The Bryntirion Inn: A new gastropub with rooms launches in Bala, North Wales

A new addition to the Palé Hall Estate, where motoring heritage meets modern Welsh hospitality

Marking a new chapter for the Palé Hall Estate, The Bryntirion Inn has opened its doors at the gates of the five-star Palé Hall Hotel in Bala, North Wales.

Brought to life through a £1 million refurbishment by owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, the new gastropub-with-rooms reflects their ongoing vision to expand the estate’s presence and deliver something distinctly local for both guests and the community. With a warm welcome (Croeso!), The Bryntirion combines the character of a classic village pub with thoughtful dining to welcome locals, travellers, and road-trippers to linger, dine and explore.

The Pub
Dating back to 1695, The Bryntirion has been thoughtfully restored, preserving its history as a village pub while reimagining it as a place to eat well, drink locally, and stay in comfort. Inside, the inn is divided between a relaxed dining room with 60 covers and a characterful bar area framed by original stone walls, exposed beams and cosy fireplaces. The bar remains a popular spot for locals, while the dining space sets the tone for a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a menu shaped by seasonality and local provenance.

Adding a distinctively personal touch, Anthony Cooper-Barney has curated a remarkable display of classic car and motorsport memorabilia from his private collection throughout the inn, making The Bryntirion a must-visit for car enthusiasts exploring the breathtaking Welsh roads of Eryri.

Dining
Heading up the kitchen is Head Chef Tristan Fitt, whose pedigree includes Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Lords of the Manor Hotel in the Cotswolds, Wheeler’s Oyster Bar in Whitstable and The Westbury, Mayfair.

Tristan works closely with local producers to create elevated pub classics, championing the finest Welsh ingredients. All vegetables - from the tenderstem broccoli to the Sunday roast trimmings - are supplied by local grower Keith Jones, at Ty Uchaf Farm, while eggs come from Caepant Eggs, both just five minutes down the road in Llandderfel. All meat is sourced from respected Bala butcher TJ Roberts, including 28-day aged Welsh Black ribeye and local pork chops, which take pride of place on the grill. Tristan’s menus offer comforting, ingredient-led dishes that reflect the landscape and larder of the region.

The à la carte menu highlights this seasonal approach and local provenance, featuring signature dishes crafted by Tristan such as:
- Delicate Chicken Liver Parfait with plum gel, infused with Asian notes of lemongrass and Umeboshi plums
- Comforting Chicken Pie with baby vegetables, garlic and herb-infused pomme purée, and rich tarragon sauce
- Desserts include a layered Opera-style Tiramisu with espresso ice cream and Tia Maria gel, alongside a nostalgic Bryn Strawberry Trifle with vanilla custard and sherry

Sunday Lunch at The Bryntirion is a standout occasion, with choices such as Crispy Pork Belly with pig in a blanket, apple and sage; Roasted sirloin of Welsh Beef with horseradish; and a handcrafted Nut Roast Pie, all served with cauliflower cheese, crisp roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and Yorkshire puddings.

Those stopping for a more casual bar experience will find tempting plates including Black Pudding Sausage Roll with homemade brown sauce and Crispy Salt and Szechuan Pepper Squid with roasted garlic aioli. A Welsh cheeseboard is thoughtfully curated in collaboration with Harvey & Brockless, featuring Perl Wen organic Brie, Garwydd Caerphilly, Perl Las Blue and Golden Cenarth, served with homemade apple, pear, and saffron chutney.

Drinks
The drinks selection champions Welsh craft drinks producers, supplied by Stori an independent bottle shop, tap room and distributor in Bala. Expect regional beers and ciders on draught, local spirits as the house pours, plus a considered low and no alcohol range. While the wine list, overseen by Palé Hall’s Head Sommelier Garry Clark, balances familiar favourites with lesser-known discoveries, including some Welsh wines, all chosen to complement Tristan’s menus.

Rooms
The Bryntirion also welcomes guests to stay, offering six individually styled bedrooms, each named after a Welsh mountain and displaying striking landscape photography of its namesake in each room. Designed for comfort and character, all rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, tea, and coffee-making facilities, and luxurious Penhaligon’s toiletries. Rooms are priced from £140 per night, including breakfast, served as a generous continental-style hamper delivered to the room each morning. Family-friendly options include a dedicated children’s menu and a spacious family bedroom. Dogs are warmly welcomed in the restaurant and bar areas, as well as in the bedrooms, making the inn a relaxed and inviting retreat for couples, families, and four-legged companions alike.

Speaking about the launch, Anthony Cooper-Barney said: "We are thrilled to introduce The Bryntirion Inn as the latest part of the Palé Hall Estate. This project is especially close to my heart – it has given me the perfect place to share my classic car collection, while creating a true village pub where locals can feel at home. With Tristan leading the kitchen, we are proud to offer a food and drink experience rooted in local produce and quality. The Bryntirion is about genuine hospitality, great food, and celebrating everything that makes this part of Wales so special."

Prominently positioned on the edge of Eryri National Park, The Bryntirion offers a relaxed base for walking, hiking, climbing and cycling, as well as fishing and water sports on Bala Lake. The private car park to the rear, along with outside seating, makes it a perfect pitstop for classic car owners, supercar drivers, and those embarking on motoring holidays across North Wales. Whether visiting for a memorable meal, an overnight getaway or a scenic drive, guests will find a warm welcome, exceptional food and an experience that captures the spirit of North Wales.

The Bryntirion Inn is now open for stays and dining from Wednesday to Sunday.

To find out more, please visit: www.thebryntirion.co.uk