It has been a while since I last stopped at Palé Hall, but after a recent visit, I had to re-highlight it as one of my favourite pit stops.
You may remember I wrote about this luxury estate when visiting North Wales a couple of summers ago—if not, you can check out that blog here: The Best Drive and Dine Experience in North Wales. Since then, Palé Hall has changed hands, and I was eager to see how it has evolved under new ownership.
A Car Enthusiast’s Dream Stop
The new owners are self-confessed lovers of sports cars, which was evident by the two Ferraris parked out front. Naturally, I took the opportunity to snap a few shots of my car in front of the grand entrance—this time, I was in the BMW i8.
Palé Hall is no stranger to hosting car clubs and events, and it’s easy to see why. The sweeping driveway, luxurious surroundings, and impeccable hospitality make it a dream stop for petrolheads touring the scenic b-roads of North Wales. The best part? You don’t need to be an overnight guest to experience it. The restaurant is open to non-residents, making it an ideal place for a refined yet relaxed pit stop.
They’ve recently launched a new lunchtime menu, perfect for those looking to add a bit of indulgence to their drive. Park your car out front and enjoy a taste of the high life.
A Personal Journey
This visit felt different from my last. My original plan had been to bring my dad here as part of my stag do plans—he was my best man, and it would have been a special moment for us. Sadly, he passed away before we had the chance to make the trip together. This time, I found myself here with my son instead, which was a surreal and poignant moment.
My hunt for his old Renault Mégane Cabriolet continues, and you can read more about that here: A Year Without Dad and My Quest to Bring His Car Back Home.
The New Lunch Menu
We didn’t stay overnight this time—just a quick stop for lunch—but what a lunch it was.
The newly appointed Head Chef, Laurence Webb, has crafted a menu that balances classical techniques with modern influences, all using locally sourced ingredients.
What We Had (and What We Thought)
We started with the Welsh Leek and Potato Soup and the Cured Loch Duart Salmon. The soup was beautifully smooth and warming, with the crispy quail’s egg adding an indulgent touch. The Parmesan lifted the flavours, making it a deceptively simple yet refined dish.
The Cured Loch Duart Salmon was a highlight—light, fresh, and expertly balanced. The radish and crème fraîche added texture and brightness, enhancing the delicate richness of the salmon.
For mains, we went with the Confit Leg of Spring Chicken and the Koji Roast Cauliflower. The chicken was meltingly tender, served with a hearty white bean cassoulet and the slight bitterness of endive to balance it all out.
The Koji Roast Cauliflower was our wildcard choice. I always like to push my tastebuds and try new things, and this dish turned out to be a delicious surprise. The raisin purée brought a subtle sweetness, perfectly complementing the umami depth of the maitake mushrooms and the tangy hit from the capers. Toasted almonds on top added a welcome crunch, rounding out the textures beautifully.
For dessert, we chose the Coeur de Guanaja Tart with Milk Sorbet and the Yorkshire Rhubarb with Llwyn Banc Yoghurt and Gingerbread. The tart was rich and silky, while the milk sorbet kept it light. The rhubarb dish, on the other hand, was a seasonal delight—sharp, creamy, with a hint of the gingerbread.
Final Thoughts
At £45 for three courses, it’s undoubtedly a treat, but when you factor in the Michelin-recognised quality, the grand setting, and the overall experience, it’s actually a bit of a bargain. You’re made to feel special from the moment you arrive, and the relaxed yet refined atmosphere makes for a truly memorable dining experience.
For those exploring North Wales by car, Palé Hall is a must-visit stop. Whether it’s for a full luxury getaway or just an indulgent lunch break, it’s worth making the detour. And if you want to find out one of my favourite driving roads nearby, you’ll have to check out my previous blog.
For more details or to book, visit Palé Hall’s official website.
