Luke Selby appointed chef partner at Palé Hall amid major developments

Chef Luke Selby has been appointed chef partner at Palé Hall, a luxury hotel on the edge of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales near the town of Bala. The appointment, which began this month, sees Selby assume responsibility for the entire food and beverage offering at the Relais & Châteaux property, as well as its on-estate pub, The Bryntirion Inn, and a new fine dining restaurant scheduled to open in late 2026. The move comes as part of a broader partnership between the award-winning chef and hotel owners Donna and Anthony Barney, aimed at reimagining the guest experience at Palé Hall. The new partnership marks a significant chapter for the property, which was awarded one Michelin Key in 2025. Previously executive chef at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Selby is joined in North Wales by his brothers Nathaniel and Theodore, who will form part of his senior team. 

Several major developments are planned over the coming year. The Bryntirion Inn, a 300-year-old pub with rooms on the estate, will relaunch under Selby’s direction this January. The inn, which retains its traditional features such as log fires and exposed beams, will serve a menu developed by Selby and head chef Ethan Cleary, with dishes focusing on local North Welsh produce, including ingredients from the estate’s kitchen garden. On offer this winter are dishes such as Snowdonia Black Bomber Rarebit, a crab bisque with lemongrass, Welsh Black Sirloin and sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel. The inn, open Wednesday to Sunday, features six renovated bedrooms named after Welsh mountain peaks, with room rates starting from £140 per night.

Also on the horizon are the unveiling of the Jockey Bar (a whisky lounge inspired by Tony Barney’s interest in horseracing) and the Hearth Room, a chef’s table experience designed by Selby and planned to debut in February. Located in the original kitchen, it will offer a ticketed tasting menu and act as a development space for the forthcoming fine dining restaurant. A new gym and wellness facility is also scheduled to launch early next month, housed in a renovated barn with fitness studios, saunas, and treatment rooms to guests and members.

The fine dining restaurant, which will replace the current offering in the second half of 2026, is expected to further establish Palé Hall’s reputation as a culinary destination in North Wales.

Food Desk

For further information or to book accommodation or dining at Palé Hall, Palé Estate, Llandderfel, Bala, Gwynedd LL23 7PS, visit the hotel’s website here.