Blog - Royal Oak Hotel

From Canvas to Community

A Renaissance of Artistic Tradition in Eryri – Snowdonia

The “Ysbridloi gan Eryri – Inspired by Snowdonia” art competition in October 2024 didn’t just celebrate breathtaking talent—it reignited a lost legacy. By embracing the historic tradition of plein air painting, this vibrant collective of artists is rekindling the creative spirit that once flourished in Snowdonia’s wild and awe-inspiring landscapes.

A Year of Stunning Exhibitions at Y Stablau

Throughout 2025, the artists of the New Betws-y-Coed Outdoor Painters Collective will unveil their finest work in a captivating series of monthly exhibitions, August then brings a grand Summer showcase, while December will feature a mesmerising Winter exhibition, drawing together the group’s most evocative pieces.

The Opening Spotlight: Award-Winning Painter Debbie Baxter

Kicking off this extraordinary journey in March 2025 is Debbie Baxter, a renowned and multi-award-winning artist whose work radiates with profound emotion and natural mystique.

Having relocated to the Lledr Valley in 2022, Debbie has been immersed in an artistic love affair with its meandering waterways, enchanting woodlands, and intricate tapestry of trees. She honed her craft under the guidance of Daniel Samuels, a master of Greek mythology-inspired artwork, and later refined her artistry alongside Christiane Kubrick, widow of legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick.

A Lifelong Fascination with Nature’s Majesty

Debbie’s unshakable devotion to trees is evident in every brushstroke—her compositions pulse with an appreciation for their ancient wisdom, organic elegance, and resilient beauty. Having spent eight years in Indonesia, she developed a fearless approach to color, inspired by the region’s intense, vibrant hues. Her work has been exhibited across the UK, and her commissioned pieces grace private collections across Europe.

“Forests and woodlands hold an unbreakable spell over me. They are sanctuaries of enchantment and solace, places where my soul finds equilibrium and the outside world fades into whispers.” – Debbie Baxter

Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the soul-stirring landscapes of Debbie Baxter’s world. Her work will be on display at Y Stablau from March 1st to March 30th, 2025—a must-see for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Green Room – Stafell Wyrdd

Earlier this year we redeveloped our morning room into a luxurious multi-purpose space

Y Stafell Wyrdd – The Green Room

an intimate and elegant private dining space, perfect for special occasions and exclusive gatherings. Seating up to 12 guests around a stunning Carrara marble-topped table, the room is complemented by luxurious Italian leather club stools and warm copper adornments that create a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Thoughtfully designed mood lighting enhances the ambiance, while bespoke table settings can be arranged to suit the style of your event. Adding to the refinement, each place is set with exquisite Sarah Miller for Portmeirion fine bone china, ensuring every dining experience is as visually stunning as it is memorable.

Y Stafell Wyrdd – The Green Room is also available for Room Only Hire – product launches, training sessions, lectures, think tanks, off site recruitment & interviews or meetings.

The Stafell Wyrdd features a flat-screen TV for wireless casting and screen sharing, a double fridge to keep your drinks perfectly chilled, and ample display space for presentations or decorative touches. This truly is a luxurious setting where your clients will feel both indulged and inspired

Championing Learning

Snowdonia Hospitality & Leisure Ltd was proud to sponsor the Apprentice of the Year category at this year’s Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Work Based Learning Awards, an event that celebrates the brightest emerging talent across various industries in North Wales. Our commitment to supporting apprenticeships aligned perfectly with Wythnos Prentisiaethau Cymru – National Apprenticeship Week, which highlights the value of vocational training and career development.

Investing in the Future – Buddsoddi i’r Dyfodol

The hospitality industry thrives on passion, skill, and innovation, and apprenticeships are key to developing the next generation of professionals. By providing structured, hands-on training, apprenticeships offer a vital pathway for young people to gain real-world experience while earning qualifications.

At Snowdonia Hospitality & Leisure, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of nurturing fresh #talent. From kitchens to front-of-house roles, today’s apprentices become tomorrow’s leaders. We believe in giving young professionals the tools, training, and opportunities they need to excel, grow, and shape the future of the industry.

