Palé Hall is a luxury five-star country retreat set in the heart of North Wales in the tranquil Dee Valley, with the spectacular Snowdonia National Park on its doorstep. This grand historical, Victorian mansion was to be our editor’s home from home for two nights, where she was able to experience the ultimate in hospitality and the acclaimed AA three-rosette and Michelin Green Star fine dining restaurant. North Wales’ finest can also be yours for your big day, and here Kelly explains why it’s well worth considering. A WARM WELCOME Pulling up at the front of the impressive Palé Hall, I was immediately warmly welcomed by its friendly reception team. This would be the last time I’d need to pay any attention to my luggage and indeed my car as I was immediately relieved from the former, which I’d meet again in my room; and the latter was parked for me. I already felt as though I was being met by friends as we cheerfully chatted on our way to my Grand Room, Denbigh. A spacious room on the upper floor, reached by the quaint lift, it was sumptuously decorated in warm yellows and golds with the feel of staying in someone’s home rather than a hotel. The highlight for me was the stunning view of the glorious gardens and Welsh mountains beyond. I was initially concerned about the lack of TV (the tennis championships at Queen’s Club was on at the time). I needn’t have worried though as my fear turned to delight as I was shown that the impressive mirror above the fireplace was in fact the cleverly disguised telly box. What a brilliant way to maintain the character of the room without marring it with ugly modernities! Each of the 18 rooms and suites are individually decorated and named. These include the Churchill named for the wartime Prime Minister who was an occasional guest at Palé Hall during the 1950s. This same suite is also where Queen Victoria would stay, a visit that was 10 years in the making before she eventually made it to North Wales. It impressively features the original bed, bath taps and vanity unit. DECADENT DINING That night, I headed down to dinner, which began with a cocktail in the charming Four Seasons Lounge. Here, I was able to peruse the fourcourse tasting menu as a preview to the mouthwatering meal I was about to be served. Again, the welcome could not have been warmer with everyone from restaurant manager Emily Jones (who is an absolute sweetheart) to the waiting staff remembering my name. This touch from the entire team really made the stay for me. The care they take to make their guests feel at home and special is second to none. Espresso Martini consumed, I was shown through to my table in the opulent Henry Robertson Dining Room, reminiscent of a Bridgerton set. The meal began with the chef’s selection of canapés, and was followed KNOWS YOUR NAME Where everybody Editor Kelly Andrews heads to North Wales to experience stunning wedding venue Palé Hall 22
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