The Black Lion Hotel
Where the hills meet Cardigan Bay
A historic coaching inn nestled above the harbour of New Quay, Ceredigion. Sea-view rooms, fresh local seafood, live music sessions and wild dolphins swimming just beyond your window.
Three Centuries on Cardigan Bay
The Black Lion has stood at the heart of New Quay since 1756, when this harbourside coaching inn first welcomed travellers on the long road through Ceredigion. Named in the proud heraldic tradition of Welsh inns, it has weathered storms, welcomed generations of fishermen, and played host to poets, merchants and wanderers alike.
Dylan Thomas, who spent formative years in New Quay, is said to have been a familiar figure along these streets. The town is widely believed to have inspired the fictional Llareggub in Under Milk Wood — and the spirit of that romantically observed Welsh seaside life lives on within these walls.
Today, under the stewardship of the Morgan family, The Black Lion is a living, breathing village pub and hotel. We are fiercely proud of our locality: our fish comes off the boats in the bay, our bread is baked in Aberaeron, and our ales travel no further than the nearest Welsh microbrewery.
A Timeline of the Black Lion
The Coaching Inn Opens
The Black Lion opens its doors as a staging post on the turnpike road, offering stabling, food and lodging to travellers along the Ceredigion coast.
The Herring Fleet Years
New Quay's herring trade reaches its peak. The Black Lion becomes the favoured tavern of the fishing fleet, its cellars doubling as a salt-store for the catch.
Dylan Thomas & New Quay
Dylan Thomas and Caitlin rent a bungalow nearby. The pubs and people of New Quay feed his imagination — the town's characters breathing life into Under Milk Wood.
Grade II Listing
Cadw lists the Black Lion as a Grade II heritage building, recognising the significance of its Georgian architecture and its role in the history of the town.
The Morgan Family
Rhodri and Sian Morgan take ownership and begin a sensitive restoration programme, preserving original features whilst adding contemporary comforts.
Thriving Once More
The Black Lion welcomes guests from across Britain and beyond, proud of its heritage and its place at the heart of New Quay's community.
Rooms & Suites
Ten individually styled rooms, each a careful blend of historic character and contemporary comfort. Several enjoy uninterrupted views across Cardigan Bay.
Standard in Every Room
Booking Information
Seafood & Welsh Produce
Our kitchen is built on an unshakeable principle: the finest ingredients, cooked with honesty, and served with pride. Head Chef Gareth Evans works daily with the local fishermen whose boats sit in the harbour below — mackerel, sea bass, crab and lobster landed within sight of your table.
Behind the fish, the larder is stocked with the best of Ceredigion and beyond: salt-marsh lamb from the Dyfi Estuary, rare-breed beef from the Teifi Valley, and seasonal vegetables from our suppliers in the market town of Aberaeron.
The dining room occupies the original coaching parlour — flag-stoned floors, exposed stone walls and a wood-burning stove that glows from October through April. In summer, tables spill onto the sun-trap terrace with its harbour outlook.
See Full MenuMore Than a Hotel
Whether you are sinking into the beer garden on a summer evening or stamping your feet to live folk in the bar, the Black Lion is always lively.
The Beer Garden
Sheltered from the prevailing westerly by a centuries-old stone wall, our south-facing garden catches the sun from mid-morning. Raised beds of herbs scent the air; the harbour glitters below. It is the best seat in New Quay on a fine day — and we get quite a few of those.
- Coastal views towards the Llŷn Peninsula
- Full food and drinks menu served outdoors
- Dogs and families welcome
- Heated and covered for shoulder seasons
- BBQ menu on summer weekends
Live Music
Music has been played at the Black Lion for as long as anyone can remember. Every Friday evening and Saturday night, local and touring musicians take the corner stage in the public bar. From trad Welsh folk to blues, bluegrass and the occasional raucous sea shanty, there is always something worth listening to.
- Friday evenings from 8:00 pm
- Saturday sessions from 8:30 pm
- Sunday afternoon folk sessions (monthly)
- No cover charge — ever
- Seasonal guest performers and open mic events
Upcoming Live Music
| Date | Artist | Style | Time | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 14 March | The Cardigan Drifters | Traditional Welsh folk | 8:00 pm | Free |
| Sat 15 March | Siân Morgan & the Harbour Boys | Blues & Americana | 8:30 pm | Free |
| Fri 21 March | Aberaeron Acoustic Trio | Acoustic indie & covers | 8:00 pm | Free |
| Sat 22 March | The Teifi Ramblers | Celtic & Welsh trad | 8:30 pm | Free |
| Sun 23 March | Open Mic Afternoon | All welcome | 3:00 pm | Free |
| Fri 28 March | Red Kite Revival | Folk rock | 8:00 pm | Free |
| Sat 29 March | New Quay Sea Shanty Collective | Maritime & sea shanties | 7:30 pm | Free |
| Sat 5 April | The Dyfi Valley String Quartet | Classical folk crossover | 8:00 pm | Free |
Schedule subject to change. Follow us on social media for last-minute updates. All events free of charge — no tickets required.