Why Apprenticeships Matter – Pam Mae Prentisiaethau’n Bwysig

Sponsoring the #Apprentice of the Year award is more than just recognition – it’s about #celebrating ambition, hard work, and dedication. The award acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment, and potential in their chosen field. These apprentices represent the future of their industries, and we’re excited to shine a spotlight on their achievements.

Llongyfyrchiadau – Congratulations

To the winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award was Liam Ossian Thomas from Caernarfon. Head chef Liam was described by his assessor as “a true champion of work-based learning”, leading by example to encourage colleagues to become apprentices. Liam progressed from a Foundation Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery to complete an Apprenticeship in Hospitality Supervision & Leadership, boosting his cooking and leadership skills along the way.

Enillydd gwobr Prentis y Flwyddyn eleni oedd Liam Ossian Thomas o Gaernarfon. Disgrifiwyd y prif gogydd Liam gan ei asesydd fel “pencampwr gwirioneddol dysgu seiliedig ar waith”, gan arwain drwy esiampl i annog ei gydweithwyr i ddod yn brentisiaid. Aeth Liam ymlaen o Brentisiaeth Sylfaenol mewn Coginio Proffesiynol i gwblhau Prentisiaeth mewn Goruchwyliaeth a Arweinyddiaeth Lletygarwch, gan wella ei sgiliau coginio ac arweinyddiaeth ar hyd y ffordd.

Watch highlights of the evening on Facebook and learm more about Liam’s journey here Stori Liam

Liam ac y Ffeinalwyr eraill efo Louise o GLLM ac Sian o SHHL

a Tuneful Winter’s Tale…

The National Eisteddfod is a showcase of Wales’ rich cultural heritage, in 2017, it brought national recognition to a remarkable talent. Dr. Godfrey Wyn Williams, from Pontcysyllte near Llangollen, was awarded the prestigious prize for composing an original hymn tune. Already celebrated for his successes in local and regional festivals, his exceptional talent culminated in a memorable performance during the televised cymanfa ganu, earning him well-deserved acclaim.

While many know Dr. Williams as the former owner of the renowned radio station Marcher Sound, his contributions to Welsh culture extend far beyond music. Under his leadership, Marcher Sound embraced its Welsh identity, becoming Sain y Gororau and providing a vital platform for Welsh language programming in North-east Wales.

But it’s a smaller, more personal gesture that has brought us joy this festive season. A regular visitor to the Royal Oak, Dr. Williams has forged a special rapport with our team, particularly Mari, one of our fabulous front-of-house stars. Earlier this year, when Mari learned of his prize at the National Eisteddfod, she cheekily suggested he compose a tune for her.

To everyone’s delight, Dr. Williams took her lighthearted comment to heart. During a recent visit to the Grill Bar, he surprised Mari with a heartfelt festive gift: her very own Christmas Carol. This thoughtful gesture perfectly captures the spirit of the season—celebrating creativity, connection, and kindness. We can’t wait to hear Mari’s Christmas Carol brought to life!

It’s moments like these that make the Royal Oak a truly special place to be. Diolch o galon, Dr. Williams, for sharing your incredible talent and spreading Christmas cheer in such a unique way!

Stay tuned—we might just be humming Mari’s tune all winter long.

A Brush with Nature

The First Outings of the New Betws-y-Coed Outdoor Painters Group

The recent “Ysbridloi gan Eryri – Inspired by Snowdonia” art competition and exhibition, brought together talented local artists and revived a 19th-century tradition in Betws-y-Coed.

Plein air is a French term that means “open air” and refers to the practice of painting outdoors, directly from the landscape or scene, rather than in a studio. The practice became especially popular in the 19th century, with the advent of portable easels and paints, allowing artists like Turner and David Cox Jnr a to venture into nature and paint scenes on location.

Before the railway reached Betws-y-Coed it was still relatively remote, and artists traveled here to escape urban life and embrace the wilderness. The Betws-y-Coed Artists’ Colony which formed at the Royal Oak Hotel became a meeting place for painters to experiment with new techniques and share ideas in a supportive, scenic setting, making it a significant part of Welsh art history.

One of the key goals of the Art Competition & Exhibition in October was to lay the foundation for a new artists group, and the event’s success has recently led to the first outings happening in & around Betws-y-Coed.

Why Plein Air?

