Gwent CAMRA Online Pub Guide

Torfaen Borough

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Abersychan

New Inn 130 High Street  NP4 7AE 01495 773706  Mon-Fri 1 - 11; Sat 12 -12:30; Sun 12 - 10.30  Traditional and friendly two-roomed local with linked bar and lounge giving access to a games area with skittle alley at the rear. Bus stop nearby. Guest Ale Updated July 2007

Rising Sun Inn Cwmavon Road, NP4 8EB 01495 773256 Tue-Sun 12-12; Mon 7-12  Entrance to this quiet roadside pub is gained at the rear. It leads to an intimate (and child-free!) public bar with a recently restored inglenook fireplace and stairwell that add to its character. Further on, the corridor leads to a split level lounge that itself gives access to the spacious dining room, a recent addition to the building. It's a popular dining venue so booking is advised. Outside is a pleasant garden and play area for children. Running alongside the garden is an old railway track bed that once led to Blaenavon Low Level station in the north; Cwmffrwd Halt was a few yards to the south of the pub. Bus stop nearby. Guest Ale Updated May 2008

Twyn-y-Ffrwyd Inn Broad Street NP4 8PJ 01495 772537 Sun - Wed 11 - 11; Thu - Sat 11 - 12 Pronounced "Toon-y-frood", this cosy pub lies in a quiet backwater just off the main Blaenavon/Pontypool road. It comprises three rooms including a traditional public bar, a dining room, and a small games room. The tranquil surrounding of the secluded garden that faces towards the wooded valley hillside belies its proximity to the busy main road. Guest ale Updated July 2007

White Hart Broad Street, NP4 7BQ 01495 772924 Sun - Thur 12-12, Fri - Sat 12-1 A former hotel that is deceptively large. Front left is a small public bar, displaying pictures of old Abersychan and sports teams of the past, which has a serving hatch to the corridor. This room is apparently the haunt of the Abersychan Temperance Walking Society! A right turn leads to a large walled outdoor area that includes the quarters of the local resident beasts, i.e. large canines. A more spacious bar and games section is at the rear while there is also a separate skittles alley. Downstairs is an extensive cellar where history has it that Chartist activists hid gunpowder in ovens to keep it dry prior to their fateful march to Newport in 1839. The cellar houses another bar that serves as an occasional venue for music gigs. Real cider or perry is sometimes available. Bus stop nearby. 1 or 2 Guest Ales Updated August 2007

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Blaenavon

Castle Hotel 94 Broad Street, NP4 9ND 01495 792477 09.30-11 (2am Fri & Sat) A fine old pub with a carpeted open plan interior featuring wooden beams and stonework around an old fireplace. A popular weekend venue where large 50" TV screens deliver sport and music. Occasionally another beer may appear instead of the regular Rev James. Bus stop nearby. Brains Rev James Updated August 2007

Forgeside Inn Forgeside Road, Forgeside 01495 793011  Mon-Fri 12-2.30, 7-11; Sat 12-11; Sun 12-2.30, 7-10.30 Hillside pub giving good views across the valley above Blaenavon. A rare and welcome outlet for a dark mild. Ansell's Mild, Ind Coope Burton Ale, Tetley Bitter

Fountain Inn King Street 01495 790954 Friendly terrace pub with a single bar and separate pool room.  Hancocks HB

Market Tavern 89 Broad Street 01495 790310 Mon-Fri 11-11; Sun 12-10.30 Town centre pub with small public bar and larger lounge.  Hancock's HB

Pottery Llanover Road, Elgam, NP4 9HT 01495 790395 Closed, and up for sale Updated May 2008

Queen Victoria Inn Princes Street, Blaenavon, Torfaen NP4 9PD (01495) 790706 3-12; 12-1am Sat; 12-11 Sun Built in 1837, at the start of Queen Victoria's reign - hence the name - a small flight of steps gives entry to a corridor displaying local tourist information. The corridor leads to a recently extended traditional public bar on the left. Plainly furnished with a small fireplace, at the side of the servery is a hatch from which customers from another large room can be served. Longer term, B&B facilities are planned to be reintroduced once the guest rooms have been refurbished. The Queen Vic tends to showcase Rhymney beers so the guest is likely to  come from the same stable as the regular Export Ale. Rhymney Export Ale, Guest beer Updated August 2007

