Latest Restaurant Review (The Bridge Inn, Newport)
The Bridge Inn is situated just off the main High Street in Lower Bar, Newport and with a recent makeover on the outside of the building it certainly stands out as you pass through the centre of Newport.
The new owner, Michael Smylie took over about a year ago and has worked hard to revamp the building both inside and out. As you enter 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 glass of Malbec and I thought I would try one of the many gins on offer, the grapefruit and coconut gin was a great choice!
As well as the main menu there was also a specials board with a varied selection of main courses including fish dishes and vegetarian options. For starters Nik chose the Devilled Whitebait and I ordered the Ham Hock Terrine.
The Devilled Whitebait was served with salad, tartare sauce and a wedge of lemon. Nik said the whitebait had a beautifully light crispy coating with a hint of spice from the paprika, a wonderful starter.
My Ham Hock Terrine had lovely chunky pieces of ham and came with two slices of toast, a mixed crispy salad and a delicious apple chutney.
I chose my main meal from the specials board which was the Chicken Breast in a red wine sauce and Nik selected the Beef Short Rib off the main menu.
The succulent chicken breast had a tasty crisp skin and was served with new potatoes, a lovely mix of vegetables including green beans, mange tout and baby carrots, there was also a mushroom and red wine sauce which worked perfectly with this dish.
Nik’s slow roasted beef short rib was melt in the mouth tender and the meat just fell away from the bone, it was served with an intensley rich gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and green beans, a great hearty main course.
We just about had room for a dessert and I ordered the Raspberry Roulade and Nik chose the Cherry Bakewell Tart.
The roulade had a lovely light textured meringue with a slight crispness to the outside and the raspberry sauce, strawberries and blueberries added a lovely sweetness to the dish.
Nik enjoyed his Cherry Bakewell Tart which was wonderfully moist and packed with juicy cherries and sliced almonds and was served with a light vanilla custard.
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, Michael 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 a couple of roasts to choose from on the specials board.At lunchtimes there is also a range of sandwiches to choose from, as well as the main menu.
Food is served Wednesday to Saturday between 12:00-2:30pm at lunchtimes and evenings between 5:00-9:30pm and also on Sundays between 12-6pm.
There is a great range of food available which is priced very reasonably, so is great value for money. Pop in and try it for yourself but it would be best to book a table in advance to save any disappointment!
Reviewed by Fleur & Nik Abel
