If you’re the type who loves a great Sunday roast and doesn’t mind a little road trip for the reward, point your wheels towards Bala, North Wales. Nestled just outside the gates of the renowned Palé Hall Estate, The Bryntirion Inn is the latest chapter in this five-star enclave’s story – and a delicious one at that.
Having undergone a £1 million makeover, this 17th-century inn has been given a thoughtful new lease of life by owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney. It’s now a gastropub with rooms that manages to feel both refined and familiar, serving elevated comfort food in the kind of relaxed setting that feels made for a long lunch or post-walk supper.
Inside, it’s all cosy stone walls, oak beams, and glowing fireplaces – authentic but not overly done. The dining room is warm and inviting with space for 60, and the adjoining bar has kept its heart as a locals’ favourite. What’s especially unique here is the nod to motoring history: you’ll spot motorsport memorabilia throughout, a personal touch from Anthony’s private collection that makes it a bit of a haven for classic car buffs.
And now, the food. We came for the Sunday roast, and it didn’t disappoint. The star? Roasted sirloin of Welsh beef, served perfectly pink, paired with crisp roasties – seriously, they might be the best we’ve had outside of our own kitchen. (And we don’t say that lightly.) Add in cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire puds, and lashings of gravy, and you’ve got all the comfort you could want after a walk in the hills.
Head Chef Tristan Fitt, whose background includes the likes of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and The Westbury in Mayfair, champions local ingredients with flair. Meat comes from respected Bala butcher TJ Roberts, veg from down-the-road growers, and even the eggs hail from just a few miles away. The à la carte menu leans into this sense of place, with dishes like Chicken Liver Parfait lifted with Asian plum and lemongrass, and a nostalgic Bryn Strawberry Trifle that’ll make you smile like a kid again.
Drinks-wise, there’s a solid selection of Welsh beers and ciders on tap, plus local spirits and a well-judged wine list pulled together by Palé Hall’s sommelier. For those laying off the booze, the alcohol-free options are far better than an apologetic orange juice.
We didn’t stay over this time, but next time. Absolutely. The Bryntirion has six individually styled rooms, each named after a Welsh mountain. They start at £140 a night, with breakfast delivered to your door in a generous hamper. Dogs are welcome (bonus points) and there’s even a family room for those travelling with little adventurers.
With Eryri National Park on its doorstep and Bala Lake just down the road, this is a great base for hiking, biking, or just refuelling in style. Whether you’re driving a classic Jag or just fancy a proper pub meal in beautiful surroundings, The Bryntirion Inn ticks all the right boxes.
The Bryntirion Inn, Llandderfel, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7RA
01678 414031 / www.thebryntirion.co.uk
By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar
Photography By ©JodiHinds
