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Leader Live
19 hours ago
- Leader Live
A night at the re-opened Swallow Falls Inn in Betws-y-Coed
So, it was lovely to see how the project has come to fruition 15 months later, when I returned for an overnight stay at the newly opened Betws-y-Coed hotel on May 28. Formerly the Swallow Falls Hotel, which was built in the 19th century, the venue re-opened last month for the first time in three years after being refurbished by its new Newcastle-based owners, The Inn Collection Group. The Swallow Falls Inn (Image: Newsquest) There are 146 internal covers, with the outdoor terraced area providing a further 56, and also 39 contemporary-styled bedrooms, offering a mixture of twin, double and family rooms. Each of these are equipped with dressing tables and ensuite bathrooms, alongside flatscreen TVs and complimentary WiFi. Outside, there are also 30 pitches and three renovated camping 'pods', should you fancy spending a night under the stars. The Swallow Falls Inn's three camping pods (Image: Newsquest) It's fair to say The Swallow Falls Inn is in quite a remote location. I made my way by train to the hotel, taking the long, steep walk up the A5, away from the (relative) hustle and bustle of the centre of Betws-y-Coed. But with the sights and sounds of the Swallow Falls waterfall literally across the road from the venue, it makes for a picturesque, serene setting in one of North Wales' prettiest pockets. My room, like the entire hotel, was tastefully decorated, with pictures of the waterfall and the old Swallow Falls Hotel adorning the walls, while a back door leading out on to a patioed area was a nice touch. My room at The Swallow Falls Inn (Image: Newsquest) The patioed area outside my room at The Swallow Falls Inn (Image: Newsquest) You do not need to be staying at the hotel, which is also dog-friendly, to enjoy its pub area – I enjoyed a pre-dinner drink there (Conwy Brewery's Welsh Pride is on draught), before heading into the restaurant area for Welsh rarebit fondue and dough balls as a starter, followed by lamb meatball linguine for my main course. Both were delicious; my only complaint being there weren't more dough balls to go with the moreish fondue. The lamb was perfectly spiced, and the pomodoro sauce, fresh Parmesan cheese and lentils only added to the flavour. Welsh rarebit fondue and dough balls (Image: Newsquest) Lamb meatball linguine (Image: Newsquest) There's certainly no shortage of choice, either – mains include a variety of burgers, curries, pastas, pies and more, while there's also a plethora of starters and 'light bites' to try. Drinks-wise, the hotel offers guests 'a taste of North Wales', including Brecon Special Reserve Gin, Pen-y-Spritz, and Welsh coffee. READ MORE Staff, meanwhile, were friendly, welcoming and helpful throughout; always quick to clean up after guests, checking if they were enjoying their food and drinks, and greeting or saying goodbye to visitors with a smile. After one of the better night's sleeps I've had in a long time, I headed down for breakfast to tuck into a small Eggs Royale (poached egg on a toasted English muffin with smoked salmon, topped with hollandaise sauce). It proved the perfect pick-me-up on a drizzly Thursday morning. Eggs Royale (Image: Newsquest) All in all, The Swallow Falls Inn was well worth the wait. It exceeded all of my expectations, and that it was so busy despite being off the beaten path and newly opened is a testament to how successful the redevelopment has been. Whether you're planning a trek up Yr Wyddfa, braving the world's fastest zipline at nearby Zip World, or heading further afield, you're in for a cosy treat if you stay here.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Photos of the glitz and glamour of 'Speakeasy Carnival' to support youth mental health
A high-glamour fundraising event at Bartholomew's bar on King Street Friday night saw over 100 business leaders, philanthropists, and community leaders converge in the finest cocktail attire in the name of youth mental health. The event, hosted by EquiEnergy Youth - the young people's mental health support outfit founded by Stephen Spencer - staged a 'speakeasy carnival' with themes lifted from a Fitzgerald novel to raise support for the one in five children and adolescents who will experience serious psychological distress in the next year. The McDougall Foundation - former Newcastle Knight Adam MacDougall's charity - sponsored the event and staged a panel discussion with the city football greats, McDougall, Kurt Gidley and Chris Houston on the night. "We're all passionate about mental health and making a difference, particularly with youth," McDougall told the Newcastle Herald earlier this week. Equi Energy Youth gives adults "the knowledge to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people". The Newcastle-based organisation's "psychological first aid" program gives adults simple steps to follow to help young people through distress. A high-glamour fundraising event at Bartholomew's bar on King Street Friday night saw over 100 business leaders, philanthropists, and community leaders converge in the finest cocktail attire in the name of youth mental health. The event, hosted by EquiEnergy Youth - the young people's mental health support outfit founded by Stephen Spencer - staged a 'speakeasy carnival' with themes lifted from a Fitzgerald novel to raise support for the one in five children and adolescents who will experience serious psychological distress in the next year. The McDougall Foundation - former Newcastle Knight Adam