A Legend Reborn: Pete's Eats Reopens Its Doors
After being closed for nearly three years, Pete's Eats, the iconic climbers' cafe in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia), has triumphantly reopened its doors this summer. The historic establishment in Llanberis has been transformed into a stylish venue, featuring a copper-topped bar, distressed wood panels, and a menu that now includes local craft beers and tacos alongside its classic offerings. This significant refurbishment represents a beacon of renewal for the once-struggling mountain village.
From Climbers' Refuge to Cosmopolitan Hub
Originally opened in 1978 by Pete Norton and his wife Victoria, the cafe was conceived as a refuge for climbers, hillwalkers, and anyone in need of sustenance after a day in the mountains. The old Pete's Eats was legendary for its pint mugs of tea poured from a giant metal teapot, massive plates of chilli, and mountainous chip butties. Its walls were a gallery of black-and-white photos featuring climbing legends like Andy Pollitt, Al Harris, and John Redhead on iconic local routes.
For decades, it served as the greasy-spoon temple for the world's best climbers drawn to the Llanberis Pass. The cafe changed ownership in 2018, faced severe challenges during the Covid-19 lockdowns, and eventually closed for renovations in September 2022, leaving a void in the village centre.
A Village Revival and the New Era of Tourism
The rescue of this institution came in 2024 when local entrepreneur Nick Pritchard stepped in. Pritchard stated his motivation was a love for Llanberis and a desire to reverse its decline, as visitors had begun to bypass the village due to a lack of food and drink options. The cafe officially reopened in July 2024.
While the new Pete's Eats honours its heritage by still serving the classic pints of tea, its menu has expanded to include modern fare like smashed avocado and eggs benedict. This evolution mirrors broader changes in Llanberis and Eryri tourism. A post-Covid staycation boom, amplified by social media, has brought a new wave of visitors seeking the park's Instagram-friendly landscapes, from the UNESCO World Heritage Dinorwig quarry to the sets of major productions like House of the Dragon.
This resurgence is further supported by adrenaline-fuelled local events such as the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia and the 50th iteration of the Ras Yr Wyddfa race. The successful reopening of Pete's Eats, coupled with these developments, signals a vibrant and hopeful new chapter for the historic village of Llanberis, proving that while the spit and sawdust may be gone, the community spirit is stronger than ever.