Working outdoors encourages spontaneity and allows artists to capture natural light, colours, and atmosphere that can shift minute by minute, creating a sense of urgency and vibrancy in their work. The Group’s first outing on a misty autumn morning was along the Afon Llugwy. The excitment & comeraderie that morning was infectious, even when it started raining, no drama just brollies up!

Visitors to the village were also intrigued as they walked the riverside to see the group set up their easels and set out their painting paraphenalia, and fascinating conversations were held with curious passersby.

A Welcoming Community

Seasoned artists shared techniques with newcomers, and the camaraderie that forms while painting side-by-side showed up in the work – a natural joy of capturing the spirit of the landscape in real-time. The second outing was to Capel Curig and the Pinnacles walk looking back at the iconic horseshoe of the Yr Wyddfa massif and the outline of Siabod as it stands proudly alone in the Eryri landscape. Luckily the weather gods were on the side of the creatives and gorgeous blue skies dominated the colour themes for the day!

What’s Next?

The Group hope to set up two painting sessions a month, weather permitting! If you happen to chance upon them in the surrounds of Betws y Coed do wander over to say hello & perhaps pick up a tip or two.

The Group will be exhibiting from March 2025 at Y Stablau – showcasing one artists work per month through the year with a summer exhibition planned for August and a Winter show in December – looks to be a very creative year!

Reviving a legacy

Ysbridoli gan Eryi – Inspired by Snowdonia – Art Competition and Exhibition

Art and nature have always been intertwined, and Snowdonia?s rugged beauty has inspired artists for generations. In a nod to this heritage, the Royal Oak proudly sponsored the Ysbridoli gan Eryi/Inspired by Snowdonia painting competition and exhibition, reigniting the spirit of the 1800s artist colony that once thrived at the Royal Oak in Betws-y-Coed. Born of an idea by local artist Debbie Baxter the event sought to bring together local outdoor painters, allowing them to forge connections and celebrate the breathtaking landscapes of Eryri/Snowdonia.

Britain’s First Artist Colony
Having attracted artists such as Paul Sandby and J.M.W. Turner since the late 18th Century, and by the mid 1800s, the Royal Oak was home to a vibrant community of artists, headeed by David Cox Jnr, who gathered to paint, share ideas, and revel in the beauty of Eryri -Snowdonia and it’s people. This year, we aimed to revive that tradition, creating a space for modern-day painters to come together in the same spirit of creativity and collaboration. As Debbie puts it ?Community is everything, people together can make positive & powerful changes, now more than ever we need this on our beautiful earth.?

The Competition
The Ysbridoli gan Eryi – Inspired by Snowdonia competition invited professional painters from across the area to submit their finest work, reflecting the unique landscapes of the region. Participants ranged from seasoned professionals to emerging talents, each interpreting Snowdonia through their own artistic lens. With over 50 submissions, the judges faced the difficult task of selecting winners, who were announced at the exhibition’s opening evening.

The Exhibition: Celebrating Local Talent
Held at Eglwys Santes Mair/ St Mary?s Church, the exhibition showcased the exceptional talent of local artists and their deep connection to the landscape. Visitors marveled at the variety of styles, from traditional plein air paintings to more contemporary interpretations of the natural world. The opening night was a resounding success, with a large attendance including representatives of Arts & Business Cymru, local residents, visitors to the area, and community leaders as well as the artists themselves. At the end of the evening Debbie pesented Glenn Evans our Managing Director with a painting of an Oak tree to commemorate this new beginning.

A New Artists Group: Breathing Life into Tradition
One of the key goals of this initiative was to lay the foundation for a new artists group based at the Royal Oak in Betws-y-Coed, inspired by the 19th-century artist colony. We were graced with the presence of Storyteller Sian Roberts who bought to life the historical context of Betws? success alongside ancient community legends. We are thrilled to announce the formation of the New Betws Outdoor Painters Group already has over 20 members, an exciting collective willing to collaborate, share ideas, and continue capturing the ever-changing moods of the Eryri landscape.

Future Plans
Looking ahead, the Group plans to hold regular painting sessions, workshops, and exhibitions. We believe this community will not only nurture individual artistic talent but also contribute to the cultural richness of Betws-y-Coed and beyond.

Join Us
Are you an artist inspired by the landscapes of Snowdonia? We invite you to join us to paint, connect, and be part of this exciting revival of an artistic tradition. For more information on how to get involved contact Debbie Baxter or send us an email & we’ll link you up!