Riflemans Arms Rifle Street (B4248), NP4 9QS 01495 792297 12-11 (8 Mon)  Popular pub on the fringes of town where significant investment has brought about an extension to the premises and a smart upgrade of the original interior. The large open plan bar has comfortable upholstered   seating with much use made of light wood furnishings. It houses a pool table in one section and TV for sporting occasions. The adjoining restaurant/function room is plush and spacious, trading during peak eating times (ring for details and bookings). Outside a large patio overlooking the car park gives views of local mountain scenery. En Suite accommodation, including a bridal suite, and a sauna is available, making this an excellent base for exploration of local world heritage sites - the famous 18th century ironworks are just a couple of hundred yards down the road. Brains SA, Wadworth 6X Updated August 2007

Rolling Mill Broad Street, NP4 9NH 01495 790256 Mon-Sat 11-11; Sun 12-10.30 This long established two-roomer survived a short spell as the Gold Mine wine bar to revert to the traditional pub that best seems to suit its character. The layout and décor is plain and functional with wooden floorboards and furniture. Traditional and electronic games feature while there is a quiz night on Thursdays. It's hoped a darts team will set up base here shortly. It boasts a large beer garden at the rear which is also handy for smokers. The single guest beer is carefully selected for its rarity to the area so as not to duplicate what may be on sale elsewhere in the town - good thinking.  Bus stop nearby on Lion St. Guest Ale Updated August 2007

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Cwmbran

Ashbridge Inn Avondale Road, Pontrhydyrn NP44 1DE (01633) 876678 11-11; 12-10.30 Sun Large pub/restaurant occupying former farm buildings that were extended some years ago. A recent refurbishment has seen tasteful improvements to the interior that uses much light wood and contains several discreet areas for either open plan or more intimate dining. The extensive menu, supplemented by daily specials, includes a number of veggie options. Brains Bitter, SA Updated Feb 2008

Blinkin' Owl The Oxtens, Henllys Way, Coed Eva  01633 484749  Mon-Sat 12-11; Sun 12-4, 7-10.30  Popular well established Brains outlet. The lounge includes a dining area. Bus stop outside.  Brains Bitter, SA, Seasonal Beers

Bush Inn Graig Road, Upper Cwmbran  01633 483764  Mon-Sat 12-4, 7-11; Sun 12-4, 7-10.30  Charming hillside pub giving excellent views over Cwmbran and beyond. The split level interior has a cosy parlour style area. Booking is advisable for meals. Close to Cottage Spring microbrewery. Bus stop nearby.  Courage Best Bitter, Occasional Guest Ale

Castell-Y-Bwch Inn Henllys, NP44 7AZ 01633 864323  Mon-Sat 12-11; Sun 12-10.30  Popular country pub with wooden beams, flagstone and wooden floors. A preserved fox and pike reside in the bar with a real fire.  Flowers Original

Commodore Hotel Mill Lane, Llanyravon  01633 484091  Mon-Sat 11-3, 6-11; Sun  7-10.30 . Mary O'Brien's Bar 2-11, 12-11 Sat; 12-10.30 Sun A friendly modern hotel. real ales are served in the comfortable surroundings of the Pilliners lounge. Good value bar meals and a fine restaurant. Lined glasses used. Bus stop nearby.  Brains Beers or Cottage Spring beers.

Cwrt Henllys Hotel Henllys Village  01633 484697  Smartly appointed hotel with very comfortable drinking and dining area. Excellent views from conservatory.  Hancocks HB; Guest Beer

Dorallt Inn Henllys Village, NP44 6HX 01633 869697 Mon-Fri 12-3, 6-11; Sat 12-11; Sun 12-3, 7-10.30  Attractive 18th century inn, a former farmhouse, with flagstones in the bar. Superb countryside views to the Severn estuary. Bus stop nearby.  Hancock's HB

Gate Inn Caerleon Road, Llanfrechfa  01633 875155  Mon-Sat 12-11; Sun 12-10.30  A small country inn which has grown into a successful eatery with a low beamed lounge bar. Historically linked with the Chartists.  Bus stop outside.  Flowers Original

