Looking for a Sunday drive that ends in something seriously delicious? Just over the border in the lush Welsh countryside, The Bryntirion Inn – a new gastropub with rooms – is serving up destination dining with a warm welcome and plenty of local flavour.
A fresh chapter for Palé Hall Estate
Set at the gates of the five-star Palé Hall Hotel in Bala, The Bryntirion Inn is the latest addition to this elegant estate. Following a £1 million renovation by owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, the 17th-century inn has been reborn with a blend of cosy charm and contemporary comfort. It’s the sort of place where locals mingle with road-trippers and Sunday roasts are practically sacred.
The interiors strike just the right note – stone walls, original beams, crackling fireplaces – and a bar that feels like it’s always been there. But there’s more than just rustic good looks. A curated collection of motorsport memorabilia, courtesy of Anthony’s private collection, adds a unique edge – classic car lovers, take note.
Sunday roast worth the miles
We stayed the night at Palé Hall, so dropped in for Sunday lunch before making our way home. If you love a proper roast, you’re in for a treat. The sirloin of Welsh beef came perfectly pink, nestled among crisp roast potatoes (the best we’ve had outside our own kitchen), cauliflower cheese, seasonal veg and Yorkshire puds you could balance a pint on. The portions are generous, the flavours honest and hearty.
At the helm is Head Chef Tristan Fitt, whose credentials include Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and The Westbury, Mayfair. His focus? Welsh ingredients, thoughtfully sourced and skillfully elevated. Expect pub classics with polish –think Chicken Liver Parfait with Asian plums, or a nostalgic trifle that’ll transport you straight back to childhood.
Local to the core
Everything on the plate has a story – from vegetables grown minutes away at Ty Uchaf Farm to meats from Bala’s own TJ Roberts. Even the eggs are local. There’s pride in provenance here, and it shows in every bite.
The drinks list is equally considered. Sourced from Bala’s indie bottle shop Stori, the bar offers Welsh craft beers, regional ciders, and local spirits. The wine list, overseen by Palé Hall’s sommelier, blends classics with a few surprise finds, including Welsh labels.
Stay the night (next time, we will)
Though we didn’t stay over, we will next time. The inn offers six individually designed rooms, each named after a Welsh mountain. Rooms start from £140 a night and include a breakfast hamper delivered to your door. It’s dog-friendly, family-friendly, and surrounded by some of the UK’s most dramatic landscapes.
Perfectly placed for exploring Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park or taking in the views at Bala Lake, The Bryntirion makes an ideal base for walking, climbing, or scenic drives. There’s a private car park, outdoor seating, and a laid-back vibe that makes it all too easy to linger.
Getting There
The Bryntirion Inn
Llandderfel, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7RA
01678 414031
thebryntirion.co.uk