MacDougall's charity - sponsored the event and staged a panel discussion with the city football greats, McDougall, Kurt Gidley and Chris Houston on the night. "We're all passionate about mental health and making a difference, particularly with youth," McDougall told the Newcastle Herald earlier this week. Equi Energy Youth gives adults "the knowledge to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people". The Newcastle-based organisation's "psychological first aid" program gives adults simple steps to follow to help young people through distress. A high-glamour fundraising event at Bartholomew's bar on King Street Friday night saw over 100 business leaders, philanthropists, and community leaders converge in the finest cocktail attire in the name of youth mental health. The event, hosted by EquiEnergy Youth - the young people's mental health support outfit founded by Stephen Spencer - staged a 'speakeasy carnival' with themes lifted from a Fitzgerald novel to raise support for the one in five children and adolescents who will experience serious psychological distress in the next year. The McDougall Foundation - former Newcastle Knight Adam MacDougall's charity - sponsored the event and staged a panel discussion with the city football greats, McDougall, Kurt Gidley and Chris Houston on the night. "We're all passionate about mental health and making a difference, particularly with youth," McDougall told the Newcastle Herald earlier this week. Equi Energy Youth gives adults "the knowledge to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people". The Newcastle-based organisation's "psychological first aid" program gives adults simple steps to follow to help young people through distress. A high-glamour fundraising event at Bartholomew's bar on King Street Friday night saw over 100 business leaders, philanthropists, and community leaders converge in the finest cocktail attire in the name of youth mental health. The event, hosted by EquiEnergy Youth - the young people's mental health support outfit founded by Stephen Spencer - staged a 'speakeasy carnival' with themes lifted from a Fitzgerald novel to raise support for the one in five children and adolescents who will experience serious psychological distress in the next year. The McDougall Foundation - former Newcastle Knight Adam MacDougall's charity - sponsored the event and staged a panel discussion with the city football greats, McDougall, Kurt Gidley and Chris Houston on the night. "We're all passionate about mental health and making a difference, particularly with youth," McDougall told the Newcastle Herald earlier this week. Equi Energy Youth gives adults "the knowledge to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people". The Newcastle-based organisation's "psychological first aid" program gives adults simple steps to follow to help young people through distress.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
'Amazing': Former Knights star's huge donation to Ronald McDonald House
The MacDougall Foundation will give $2 million for the expansion of Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle. Former Newcastle Knights star Adam MacDougall and his wife Belinda, known for creating the Man Shake and Lady Shake, own the foundation. The money will go towards stage one of the "Building a Bigger Heart" project. The first stage includes three self-contained family units, with a second stage to add eight more. Ronald McDonald House, which is on the grounds of John Hunter Children's Hospital, currently has 12 rooms and six self-contained units. Donna Horsey, head fundraiser at Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW, said "we're currently turning families away". "We want to make sure we don't have to say no to any family." Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW CEO Ross Bingham said "we are incredibly grateful" to the MacDougalls. "This extremely generous gift will make a world of difference for hundreds of families, giving them a home away from home so they can be near their sick child in hospital," Mr Bingham said. Ms Horsey added that the donation was "absolutely amazing". "It means the world." The MacDougalls co-founded Cranky Health in their garage in 2013, which led to their successful meal replacement shakes. They sold 70 per cent of the business in 2022. Mr MacDougall is listed among Australia's wealthiest 250 people with a $650 million fortune. "We had the Man Shake for 10 years. We had always donated a certain amount of our revenue to charities," he said. The foundation enabled them to "have an ongoing ability to help people in need". "I think good businesses set out to make a difference and be good corporate citizens and good people," he said. "If you can help, you should help." He had heard stories of people with sick children having to sleep in their cars at John Hunter. "It's heartbreaking," he said. The couple have two daughters Harlow, 10, and Mili, 8. "We're trying to teach our kids at a young age about giving back. One day they'll take over the foundation," Mrs MacDougall said. She said the foundation's goal was to "help anybody or charity that is struggling in all sorts of areas". "Being local, we look at Newcastle-based projects first. We do have a passion for mental health, kids and the Salvation Army." Mr MacDougall said the $2 million donation to Ronald McDonald House would enable "others to come on board for the second stage, which is pretty cool." The couple started their nutrition business after Adam's best mate Dennis died of a heart attack in his 40s. "We thought if we could change one person's