4 Stars

The Royal Oak Hotel is delighted to announce�it has been awarded the prestigious 4-star status by the AA. This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service, well-appointed accommodation, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Nestled in the heart of Betws-y-Coed, the Royal Oak Hotel has long been a cherished destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of historical charm and modern comforts.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this 4-star rating from the AA,” said Glenn Evans, Operations Director of Snowdonia Hospitality & Leisure Ltd who oversees the hotel. “This achievement is a reflection of our team’s hard work, passion, and commitment to delivering an outstanding experience to every guest who walks through our doors. We are grateful for the continued support of our returning guests and look forward to welcoming new guests to experience the hospitality and comfort defining the Royal Oak.”

The AA�s 4-star rating is awarded to hotels demonstrating superior quality, exceptional service, and a high level of comfort and luxury. Guests at the Royal Oak can look forward to beautifully appointed rooms, a variety of dining options, serving locally sourced seasonal produce, well-designed facilities, and an ambience celebrating the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Betws-y-Coed.

The AA inspector noted “It was a pleasure to visit the Royal Oak Hotel for this overnight inspection which found all areas of the hotel to be performing well. Hospitality and service proved a considerable strength with a positive and guest orientated approach displayed throughout the course of the visit”.

To celebrate this remarkable achievement, the Royal Oak Hotel will be offering exclusive packages and special promotions throughout the coming months. Guests are invited to join in the celebrations and experience first hand the exceptional standards which have earned the hotel this prestigious accolade. To be kept up to date with forthcoming events please follow us on socials or subscribe to our newsletter

Y Goets Fawr – The Big Coach

A Vital Artery from London to Holyhead

Introduced in the late 18th century, the Royal Mail Coach, with it�s red & black livery improved the reliability and speed of mail delivery across the UK. Before this innovation, mail was carried by individual postboys or private carriers, which was slow and incredibly unreliable. The introduction of the mail coach system in 1784 revolutionised postal services by ensuring timely deliveries and a far more secure means of transporting mail.

The exact route taken from London to Holyhead varied at first, until the construction of Thomas Telford�s road, the A5, between 1815 and 1826. The final part of the A5, the Menai Bridge, was opened to traffic, on a wild & stormy night January 31, 1826. Telford’s revolutionary bridge designs, including the Waterloo Bridge in Betws-y-Coed, along with his road meant that the stage coach journey time from London was reduced from 41 hours to 27 hours.

The Strategic Route

The A5, also known as the Holyhead Road, was one of the most important routes serviced by the Royal Mail Coaches. This road connected London to Holyhead, a major port for travel to Ireland. The strategic significance of this route can�t be overstated:

The route enabled faster communication between London, the administrative heart of the UK, and Ireland. This was crucial for both political and commercial correspondence.
By providing a reliable means of transporting goods and money, the Royal Mail Coach on the A5 bolstered trade. Businesses could send and receive orders, payments, and information with unprecedented speed.
The coaches were not just for mail; they also carried wealthy domestic & overseas passengers. Improving the accessibility of travel between London and various towns along the A5, fostering economic growth in rural areas

A Technological and Logistical Marvel

Coaches travelled the 260 mle route at an average speed of 8-10 miles per hour, with scheduled stops at coaching inns where horses were changed swiftly to maintain momentum.

Challenges and Triumphs

The journey was not without its challenges. The coaches had to navigate rough terrain, face harsh weather conditions, and deal with the threat of highwaymen. Yet, the service rarely faltered, thanks to the dedication of the drivers, guards, and the teams managing the operations.

It’s Impact

The Royal Mail Coach service on the A5 left an enduring legacy. It set standards for punctuality and reliability that influenced future postal and transportation services. The coaching inns along the route (of which the Royal Oak is one) evolved into bustling hubs of activity, some of which still exist today as historical landmarks.

Entwined into our History

From June 1940 to the summer of 1945, the Royal Oak Hotel was the base for Dulwich Preparatory School. Around 240 boys and staff were evactuated from London because of the danger from Nazi bombing raids. In 1987 former pupils and staff presented the hotel with a detailed model of a London to Holyhead Royal Mail Coach, in memory of the school�s late headmaster John Leakey. The model is displayed in the Grill Room.

The Goets Fawr Legacy

In the summer of 2011, S4C re-enacted the journey of the 1820�s London to Holyhead Royal Mail Coach and celebrated it with a week of live programmes and events. Called �Y Goets Fawr� (the Big Coach) RoughCollie Tv were challenged with the opening sequences and delivered a CGI coach and galloping horses with dynamic animation for the graphics package. The titles followed the coach on it�s journey along the surface of an aged etched map. We approached them in 2019 and they allowed us to recreate the graphics in wallpaper format which you can see on the back wall of Y Stablau (the Stables).

In 2023 we took this concept one stage further and created Y Goets Bach ( the little coach) which sits outside the Royal Oak and serves teas, coffees, cake and other delicious treats! �

Equipping the next generation

Welcome to an exciting new chapter in culinary education! We are thrilled to announce the launch of a tender for the development of a state-of-the-art bulk prep kitchen. This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability, modern cooking practices, and the education of future culinary professionals, equipping the next generation in North Wales

This build is a key project to be delivered as part of the Tourism Talent Network from Ambition North Wales. The aim of the Ambition North Wales & the Growth Deal is to build a more vibrant, sustainable, and resilient economy in North Wales,

Successfully delivered, it will stimulate collaboration between Gr?p Llandrillo Menai & key stakeholders to coordinate action on skills and product development, transforming growth of the tourism and hospitality sector in the region.

Sustainable Culinary Practices

Our new bulk prep kitchen will be a model of sustainability, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices to minimise its carbon footprint. With a strong focus on decarbonisation, we are committed to using energy-efficient appliances & reducing our carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources to meet net zero goals. This initiative not only supports our environmental goals but also sets a new standard for culinary operations.

Equipping the Next Generation of Chefs

The updated kitchen will be a hands-on learning environment for our kitchen apprentices. Outfitted with cutting-edge equipment, including induction cooking stations and high-efficiency refrigeration units, the facility will provide apprentices with the tools they need to master modern culinary techniques. By working with these advanced systems, apprentices will gain invaluable experience in energy-efficient operations, preparing them for successful careers in the hospitality industry.

Embracing Modern Technology

Our commitment to using the latest kitchen technology will transform the way we teach and practice cooking. The integration of modern equipment will not only enhance the learning experience but also contribute to significant energy savings. This dual focus on education and efficiency ensures that our apprentices are well-versed in the practices that are shaping the future of the culinary world.

Community and Environmental Impact

The benefits of this project extends beyond our educational programs to equipping the next generation of chefs in North Wales . By adopting sustainable practices in our bulk prep kitchen, we are reinforcing our commitmnet to our environmental values. Additionally, both the construction and operation of this facility will create jobs and stimulate local economic growth, further solidifying our commitment to our community.

equipping the next generation in North Wales

Join Us on This Journey

We’re inviting qualified contractors to participate in this exciting project via the sell2wales portal

Stay Connected

We will be sharing updates on the progress of this project, including behind-the-scenes looks at the construction and insights into the sustainable practices we are implementing. Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for the latest news and developments.

Unlocking Potential…

Coleg Llandrillo opened it’s doors for a Meet the Employer event last Wednesday, a vibrant gathering aimed at connecting students with the real heart of industry. As we navigate a world where practical skills are just as important as academic achievements, apprenticeships stand out as a beacon of opportunity.

The event was more than just a meeting point, it was a bridge to the future for many aspiring young minds. Local and national companies were in attendance, each presenting an unique set of opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and into real-world experience in the form of apprenticeships.

Of course we had to take cake – in fact our Head Chef insisted upon it. He said if we were to showcase the business then where better than with our current cohort of apprenticeships’ learning on the pastry section!

Apprenticeships – The Pathway to Mastery

We really believe this & we are always on the lookout for the next genertaion of talent. We believe nurturing potential & providing a platform for growth is exactly where our next set of innovative leaders will emerge from.

As well as earning whilst you learn you get a real hands-on experience. Apprenticeships give you an insight into how the working world works but with support from experienced mentors and at a pace which suits you.

Want to join us? Check out our Apprenticeships brochure on our People page.

We’re really proud to have been a part of Coleg Llandrillo’s event & look frowards to meeting our new joiners at the start of their apprenticeship journey!