Dolphins on Your Doorstep
Cardigan Bay is home to the largest resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the United Kingdom. From the cliff path above New Quay harbour, and often from the beach itself, you can watch them leap, surf the bow-waves of fishing boats, and feed in the shallows — sometimes just yards from the shore.
The Black Lion is perfectly placed for dolphin watching. The headland at New Quay Head is a five-minute walk, and from spring through to autumn, sightings are an almost daily occurrence. Several local skippers run dedicated wildlife boat trips from the harbour — we are delighted to arrange these for guests.
Offers & Short Breaks
Whether you are celebrating, exploring, or simply escaping, we have a package to suit every kind of stay.
Two Nights & Breakfast
Two nights in a harbour or garden room, full Welsh breakfast each morning, a complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival. Available Sunday to Thursday, subject to availability.
The Seafood Retreat
Two nights with dinner included each evening. Choose two courses from the seasonal menu, with a carafe of house wine. Perfect for celebrating something special.
Dolphin Watching Weekend
Two nights, breakfast, and a two-hour wildlife boat trip for two, departing from New Quay Harbour. Binoculars provided. Sightings virtually guaranteed in season.
Prices per room per night, based on two sharing. Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other offers.
New Quay, Ceredigion
New Quay is one of the most beautiful small towns on the Welsh coast — a Georgian harbour village that tumbles down the hillside to a sandy beach and a working quay. The Black Lion sits on the main street, a three-minute walk from the harbour and the beach.
The town is served by regular bus services from Aberystwyth and Aberaeron. For drivers, the A487 coast road passes through Aberaeron, eight miles to the north. On-street parking is free and plentiful outside the peak summer weeks.
New Quay, Ceredigion
SA45 9PT, Wales
The T1 TrawsCymru bus from Aberystwyth stops in New Quay. The nearest railway station is Aberystwyth (Cambrian Line). We are happy to arrange a taxi transfer from the station — please ask when booking.
Life at the Black Lion
What Our Guests Say
"We watched dolphins from the headland on every morning of our three-night stay. The staff even called up to tell us a pod had been spotted before breakfast. The lobster was extraordinary — landed that morning, cooked to perfection. We will be back."
"The Black Lion is everything a proper Welsh pub should be. Stone walls, a roaring fire, local ale and a folk band that had the whole room singing. The room had the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. Breakfast was enormous and utterly delicious."
"Came for a weekend walking the coastal path. The team could not have been more helpful — they dried our boots, packed us a lunch, and had a warm bath waiting. The harbour view room was a genuine treat. New Quay is magical and the Black Lion is the perfect place from which to enjoy it."
Opening Hours
Hours may vary on bank holidays and during special events. Please call to confirm.
Frequently Asked
Are dogs welcome at the hotel?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome in our garden rooms and in the public bar. A small supplement of £10 per night applies. We ask that dogs are not left unattended in rooms and are kept on leads in the beer garden. Dog beds and bowls are available on request.
Is parking available at the hotel?
We have a small private car park adjacent to the hotel with six spaces, available free of charge to guests on a first-come basis. Additional free on-street parking is available nearby. In peak summer weeks we advise arriving by lunchtime to secure a space.
Can I arrange a dolphin-watching boat trip through the hotel?
Absolutely. We work with several licensed wildlife boat operators at New Quay Harbour and are happy to book a trip on your behalf. Trips typically last 90 minutes to two hours. Please request this at the time of booking or contact us in advance so we can check availability for your dates.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
We cater for most dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, coeliac and dairy-free. Please let us know your requirements when booking a table or when you arrive. Our kitchen team are experienced and genuinely happy to accommodate you — just give us as much notice as possible.
What is your cancellation policy?
Bookings can be cancelled free of charge up to 72 hours before your arrival date. Cancellations within 72 hours will be charged one night’s accommodation. No-shows will be charged the full booking value. We recommend travel insurance for peace of mind.
Is there mobile phone signal and Wi-Fi?
Free high-speed fibre broadband Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Mobile coverage in New Quay is reasonable for most UK networks, though coverage can be patchy in some rooms. We consider this a feature rather than a failing — New Quay is a place to be present, not to scroll.
Book a Room
Book directly with us for the best available rate, complimentary early check-in when available, and a glass of something cold on arrival.
No payment taken here — we will contact you to confirm availability and take a deposit. Secure booking, best rate guaranteed.
We Would Love to Hear from You
Whether you have a question about your stay, want to arrange a private event, or simply want to know if the dolphins were spotted this morning — we are always happy to talk.