life, maybe they could change somebody else's," he said. While the success of their business was a team effort, Adam said "I was lucky I had Belinda". "She had been very successful in business previously. She's really smart. I was lucky to stand on her shoulders. "Any great business has co-founders. I found a good one who was also my wife. She instilled a lot of belief in me." Belinda came up with the famous Man Shake name. "Adam said it was the worst name I've ever heard. I still remind him to this day." The MacDougall Foundation will give $2 million for the expansion of Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle. Former Newcastle Knights star Adam MacDougall and his wife Belinda, known for creating the Man Shake and Lady Shake, own the foundation. The money will go towards stage one of the "Building a Bigger Heart" project. The first stage includes three self-contained family units, with a second stage to add eight more. Ronald McDonald House, which is on the grounds of John Hunter Children's Hospital, currently has 12 rooms and six self-contained units. Donna Horsey, head fundraiser at Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW, said "we're currently turning families away". "We want to make sure we don't have to say no to any family." Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW CEO Ross Bingham said "we are incredibly grateful" to the MacDougalls. "This extremely generous gift will make a world of difference for hundreds of families, giving them a home away from home so they can be near their sick child in hospital," Mr Bingham said. Ms Horsey added that the donation was "absolutely amazing". "It means the world." The MacDougalls co-founded Cranky Health in their garage in 2013, which led to their successful meal replacement shakes. They sold 70 per cent of the business in 2022. Mr MacDougall is listed among Australia's wealthiest 250 people with a $650 million fortune. "We had the Man Shake for 10 years. We had always donated a certain amount of our revenue to charities," he said. The foundation enabled them to "have an ongoing ability to help people in need". "I think good businesses set out to make a difference and be good corporate citizens and good people," he said. "If you can help, you should help." He had heard stories of people with sick children having to sleep in their cars at John Hunter. "It's heartbreaking," he said. The couple have two daughters Harlow, 10, and Mili, 8. "We're trying to teach our kids at a young age about giving back. One day they'll take over the foundation," Mrs MacDougall said. She said the foundation's goal was to "help anybody or charity that is struggling in all sorts of areas". "Being local, we look at Newcastle-based projects first. We do have a passion for mental health, kids and the Salvation Army." Mr MacDougall said the $2 million donation to Ronald McDonald House would enable "others to come on board for the second stage, which is pretty cool." The couple started their nutrition business after Adam's best mate Dennis died of a heart attack in his 40s. "We thought if we could change one person's life, maybe they could change somebody else's," he said. While the success of their business was a team effort, Adam said "I was lucky I had Belinda". "She had been very successful in business previously. She's really smart. I was lucky to stand on her shoulders. "Any great business has co-founders. I found a good one who was also my wife. She instilled a lot of belief in me." Belinda came up with the famous Man Shake name. "Adam said it was the worst name I've ever heard. I still remind him to this day." The MacDougall Foundation will give $2 million for the expansion of Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle. Former Newcastle Knights star Adam MacDougall and his wife Belinda, known for creating the Man Shake and Lady Shake, own the foundation. The money will go towards stage one of the "Building a Bigger Heart" project. The first stage includes three self-contained family units, with a second stage to add eight more. Ronald McDonald House, which is on the grounds of John Hunter Children's Hospital, currently has 12 rooms and six self-contained units. Donna Horsey, head fundraiser at Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW, said "we're currently turning families away". "We want to make sure we don't have to say no to any family." Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW CEO Ross Bingham said "we are incredibly grateful" to the MacDougalls. "This extremely generous gift will make a world of difference for hundreds of families, giving them a home away from home so they can be near their sick child in hospital," Mr Bingham said. Ms Horsey added that the donation was "absolutely amazing". "It means the world." The MacDougalls co-founded Cranky Health in their garage in 2013, which led to their successful meal replacement shakes. They sold 70 per cent of the business in 2022. Mr MacDougall is listed among Australia's wealthiest 250 people with a $650 million fortune. "We had the Man Shake for 10 years. We had always donated a certain amount of our revenue to charities," he said. The foundation enabled them to "have an ongoing ability to help people in need". "I think good businesses set out to make a difference and be good corporate citizens and good people," he said. "If you can help, you should help." He had heard stories of people with sick children having to sleep in their cars at John Hunter. "It's heartbreaking," he said. The couple have two daughters Harlow, 10, and Mili, 8. "We're trying to teach our kids at a young