THE OWNERS of one of Wales’ leading luxury country house hotels have added a neighbouring country pub to their estate, assuring existing customers that it will remain their ‘local’. Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, who own Palé Hall near Bala, have now purchased The Bryntirion Inn, which is situated at the bottom of the hotel’s drive. The pub is now closed for refurbishment until late August.
Recruited to run the pub is Dan Tustain, who discovered by chance that he’s following in the footsteps of his grandfather, John, who was also landlord of The Bryntirion Inn more than 50 years ago. Dan, 49, who has cousins still living in the Dee Valley, has opted for a complete career change, having spent the past two-and-a-half years as a front line Metropolitan Police officer in London. Prior to that, he worked as a manager for Pret a Manger in West London, a Selfridges food hall, and at gastro pubs in his home county of Worcestershire.
“It was only after I had been given the job at The Bryntirion Inn that I discovered that my grandfather, John Tustain, was landlord there for a number of years,” said Dan. “Of all the places to work on the planet, I discover there is family history! “It’s an exciting new chapter in my life, as I have also been helping Tony and Donna with another local investment project. “It’s like being on a very fast and exciting rollercoaster because they are moving at high speed in a positive direction.
” Dan assured regular customers that.