New chef-partner to join Palé Hall Hotel

Luke Selby has been announced as chef-partner of Palé Hall Hotel in North Wales. The partnership, which commences in January, marks a new chapter for the five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, located near the town of Bala on the edge of Snowdonia. 

In his role, Selby will lead the direction of the hotel's food and beverage offering and oversee The Bryntirion Inn, a 300-year-old pub with rooms on the Palé Hall estate. He will also take on a broader role within the business, managing accommodation, events and seasonal shoot hospitality, working alongside hotel owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, who acquired the hotel last year.

On top of relaunching the hotel's fine-dining restaurant, set to launch in the first half of 2026, he will oversee the newly refurbished Hearth chef's table, as well as breakfast, room service and events catering. 

A milestone for Selby

Selby will draw on 15 years of experience in a career that has seen him lead kitchens including Evelyn's Table and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. He is currently executive chef at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire, where he has held the position for the past three years under the stewardship of Raymond Blanc. It was announced last week that the hotel will close for an 18-month refurbishment from January. 

Nathaniel and Theodore Selby, Luke Selby's brothers, with whom he ran the Michelin-starred restaurant Evelyn's Table for three years, will also join Palé Hall as part of the senior chef team. 

"To begin my next chapter as chef-partner at Palé Hall is an extraordinary opportunity," says the chef. "Wales has an incredible larder and my vision is to create memorable dining experiences that connect the seasons, the local landscape and the spirit of this beautiful country."

Anthony Cooper-Barney adds: "This partnership between Palé Hall and Luke Selby is an exciting venture that embodies our dedication to culinary excellence and outstanding hospitality. Together, we're committed to creating extraordinary experiences that resonate with our guests long after their visit."

Further plans for the hotel include the installation of new wine cellars, a whisky lounge, a sculpture trail, a fine art collection and a luxury health and wellness retreat. 

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