If you’ve ever wound your way through the B4391 that gloriously twisty ribbon of tarmac cutting through North Wales — and thought “I wish there was a proper place to eat, rest and nerd out over cars”, then listen up: The Bryntirion Inn is your new favourite stop-off.
Fresh from a £1 million facelift, this historic pub-turned-gastropub-with-rooms now sits proudly at the gates of the five-star Palé Hall estate in Bala. But don’t let the posh postcode fool you, this place is pure petrolhead gold, wrapped up in stone walls, open fires and a hell of a lot of character.
Welcome to north Wales’ best pit stop
We pulled into the car park on a sunny Saturday afternoon, having just finished dancing along the B4391, which, let’s face it, is easily one of the best driving roads in the UK. You’ve got elevation changes, sweeping views, near-zero traffic, and corners sharp enough to make your tyres whisper. It’s driving bliss.
And right at the end of it? The Bryntirion Inn. Like something out of a dream where the pub doesn’t just serve great food, but also celebrates classic cars, comfortable stays, and welcomes motor-mad travellers with open arms.
Outside, people were soaking up the sun, pints in hand. Inside, it’s like you’ve stepped into a petrolhead’s personal clubhouse: classic car memorabilia, vintage grills on the wall, even a cosy corner stacked with motoring books and board games. It’s warm, welcoming, and refreshingly unpretentious.
This isn’t just another corporate rebrand of a country pub. It’s personal. And it shows.
A proper base for driving enthusiasts
Run by Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, the same team behind the very luxurious Palé Hall just down the road, The Bryntirion Inn keeps things down-to-earth while still feeling just right. The walls may be centuries old, but everything else has been thoughtfully rebuilt, right down to the lighting and the layout.
And here’s the thing: this place is begging to be the next go-to for car clubs.
There are six individually themed bedrooms, each named after a Welsh mountain, with stunning photography and little design touches that speak to both the local landscape and automotive culture. We stayed in Tryfan — a generously sized room with a powerful shower (ideal after a long drive), comfy bed, and even space for a cot, which they kindly provided.
Breakfast? Delivered to your door in a hamper at 8am. Warm baguettes, meats, cheese, apple juice, pastries — you’re not getting Weetabix and a sorry banana here.
Dog-friendly, family-friendly, and very much car-club-friendly. You could easily book all six rooms, take over the pub, and make a weekend of it. Imagine a group of classic Minis, Porsches, or Caterhams lined up outside, with tales of twisty passes and clutch kicks shared by the fire over a pint. Yes please.
Let’s talk food: Worth the drive alone
Behind the kitchen door is Head Chef Tristan Fitt, and this guy’s résumé is serious — we’re talking Le Manoir, Lords of the Manor, and The Westbury in Mayfair. But here? It’s all about Welsh ingredients, done brilliantly well.
We kicked off with:
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Smoked Salmon Roulade with cream cheese, potato, chive and pickled veg (£14) — fresh, punchy, and beautifully balanced.
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Lamb Croquettes with mint and kohlrabi (£13.50) — absolutely packed with flavour, the kind of thing you don’t want to share, but know you have to.
Then it was time for:
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Braised Chicken Pie (£23.50) — wrapped in cabbage (yes, really) with flaky pastry, rich tarragon notes, buttery mash and vibrant veg. Pure comfort.
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28-day aged Welsh Ribeye (£35) — medium-well, crispy skinny fries, peppercorn sauce. Classic, perfectly done, and lifted with a hint of rosemary that made it sing.
Dessert? We were told to try the Tiramisù with coffee ice cream (£9.50), and while it was rich and satisfying, we reckon it’d be even better with a scoop of vanilla to let the tiramisù itself shine. The Buttermilk Panna Cotta (£9) with elderflower granita, though? That’s your summer-in-a-bowl moment.
Final verdict: Add it to your itinerary, now
Whether you’re out for a spirited solo blast or organising a proper car club weekend, The Bryntirion Inn is a no-brainer. It’s a rare find that ticks all the boxes:
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Incredible location (Eryri on your doorstep)
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Access to some of the best driving roads in the country
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Cosy, comfortable, petrolhead-approved stays
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Genuinely exceptional food and drink
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And plenty of space out back to line up your pride and joy
And the vibe? Spot on. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a classic Jag, a Caterham, or a clattery diesel that’s just made it over the pass, you’ll get a warm Croeso either way.
The Bryntirion Inn is now open Wednesday to Sunday for food and stays. Go for the roads, stay for the rooms, return for the food and bring your mates next time.
Plan your visit
https://www.thebryntirion.co.uk/
Rooms from: £140 (includes breakfast)
Top nearby road: The B4391 — our full route review here
