Thanks all for those comments. I have just done an Organisers post event ride, so was able to talk to one of the Pubs.
Feedback from the 76/134km Pub control seems to be that about ¼ of riders ate at the pub, most took soup whilst not many took the pasta option.
On the 100km at 62km I subsidised (by £1) a pasta meal. There were 16 takers from 42 riders, about 1/3 take up but these were more leisurely and senior riders than on the 200.
I rode the 200 on Sunday and had a cheese toastie at 90km, 6km before the steep pull to the Gospel Pass. I took soup and roll at 134km; it seemed just right for me and preceded a 200m steep climb, so not too much. The pubs are well placed but in remote areas without a local café, so Beans on Toast is not an option unless you have it early in Monmouth 51km or late in Hay at 107km, both before climbs, so the secret with food on this ride is a little but often. The 76/134km Pub is keen to be included next year; these comments will be useful to keep most parties happy. I do have an alternative to hire the VH at Pandy, just 1km from the Control Pub. Big problem here is logistics to man it from 60miles away (Cheltenham), unless local volunteers were handy. If offered to a local group, then they would keep profits (for Org or Charity), which to me is no different to providing a local Pub with trade. Of course, the Cyclist might have more appropriate bikey food. And probably cheaper too.
I have asked (email) the Pubs for feedback and their willingness to host us in future years. Your comments virtually follow some of my food preferences but the nature of the Gospel Pass 200, with several long and steep climbs, is for small portions often. That also matches having energy bars on board.
SteveP