjoy in surroundings that quietly take your breath away, this is a place you really shouldn’t overlook, and well worth the occasional drive if, like us,  you aren’t lucky enough to live locally.

We wish we lived closer, but it’s only an hour’s drive from South Wales and one of our favourite summer weekend haunts.  Lovely meal and we will definitely be back soon!

You can learn more here: https://www.innonthewye.co.uk/