Day: April 27, 2013

So over the last couple of weeks I have been visiting some pubs I have not been to before with Paul.

First up was the Portskewett Inn, which is Inn, Portskewett. Odd little entrance to the car park, and the pub itself on the side, slightly old fashioned, rather than olde worlde decor. Bar staff seemed friendly – although Paul knowing most of the old timers helped, and the 1664 was drinkable. Not had 1664 for a while and it went down well. Also had a Foosball table which I won, by “cheating” – I didn’t realise you were not allowed to spin the players..

Food seemed to be going down well, and the bogs were white and roomy and cold.

6/10

Next was the Carpenters Arms, which was not called the Carmarthen Arms as I had first put, which was in Shirenewton – a place I thought I might want to retire too – after seeing it some more, not so sure anymore. So this pub is on the main road which by-passing the village on the way to Usk from Chepstow, and by god it looks grotty. I didn’t think it was open at all, and not just open today, but ever. But it was, it has a single old fashioned heavy wooden door, and straight into an interesting pub. Little rooms and tables stuck about the place, with a teeny  tiny bar. Just Carlsberg (I think) on tap but a very interesting place indeed. Food smelt heavy on onions and grease – but in a good way. A few discerning couples where in there eating, so it cannot be too bad. Great bar man, with wispy hair and a good all round place. Probably made nicer due to the fact I was expected a shitehole.

6/10 – would like to go there for food

Mathern was next up, two pubs here, one on the main road and one more in the village.  Millers Arms is the place, and looks great, inside and out – nice bit outside and looking at their website they really get the flowers moving in the summer – didn’t notice any for us. Lovely pint of Heineken taken “al fresco” – would like a lunch down here one day. Only downside, the inside smelt a bit of disinfectant – if that is there the next time, then thats a no-no.

7/10 – food here some time in the summer.

Second pub in Mathern was the New Inn, been to its car park in the past but for some reason didn’t go in. Crap beer garden for starters. But the inside was better, looked like it had been here for some time, and it had, but was upgraded and looked good. Amstel on tap with an Amstel glass is always a good thing, but we were not here long, so will maybe come back and have some food next time?

6/10 – may re-adjust on return.

Over to Bristol today. No real reason, just fancied getting out and Bristol is close and has some stuff there.

Took a different route today, as usually we go by car, so took the choochoo out of Severn Tunnel and 25 mins later we were in Bristol. Blumming train was packed again – as usual, so we stood up all the way, then we had to buy our tickets once arrived as no one bothered walking through the carriage – 12 quid for the three of us is cheaper than driving.

Took a quick look at the triathlon shop, which was smaller and hotter than I would have liked – spend 20 seconds looking at the wetsuits then nearly fainted so had to get out into the air ;o) Off into Bristol proper, and as another change, we headed over to the docks. It was quite chilly, and  went past the Ostrich which I bet is packed in the Summer, then over to M-Shed. Nearly got run over by a 50 ton loco, travelling at 1.2 miles an hour and had a quick look in the M-Shed museum, then, as it happened there was a boat race today, so we watch Bristol have their arses handed to them by someone I thought was called UWE (but then realised that UWE is actually Bristol).

Into town proper and time for nosh, saw an interesting band on the other side of the dock, but it was too cold for any nonsense so we walked to Cafe Amour – which is supposed to be great – but we didn’t know how to work it. It has a counter where you queue, and two floors and loads of Higgily Piggley tables, none of which appeared to be free. But we didn’t know if you got a table first, then ordered, or ordered then found a seat – far too complicated, as if you found a table a- then went to order then table wouldn’t be there when you got back – odd.

So Kate had a quick Greggs, then we went to this place in St Nicks market which is supposed to do great pulled pork. It doesn’t. It didn’t look great, so we went to the pub for a livener first – then tempted fate. I have been waiting 20 years for a pulled pork roll – and it was okay, but nothing more. Very disappointing. Then we walked around for a bit back into the center and I bought a fruit bowl to use for my chinese and Indians. We watched a quietly, shouty Aussie do some “magic” in the street – then headed back to the train with a thought of having a cheeky beer if we had to wait for the train. As luck (or not) would have it there was a train waiting on the platform for us – to whisk us on our merry way home.

Like Bristol, not happy with the pork. Will have to be sausage and mash when I return on Thurs…