The Rosie Green Edit: Gastronomic delights at luxury Welsh wedding venue Palé Hall

RGE headed through the rugged landscapes of Snowdonia to the soft rolling hills and verdancy of Palé Hall, near Bala in North Wales.

In partnership with acclaimed chef Luke Shelby (previously of renowned Raymond Blanc venue Le Manoir in the Cotswolds), Palé Hall is focused on becoming THE spot for gastronomy in North Wales, and with a Michelin Green star, 3 AA rosettes and a Michelin Key already under its belt, that path seems already set.

They invited around twenty top UK wedding planners to come and experience just what Palé Hall has up its sleeves…

Where is Palé Hall?

Palé Hall is a historical country hall nestled in the Dee Valley. First established in 1871, it’s an extraordinary Victorian estate set in rolling parklands and meticulously curated gardens that’s seen an injection of new life and luxury under chef Luke Selby.  

A hotel since only the late 1980s, this is a Relais & Chateau hotel experience with the feel of a luxurious, warm and welcoming home.

When it comes to luxury wedding venues, Wales isn’t always top of my mind - only because I am so familiar with Scotland, Yorkshire, London, and the Cotswolds. But Palé Hall was set to truly open my eyes - the spectacular natural beauty and unique cultural heritage of Wales alongside the availability of such high-end venues as Palé means I will certainly have my eyes open for more Welsh luxury wedding venues in future…

Palé Hall’s new look

Palé Hall has undergone considerable investment to relaunch it as an exclusive spot for food-focused luxury weddings and private events alongside its status as a top country house hotel for gastronomy. 

Renovated accommodation (and plenty of it) is all individually designed, and all replete with the heritage grandeur Palé Hall epitomises (alongside the modern touches necessary for sumptuous comfort). The roll top baths are a particular favourite of mine - what better indulgence than a deep bubble bath, glass of bubbles in hand!

For a more contemporary aesthetic, there are also the Garden Suites - bathed in light and situated in the estate’s renovated coach house.

The incredible shooting lodge is a feather in Palé Hall’s hat, in my opinion – a well-designed, masculine-orientated space of dark greens, stuffed animals and warm, low lighting. The perfect location for an evening spent with a glass of whisky in hand, catching up with friends.

Eating at Palé Hall: Michelin-starred dining

We had been invited to Palé to experience the full gamut of their offerings, and who were we to refuse?! 

Palé isn't solely focused on weddings but also hosts luxurious private parties, shooting events, and intimate occasions. Gastronomy, though, is what they lead with, and it is truly stellar.

Luke Selby, chef partner, set the stage with a harp-accompanied champagne and canapé reception. This allowed everybody to mingle, chat, and generally have a much-needed catch up - though so many of these industry-leading names are friends and acquaintances, it takes a big event to gather us all into one room! 

After such a warm welcome, we moved on to a three course dinner with paired wines, which showcased Palé’s culinary prowess.

 The food was phenomenal! I chose the Confit Salmon with Shiso & Apple and finished with a dessert of Forced Rhubarb, White Chocolate & Pink Peppercorn. 

Luke’s careful sourcing and out of this world culinary genius were complemented by the skills of Amy of Attabara, who had made a really beautiful event for us, and the spectacular floristry of Kim from Dreamboats & Carousels, who surrounded us with velvet-soft red roses, candystriped tulips and the beautiful bobbing heads of scabious. 

I love it when a sense of occasion heightens an already incredible experience - and this meal truly was incredible. Luke has achieved a Green Michelin star here (awarded for a venue’s top-end sustainability credentials, alongside the pre-requisite dining standards Michelin certification commands), and it was self-evident in the sumptuous meal we enjoyed. 

Palé totally fits with the RGE vibe - extraordinary, elevated and luxurious, but without losing its attentive service and informal, welcoming friendliness.

Palé Hall: a wedding planner’s dream

The next morning we all continued our conversations of the night before, with our fingertips to the industry’s pulse, over a lavish breakfast. Once again completely stuffed, we toured the expansive grounds, explored the marquee area (always a valuable addition to a country house venue, as marquees can sometimes allow more flexibility), toured the abundance of accommodation on offer, and viewed the onsite art gallery. 

I mentioned that the Shoot Lodge had stolen my heart. I think it would truly be the perfect venue for clients wishing to combine their shoot with a high-end gastronomic experience.

The weekend was finished off with a visit to the local pub for lunch - featuring the best pie I’ve ever had.  A 10h drive and worth every minute!

Palé Hall: The RGE rundown

I think that Palé Hall is set to redefine luxury events by offering such pioneering event gastronomy. It’s what so many of us seek to provide in the luxury weddings and events we help to curate. 

Not only for weddings, but for other more intimate luxury events, Palé offers a uniquely immersive experience.  All of their offerings unite so perfectly, as jewels in a crown, to create that moment of magic; an atmosphere in which perfect moments of spontaneous joy, beauty, togetherness, and enjoyment can occur. This is the very heart of RGE, and something we live to create. 

I left ready for a long drive back to Edinburgh, but with so much thinking to do en route. I was really inspired by what they’re doing at Palé, and I am nothing but eager to see where the venue goes from here…definitely one to keep an eye on.

If you are considering a luxury wedding in the UK and want to work with a team who understands both the subtleties of British tradition and the expectations of international clientele, we would love to hear from you.