age about giving back. One day they'll take over the foundation," Mrs MacDougall said. She said the foundation's goal was to "help anybody or charity that is struggling in all sorts of areas". "Being local, we look at Newcastle-based projects first. We do have a passion for mental health, kids and the Salvation Army." Mr MacDougall said the $2 million donation to Ronald McDonald House would enable "others to come on board for the second stage, which is pretty cool." The couple started their nutrition business after Adam's best mate Dennis died of a heart attack in his 40s. "We thought if we could change one person's life, maybe they could change somebody else's," he said. While the success of their business was a team effort, Adam said "I was lucky I had Belinda". "She had been very successful in business previously. She's really smart. I was lucky to stand on her shoulders. "Any great business has co-founders. I found a good one who was also my wife. She instilled a lot of belief in me." Belinda came up with the famous Man Shake name. "Adam said it was the worst name I've ever heard. I still remind him to this day." The MacDougall Foundation will give $2 million for the expansion of Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle. Former Newcastle Knights star Adam MacDougall and his wife Belinda, known for creating the Man Shake and Lady Shake, own the foundation. The money will go towards stage one of the "Building a Bigger Heart" project. The first stage includes three self-contained family units, with a second stage to add eight more. Ronald McDonald House, which is on the grounds of John Hunter Children's Hospital, currently has 12 rooms and six self-contained units. Donna Horsey, head fundraiser at Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW, said "we're currently turning families away". "We want to make sure we don't have to say no to any family." Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW CEO Ross Bingham said "we are incredibly grateful" to the MacDougalls. "This extremely generous gift will make a world of difference for hundreds of families, giving them a home away from home so they can be near their sick child in hospital," Mr Bingham said. Ms Horsey added that the donation was "absolutely amazing". "It means the world." The MacDougalls co-founded Cranky Health in their garage in 2013, which led to their successful meal replacement shakes. They sold 70 per cent of the business in 2022. Mr MacDougall is listed among Australia's wealthiest 250 people with a $650 million fortune. "We had the Man Shake for 10 years. We had always donated a certain amount of our revenue to charities," he said. The foundation enabled them to "have an ongoing ability to help people in need". "I think good businesses set out to make a difference and be good corporate citizens and good people," he said. "If you can help, you should help." He had heard stories of people with sick children having to sleep in their cars at John Hunter. "It's heartbreaking," he said. The couple have two daughters Harlow, 10, and Mili, 8. "We're trying to teach our kids at a young age about giving back. One day they'll take over the foundation," Mrs MacDougall said. She said the foundation's goal was to "help anybody or charity that is struggling in all sorts of areas". "Being local, we look at Newcastle-based projects first. We do have a passion for mental health, kids and the Salvation Army." Mr MacDougall said the $2 million donation to Ronald McDonald House would enable "others to come on board for the second stage, which is pretty cool." The couple started their nutrition business after Adam's best mate Dennis died of a heart attack in his 40s. "We thought if we could change one person's life, maybe they could change somebody else's," he said. While the success of their business was a team effort, Adam said "I was lucky I had Belinda". "She had been very successful in business previously. She's really smart. I was lucky to stand on her shoulders. "Any great business has co-founders. I found a good one who was also my wife. She instilled a lot of belief in me." Belinda came up with the famous Man Shake name. "Adam said it was the worst name I've ever heard. I still remind him to this day."
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- North Wales Chronicle
I spent a night at the re-opened Swallow Falls Inn in Betws-y-Coed
So, it was lovely to see how the project has come to fruition 15 months later, when I returned for an overnight stay at the newly opened Betws-y-Coed hotel on May 28. Formerly the Swallow Falls Hotel, which was built in the 19th century, the venue re-opened last month for the first time in three years after being refurbished by its new Newcastle-based owners, The Inn Collection Group. The Swallow Falls Inn (Image: Newsquest) There are 146 internal covers, with the outdoor terraced area providing a further 56, and also 39 contemporary-styled bedrooms, offering a mixture of twin, double and family rooms. Each of these are equipped with dressing tables and ensuite bathrooms, alongside flatscreen TVs and complimentary WiFi. Outside, there are also 30 pitches and three renovated camping 'pods', should you fancy spending a night under the stars. The Swallow Falls Inn's three camping pods (Image: Newsquest) It's fair to say The Swallow Falls Inn is in quite a remote location. I made my way by train to the hotel, taking the long, steep walk up the A5, away from the (relative) hustle and bustle of the centre of Betws-y-Coed. But with the sights and sounds of the Swallow Falls waterfall literally across the road from