Gales of Llangollen
18 BRIDGE STREET, LLANGOLLEN, DENBIGHSHIRE, LL20 8PF / P: +44 (0) 1978 860089 / F: +44 (0) 1978 891313
About Us
The building that houses Gales at 18 Bridge Street has a rich history.
For hundreds of years the hostelries of Llangollen served the needs of travellers taking he road from London to Dublin. As they approached the wilds of Snowdonia the small town of Llangollen must have seemed an outpost of civilisation.
From the late 17th Century the premises of 18 Bridge Street, then the Lion Inn was one of those hostelries. (The building that houses the Wine Shop was The Butchers Arms).
In 1815 the renowned engineer Thomas Telford forged a new road through the area diverting the increasing volume of traffic away from Bridge Street, the original main road. Eventually in the 19th Century the licenced premises that had been the Lion Inn became an Ironmongers shop (pictured aboved).
In 1977 Richard Gale (a man with a mission) was looking for premises to start a Wine Bar. By chance a friend suggested Llangollen as a suitable location and so a chain of events began that led to 18 Bridge Street once again becoming a haven for travellers visiting or passing through North Wales.
Initially the reception was mixed - this was, after all, the first Wine Bar in North Wales! Over 30 years, however, local support has ensured the ongoing sucess of Gales and underpinned the development of the business that now includes Gales Wine Bar, Hotel and Wine Shop.
With a second generation of the Gales family now firmly established in the business, the future of the old hostelry is assured.
The Gale Family
Richard Gale (Founder of ‘Gales' )Can`t walk or trot - - takes life at the gallop Wine buff and so addicted to “winebar lifestyle” that he decided many years ago that the less expensive option would be to have one of his own. Gales Winebar is an extension of Richard's personality. It's a business but it has to be fun for the family, staff and most importantly the customers. Facts : Richard thinks broccoli is ridiculous: loves Emerson Lake and Palmer and The Hollies and we suggest all customers ask him to relate the ‘Bible Salesman Joke' |
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Gillie Gale (Richard's wife and co – founder of ‘Gales')
Can't stop Richard galloping but hangs on tightly to the reins. Gillie runs the Gales Hotel accommodation and Gift Shop and the new Wine Shop in addition to the day to day administration of the business, Oh ! and bringing up the next generation of Gales. Facts : Loves a stiff G&T (occasionally), and also loves moving things around a lot, including the hot tub. |
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Pip Gale
On graduating from University in 2001 `Pip` traveled extensively to expand his knowledge and understanding of wine before joining the family business. As Director and General Manager he has embraced the Gales business philosophy, keeping the style and traditions whilst introducing new features such as Gales Wine Shop and the impressive range of Spirits and Liqueurs. Facts : Pip's occasional beard has it's own online fan club, and he won't play monopoly on moral grounds. |
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Andrew Gale
Andrew runs his own successful photographic studio just a few doors from the winebar. His artistic and creative abilities have led to his input at Gales as Design Consultant in which capacity he deals with marketing, advertising and publicity. He is also frighteningly efficient when lending a hand behind the bar. Facts : He is a ‘cinephile' (you can ask him what that means) and a founding member of the Llangollen International Kubb Squad. |
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Holly Gale
Holly is currently at York University but still finds time to assist Gillie in the shop and to do the occasional shift behind the bar - - a real bonus for the customers!
Facts : Excellent at ‘Retail Therapy' and she would be a vegetarian if she didn't love meat so much.