North Wales has no shortage of scenic routes and stunning destinations, but the newly reopened Bryntirion Inn offers something truly unique, a gastropub-with-rooms that caters not only to food lovers and families but also to classic car fans and road-trippers seeking the perfect pit stop.
Marking a new chapter for the Palé Hall Estate, The Bryntirion Inn has officially reopened at the gates of the renowned five-star Palé Hall Hotel in Bala. Brought to life through a meticulous £1 million refurbishment by owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, the inn reflects the couple’s ambition to expand the estate’s offering while staying rooted in the local community.
Combining the warmth of a traditional village pub with elevated dining and characterful rooms, The Bryntirion is the kind of place that invites guests to slow down, stay awhile, and soak up everything that makes North Wales special.
Rich in heritage and full of character
Dating back to 1695, The Bryntirion has been thoughtfully restored to maintain its historical charm while embracing a new identity as a premium yet accessible inn. Inside, the space is divided into two main areas, a 60-cover dining room, and a cosy, stone-walled bar area complete with exposed beams and roaring fireplaces. It’s at once nostalgic and fresh.
What sets the interior apart, however, is the distinct motoring theme, curated by Anthony Cooper-Barney himself. A collector and classic car enthusiast, Anthony has turned the inn into a homage to automotive history, with carefully selected memorabilia and vintage car parts artfully integrated into the décor. It’s tasteful, never gimmicky, a dream setting for enthusiasts exploring the winding roads of Eryri National Park.
There’s even a reading nook complete with car-themed books and a stack of board games for relaxed evenings, perfect whether you’re stopping off with the family or winding down after a day on the road.
A true retreat for road-trippers
Arriving on a sunny Saturday afternoon, we found a bustling scene outside, with guests enjoying the summer sun on the terrace. Inside, the ambience was relaxed and welcoming. It’s clear that The Bryntirion is fast becoming a favourite among both locals and travellers.
For drivers tackling the B4391, a route we’ve previously hailed as Wales’ best-kept driving secret. The Bryntirion offers the ideal rest stop. With ample parking (though it’s already proving so popular they may soon need more spaces) and comfortable overnight accommodation, it’s a no-brainer for motoring clubs or scenic tourers. We wouldn’t be surprised if it appears on the itinerary of every Welsh road trip before long.
Rooms with a view and a Story
The Bryntirion Inn offers six individually designed rooms, each named after a Welsh mountain and featuring stunning landscape photography of its namesake. We stayed in Tryfan, a comfortable, stylishly appointed double with en suite shower and enough space for a cot bed, which the team kindly provided.
Design details throughout reflect quality, from the powerful, piping hot shower to the Penhaligon’s toiletries and plush linens. Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and the usual comforts, but it’s the thoughtful touches and strong local identity that make them stand out. Although, I may have signed into Netflix to catch up on a few things whilst I was there.
One delightful feature is the breakfast hamper system: at 8am, a beautifully curated continental-style hamper is delivered right to your door. Ours included fresh meats, cheeses, baguettes, croissants, local apple juice, jams and muesli. It was far more generous than expected, and a refreshing change from the traditional dining-room breakfast.
The inn is dog-friendly, with dogs welcome in both the bar and bedrooms, and there are options for families too, including a spacious family room and a children’s menu.
Rooms are priced from £140 per night, including breakfast.
Exceptional dining rooted in Welsh produce
At the helm of the kitchen is Head Chef Tristan Fitt, whose experience includes Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Lords of the Manor, and The Westbury in Mayfair. His menus at The Bryntirion are grounded in quality and provenance, championing local ingredients and offering a refined take on traditional pub fare.
Starters and light bites
We began with the Smoked Salmon Roulade (£14), paired with cream cheese, pickled vegetables, and potato, light, fresh and packed with flavour. The Lamb Croquettes (£13.50) with mint and pickled kohlrabi were a standout. They were deeply savoury, tender, and beautifully presented.
Mains worth travelling for
The Braised Chicken Pie (£23.50) was the very definition of comfort food, elevated by a silky mash, delicate baby vegetables and a bold tarragon finish. The chicken, wrapped in cabbage, was melt-in-the-mouth.
From the grill, we chose the 28-day aged Welsh Ribeye (£35), served medium-well with skinny fries and a rich peppercorn sauce. The steak was seared to perfection, infused with what we believe to be rosemary, adding an extra dimension to the flavour. The fries were crisp and plentiful, just as they should be.
Dessert delights
For dessert, we opted for the Bryn House Tiramisù (£9.50), accompanied by coffee ice cream. The tiramisù itself was pillowy and well balanced, though the ice cream risked overpowering the dessert. Next time, we’d ask for vanilla to let the tiramisù shine.
The Buttermilk Panna Cotta (£9), served with raspberries and elderflower granita, was visually stunning and an absolute highlight, fresh, vibrant, and ideal for a summer evening.
Final thoughts
The Bryntirion Inn is an impressive addition to the North Wales hospitality scene. It manages to strike a rare balance, premium yet accessible, nostalgic yet modern, casual yet deeply considered. Whether you’re here for the food, the roads, or simply a break from it all, it delivers a memorable experience.
Positioned just outside Bala and on the edge of Eryri National Park, with stunning surroundings and excellent service, The Bryntirion is already carving out a name for itself as a must-visit destination. We’ve no doubt it’ll become a staple for touring car clubs, romantic getaways, and family escapes alike.
The Bryntirion Inn is open Wednesday to Sunday for dining and stays.
For more information or to book your visit, head to: https://www.thebryntirion.co.uk/