the venue, it makes for a picturesque, serene setting in one of North Wales' prettiest pockets. My room, like the entire hotel, was tastefully decorated, with pictures of the waterfall and the old Swallow Falls Hotel adorning the walls, while a back door leading out on to a patioed area was a nice touch. My room at The Swallow Falls Inn (Image: Newsquest) The patioed area outside my room at The Swallow Falls Inn (Image: Newsquest) You do not need to be staying at the hotel, which is also dog-friendly, to enjoy its pub area – I enjoyed a pre-dinner drink there (Conwy Brewery's Welsh Pride is on draught), before heading into the restaurant area for Welsh rarebit fondue and dough balls as a starter, followed by lamb meatball linguine for my main course. Both were delicious; my only complaint being there weren't more dough balls to go with the moreish fondue. The lamb was perfectly spiced, and the pomodoro sauce, fresh Parmesan cheese and lentils only added to the flavour. Welsh rarebit fondue and dough balls (Image: Newsquest) Lamb meatball linguine (Image: Newsquest) There's certainly no shortage of choice, either – mains include a variety of burgers, curries, pastas, pies and more, while there's also a plethora of starters and 'light bites' to try. Drinks-wise, the hotel offers guests 'a taste of North Wales', including Brecon Special Reserve Gin, Pen-y-Spritz, and Welsh coffee. Staff, meanwhile, were friendly, welcoming and helpful throughout; always quick to clean up after guests, checking if they were enjoying their food and drinks, and greeting or saying goodbye to visitors with a smile. After one of the better night's sleeps I've had in a long time, I headed down for breakfast to tuck into a small Eggs Royale (poached egg on a toasted English muffin with smoked salmon, topped with hollandaise sauce). It proved the perfect pick-me-up on a drizzly Thursday morning. Eggs Royale (Image: Newsquest) All in all, The Swallow Falls Inn was well worth the wait. It exceeded all of my expectations, and that it was so busy despite being off the beaten path and newly opened is a testament to how successful the redevelopment has been. Whether you're planning a trek up Yr Wyddfa, braving the world's fastest zipline at nearby Zip World, or heading further afield, you're in for a cosy treat if you stay here.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
End of an era: Dannhauser's beloved Horizon Restaurant sold after 40 years
A landmark of hospitality, warmth and unforgettable meals has officially entered a new chapter, as Dannhauser's iconic Horizon Restaurant has been sold after nearly four decades of service to the community. The building, opened in 1986 by the much-loved Kanthi Sirikisoon (nee Jagath) and her late husband Prakash, has been a cornerstone of the town's social and culinary life. With a mix of nostalgia, relief and a touch of sadness, Kanthi confirmed this week that, after being on the market for 10 years, she has found the right buyer and is finally ready, at 75 years old—to hang up her apron. Almost. 'I'm delighted that Peter Ramgoolam and his family have bought the building and will continue operating the downstairs liquor outlet,' said Kanthi. 'It's been a long journey, but one filled with joy, community and incredible memories.' While the restaurant will no longer operate, Kanthi's signature snacks, including her famous samoosas, will still be available at her son Dhanveer's Newcastle-based shop, Spice n All. The Horizon opened its doors when Dannhauser was still buzzing with life, fuelled by the then-active Durnacol mine. With her roots in Dundee and marriage to Prakash in 1972, Kanthi became part of the pioneering Bhawani family, among the first Indian settlers in Dannhauser, arriving in 1893. Prakash's father, Sirikisoon Bhawani, notably operated the town's first bus service for over 40 years. The couple spent four formative years in the United States, where Kanthi studied nursing at the prestigious Tarleton State University in Texas, and Prakash managed a gourmet restaurant. Their time abroad inspired the vision for the Horizon—a world-class restaurant for their hometown. 'We wanted to give Dannhauser something new, something the people deserved,' Kanthi said. And they did. From spicy curries and vegetarian delights to her cinnamon-infused masala tea and the beloved fried chicken, the Horizon became synonymous with quality and care. Its opening, described by the Courier in 1986 as a 'prestigious event,' drew over 100 prominent guests with then-young local businessman Steve Bear, the guest of honour. Steve and his family now live in Canada but took the time to send a tribute to Kanthi. Despite the blow dealt to the community by the closure of the Durnacol mine in 2000, the Horizon pressed on. Following Prakash's passing in 2011, Kanthi continued to run the restaurant, with her unwavering spirit and culinary expertise earning her generations of loyal patrons. A world traveller—Kanthi has visited India around 20 times—she fondly recalls a 1981 flight aboard the Concorde from New York to London, a framed photo of which hangs in her home. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed deep gratitude: 'I just want to pay a heartfelt tribute to all my patrons who became friends over the years. Your support and love have kept me going through the laughter and the tears. May God bless you all.' While the Horizon Restaurant has served its final meal, Auntie Kanthi's legacy will live on—in every flavourful bite, every shared memory, and every heart she touched. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
