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THE GASTRO GRAZER by Carl Housbey
I realise by the time you read this , we will be well into 2017 , but I had such a fabulous time at New Year that I just had to share it with you all . Instead of the usual hassle of trying to find a taxi at daft o ’ clock in the morning , this year I decided to book a three-day break at Palé Hall , near Bala in North Wales .
Palé Hall is a Victorian mansion that was built in the early 1870 ’ s for a wealthy industrialist called Henry Robertson . Over the years the hall has changed hands many times , before eventually being purchased in 2015 by current owners Alan and Angela Harper who have lavished a small fortune on the place to turn it into a grand country house hotel with restaurant , which opened in September 2016 .
When you first arrive and crunch down the gravel driveway you can ’ t help but imagine you ’ re in an episode of a period drama such as Downton Abbey . The feeling never seems to go away either , especially as Alan and Angela have made a deliberate effort to make Palé feel more like a home than a hotel , and I must say it works amazingly well .
New Year ’ s Eve began with a Champagne reception before we sat down to a delicious dinner expertly prepared by 2 Michelin Star Chef Michael Caines and his protégé Gareth Stevenson . The dress code for the evening was “ Black Tie ” which gave all the ladies the chance to dress to impress , and I ’ m sure I wasn ’ t the only man in the room who secretly thought he was James Bond . by a nine piece band called Dodgey Practice who played a setlist that included everyone ’ s favourites .
In no time at all the clock struck midnight and we all stood outside wishing each other a very Happy New Year , drinking yet more Champagne whilst watching the most fantastic fireworks display that was the envy of the whole of North Wales .
You can tell Alan and Angela are used to throwing amazing house parties , as not only had they organised bacon butties after the fireworks , but they made sure a hearty breakfast was served on New Years Day until 1:00pm to allow everyone the chance of a decent lie in .
New Years Day can sometimes be an anticlimax , but not at Palé , as we spent the afternoon in the gardens watching a display of some magnificent birds of prey , which gave us the opportunity to get some fresh air , and recharge our batteries before another superb dinner hosted by Michael Caines himself who not only cooked , but also introduced each course in the dining room whilst providing some fascinating and amusing anecdotes .
I can ’ t wait for my next visit , and I predict that Palé Hall will receive many accolades in 2017 , so don ’ t miss out , book yourself in via www . palehall . co . uk or by telephone 01678 530285 .
To stay up to date with my adventures : follow @ carlhousbey
Once dinner was finished it was time to break out your best moves and throw some shapes on the dance floor accompanied
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