Latest Restaurant Review at The Bridge Inn (Newport)
The Bridge Inn is a situated just off the main High Street in Lower Bar. There is a large car park at the rear and some parking is also available on the main road.
As you enter throught the main front door there is a lovely snug area with comfy seating by the inglenook fireplace. As you head towards the rear of the building you are greeted by the impressive well stocked bar and if you continue past the bar you will reach the lower ground dining area with its vaulted ceiling and exposed brickwork, where further seating is available.
We were seated just past the bar area next to a window looking out onto the courtyard. Our drinks order was promptly taken, Nik chose a pint of Camden Hells and I ordered a large glass of Sauvignon. There are wine lists on the tables and also a gin menu with a great varied selection of gins to choose from.
The main menu is written on a large board in both the upper and lower dining areas, there are a varied selection of meals including fish dishes and vegetarian options, with some of these available as gluten free. The menu changes frequently to take advantage of the fresh produce that is available locally. There is a printed menu for the starters, desserts and side dishes.
For starters Nik chose the Curried Cashew Nut Dip and Pitta Bread (£5) and I ordered the Chicken Liver Pate and Toast (£5.50).
Nik’s curried cashews were super creamy with a delicate hint of curry, the roughly chopped nuts gave a lovely texture, combined with the soft warm pitta and fresh salad, this was a great starter and very different to anything Nik has had before.
My dish consisted of two thick slices of chargrilled toasted ciabatta bread, the pate was served in a glass dish and there was a lovely fresh salad and a pot of chutney to complete my starter. The pate was rich and smooth, which I spread thickly on my toast, the chutney added a lovely sweetness.
For our main meals Nik selected the Game Pie (£13 ) and I decided on the Chicken Breast with a Stilton Sauce (£12).
Nik’s game pie was served with parsnips, chips and a bowl of seasonal fresh vegetables. The generous slice of pie had a lovely rich gamey flavour with a thick buttery shortcrust pastry, which Nik said was absolutely delicious. The parsnips were golden and caramelised and the chunky chips were lovely and crisp on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside.
My chichen was served with sauté potatoes and carrots. The chicken breast very succulent with an amazing crispy skin. The delicious stilton sauce added lots of flavour and the remainder of the sauce was delicious with the crispy sauté potatoes.
For dessert I ordered the Salted Caramel Cheesecake (£5.50) and Nik chose the Chocolate Torte (£5.50).
Nik’s chocolate torte was smooth, rich and luxurious with a delicate biscuit base. The sharpness of the tangy berry sauce was perfect with the chocolate.
My cheescake was super thick and creamy with a lovely moist base, it was topped with salted caramel pieces and a salted caramel sauce – a great finish to my meal.
The Bridge Inn is the only Free House locally and stocks a good selection of real ales, draught lagers, wine, spirits and plenty of soft drinks, owner Michael Smylie said, “I am delighted to be an independent outlet and not tied to any breweries.”
Children are welcome here and although there is no childrens menu they can order smaller portions off the menu.
On Sundays the full menu is available and there is always two or three roasts to choose from on the specials board.
Lunchtime meals are served from Wednesday to Saturday between 12:00 – 2:30pm, with a selection of sandwiches from £5 and main meals from £7.
Evening meals are served Wednesday to Saturday between 5:00-9:00pm and also on Sundays between 12-5pm.
So for quality seasonal food at very reasonable prices, pop in and try it for yourself but we would booking a table in advance to save any disappointment!
Reviewed by Fleur & Nik Abel
