Palé Hall Hotel in North Wales has appointed Luke Selby as chef partner with the role taking effect in January 2026.
Selby, currently executive chef of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, will oversee the five-star Relais and Châteaux property’s food and beverage operations, as well as The Bryntirion Inn, a 300-year-old pub on the Palé Hall estate. His remit will extend to the wider guest experience, including accommodation, events and shoot hospitality.
The appointment coincides with Le Manoir’s planned 18-month closure from January 2026 for refurbishment. Selby has held the role of executive chef there for the past three years under Raymond Blanc.
At Palé Hall, Selby will work with hotel owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney to relaunch the fine dining restaurant, develop the all-day dining offer, and oversee the recently refurbished Hearth chef’s table. He will also be responsible for breakfast, room service, events and shoot catering.
The Bryntirion Inn, less than a mile from the main house, reopened earlier this year after a £1m refurbishment. It offers a pub menu, real Welsh ales and six redesigned guest bedrooms. Selby will direct its culinary offering as part of the estate’s integrated experience.
His brothers Nathaniel and Theodore, with whom he ran the Michelin-starred Evelyn’s Table in London, will join him as part of Palé Hall’s senior kitchen team. Selby’s career also includes time at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Le Manoir in earlier roles.
Selby said: “To begin my next chapter as chef partner at Palé Hall is an extraordinary opportunity. 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. I want guests to leave with a true sense of the stories, people and flavours that define Palé Hall and the terroir of Wales.”
Palé Hall was acquired by the Cooper-Barneys in 2024. Future developments include new wine cellars, a whisky lounge, sculpture trail, fine art collection and a luxury health and wellness retreat.
Anthony Cooper-Barney said: “This partnership between Palé Hall Hotel and Luke Selby is an exciting venture that embodies our dedication to culinary excellence and outstanding hospitality. Together, we are committed to creating extraordinary experiences that resonate with our guests long after their visit.”
