Historic Climbers' Refuge Returns with Modern Twist
Pete's Eats, the legendary climbers' cafe in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia), has triumphantly reopened its doors this summer after nearly three years of closure. The iconic establishment, which first opened in 1978, has undergone a significant transformation that blends contemporary style with its rich mountaineering heritage.
The newly refurbished cafe now features a copper-topped bar, distressed wood panels, and offers local craft beers alongside an updated menu. While maintaining some traditional elements, the venue has expanded its offerings to include cosmopolitan dishes like smashed avocado and eggs benedict, alongside the classic full Welsh breakfast.
From Climbers' Sanctuary to Village Heartbeat
Founded by Pete Norton and his wife Victoria, the original Pete's Eats served as a refuge for climbers, hillwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts returning from Eryri's peaks. Rain-lashed visitors would seek comfort in pint mugs of tea poured from enormous metal teapots, massive plates of steaming chilli and vegetable curry, and mountainous chip butties.
The walls were famously adorned with black-and-white photographs celebrating local climbing legends, including Andy Pollitt on Lord of the Flies at Dinas Cromlech and John Redhead on the Rainbow Slab in the Dinorwic slate quarries. During the 1980s, when Llanberis Pass attracted the world's finest climbers, Pete's Eats became their greasy-spoon temple.
Rescue and Renaissance
The cafe's future looked uncertain after it changed ownership in 2018 and struggled through COVID-19 lockdowns, eventually closing for renovations in September 2022. Local entrepreneur Nick Pritchard stepped in during 2024 to rescue the establishment, recognising its vital role in the community.
"We had to do something," Pritchard explained. "I love Llanberis and I've watched it struggle year by year because visitors bypassed the village as there was so little on offer in terms of food and drink."
The reopening in July comes at a pivotal time for Llanberis, which has seen several local institutions close, including the post office and beloved Morris Bros bakery. The village has experienced a tourism resurgence driven by staycations and social media exploration, with Eryri proving particularly popular on Instagram due to its dramatic landscapes.
New Era for a Historic Village
The transformation of Pete's Eats reflects broader changes in Llanberis and its visitor demographics. While traditional climbers remain important, the village now attracts a diverse range of tourists drawn by events like the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia and the annual Ras Yr Wyddfa mountain race, which celebrated its 50th iteration this July.
The area's popularity has been further boosted by film and television productions, including The Witcher and House of the Dragon, which filmed sections at Dinorwig quarry. The quarry itself gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2021, recognising its significance in the slate industry.
Despite the cafe's modern makeover, some traditions endure. Visitors can still order the trademark pints of tea, though they now have the option of a chilled glass of pinot grigio instead. As one staff member noted: "Lots of people have been telling us how different it was back in the day. But most people love it, and the village is better for having Pete's back."
The revival of Pete's Eats represents more than just a cafe reopening—it signals a renewed vitality for Llanberis, blending respect for its adventurous past with confidence in its future as a destination for a new generation of mountain enthusiasts.