Greenhouse Inn Newport Road, Llantarnam  01633 482859  Mon-Sat 11-11; Sun 12-10.30  12-11 (midnight Fri & Sat); 12-10.30 Sun Brains Brewery breathed new life into this old roadside inn with extensive structural repairs and a tasteful refurbishment in late 2007. This saw the interior opened out to link the former public bar (and one time smoke room) with the lounge. The former is now a cosy drinking area with a fireplace as its focal point while the latter is the domain of diners where the new food operation has taken off successfully. There are plans to add a conservatory in due course. Brains Bitter, SA, Rev James Updated Feb 2008

John Fielding 1 Caradoc Road, Cwmbran, NP44 1PP 01633 833760 Sun–Thu 9am–midnight; Fri/Sat 9am–1am Hideous exterior belies very pleasant interior with a good selection of reals ales. Next door to the bus station, and a short stroll from the shopping mall. Parking is also handy (and free). Brains SA Gold; Evan Evans Original Welsh Ale; Greene King Abbot Ale; Marstons Pedigree; guest beer; Last updated Jan 2008

Kingfisher Leadon Court, Hafron Road, Thornhill  01633 863810  Mon-Sat 1-4, 6-11 (12 Fri, 12.30 Sat); 12-3, 7-10.30 Sun  Modern estate pub with large public bar and lounge.  Hancock's HB

Marlborough Blenheim Road, St Dials  01633 870427  Mon-Thur 12-3, 6-11; Fri & Sat 12-11; Sun 12-10.30  Lively estate pub with large public bar and lounge.  Hancock's HB

Mill Tavern Coed Eva Mill, Coed Eva  01633 864154  Mon-Thur 12-3, 6-11; Fri & Sat 12-11; Sun 12-10.30  Traditional pub with bar and lounge.  Hancock's HB

Mount Pleasant Inn Wesley Street, Cwmbran Village  NP44 3LX 01633 484289 4 (12 Sat) -11 (12 Fri & Sat); Sun 12-11 Homely family run pub offering pleasant and comfortable surroundings in a spacious open plan interior. Tastefully furnished using a rich dark red décor for carpets and upholstered seating, there are broadly three   sections, including a raised area. It attracts a good mix of a generally mature clientele who help create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Thursday quiz nights are well supported. The patio at the front of the   premises has a sheltered area. No food is served midweek but the Sunday lunches are a very popular so booking is advised. An adventurous guest beer policy has introduced local real ale drinkers to a wide range of  beers from near and far, some rarely, if ever, seen in the area. For continuity, one beer, often 1905 Centenary Ale comes from the Rhymney stable. 2-3 guest beers Updated August 2007

Oakfield Inn Green Willows, Oakfield  01633 482795  Mon-Fri 12-4, 7-11; Sat , Fri (summer) 12-11; Sun 12-3, 7-10.30  Traditional estate pub where the lounge has a fireplace as its centrepiece.  Hancock's HB

Oddfellows Arms 20 Commercial Street, Pontnewydd  01633 866051  Mon-Sat 11-11; Sun 12-3, 7-10.30  Basic pub with large interior, the bar being at the front.  John Smith's Bitter

Parkway Hotel Llantarnam Park, Llantarnam  01633 871199  Mon-Sat 11.30-3, 5.30-11; Sun 12-3, 7-10.30  A plush hotel with a very comfortable lounge, a real fire and serving drinks at upmarket prices. A place for a special night out.  Bass, Hancock's HB

Queen Inn Upper Cwmbran Road, Upper Cwmbran  01633 484252  Mon - Sat 12 - 11; Sun 12 - 10.30  Attractive hillside pub with a striking sign and set beside a babbling brook. Wildfowl, a rabbit hutch, swings, a slide and even a tree-hose will keeps the kids amused. Bus stop nearby.  Wye Valley Butty Bach, Guest Ale last updated July 2007

Rose & Crown Victoria Street, Cwmbran Village  01633 866700  Mon-Sat 11-11; Sun 12-10.30  Lively village local where sport dominates the bar chat and disco & karaoke in the other bar.  John Smith's Bitter, Occasional Guest Ale

Six In Hand Edlogan Square, