Old Wives' Tales — Restaurant in Wales

We had booked in to the White Lion Royal Hotel Bala, which was not a pleasant experience (see separate review) and we decided that we were not going to dine there. We “googled” local places to eat and there is a surprisingly good selection, but Old Wives Tales really caught our eye, the menu looked different and exciting.

It was a Thursday evening and I was just going to take a wander down, but my wife said I should call and check they had a table. Just as well I did as Rui (the owner) had closed early, but on taking my call he insisted he would reopen and just to give him five minutes.

Upon arrival we were warmly greeted and asked to choose a table. I very quickly decided I would like to try the jalapeño pork and Rui explained that we could have an option of three mains as a shared dish between the two of us, which is exactly what we did. The food is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, we were both blown away with the flavours, presentation, and portion size.

Rui is probably one of the most hospitable and personable people we have ever encountered, nothing was too much trouble, and the atmosphere was very comfortable and convivial, you really feel at home here. We had a really good experience, so much so that we went back the following evening (Friday).

Saturday night was fully booked, as it was a music night, but after our second evening dining there, as we were leaving Rui very kindly offered us a table for Saturday, although it would not be in the main room and we would be sharing with the musicians in the back room, we very gladly accepted.

Saturday evening was everything the other two nights had been, but with the addition of live music and the musicians themselves were great company. Rui prepared, cooked, waited upon everyone there personally, there was no one helping him and yet the food was excellent, service was quick and personal. We still don’t know quite how he managed all that!

We are already planning on going back to Bala, a four hour + drive there for us, the sole purpose of which is to see Rui again and eat his wonderful food. Check his unblemished 5 start reviews, the guy is amazing, the food is just divine and the atmosphere could not be better, you are just made to feel so at ease and welcome. Everything on all three of our visits, on a three night stop over, were nothing but 100% perfect.

Thank you Rui and we are already looking forward to...

What a fantastic place! My girlfriend found this restaurant on a recent visit to Bala and we were very impressed, such a lovely cosy atmosphere and very interesting decoration. The food was amazing and something very different from anything we have had, we were made to feel very welcome and well looked after. Proper home cooked food made with love and passion for what they are doing, dishes can be altered and Rui (think that's his name) explains about all his dishes and is happy to alter them slightly if there's something you don't like (where possible). Great drinks and the house wine was very good and an excellent size measure. Fantastically priced for the quality and amount of food and we left very full and very happy. It's worth hunting out this little gem of a...

Absolutely amazing, what a night we had at the Old Wives Tale in Bala. We went on Saturday night for the music night, we sat in the annex to the left of the restaurant which was lovely, it is decorated with so much colour and love. Rui the one man band was an absolute star, the food he made was outstanding and the service was out of this world. He really does make it a great night. The show was great, a really nice end to the evening. All I can say is Rui was too notch, we will definitely be back for the food, entertainment and Rui himself.... Also the Sangria 🤣

My partner is Gluten Free/Celiac and he was catered to perfectly, it was written on the booking and we were made so welcome. We can't wait to come back when in...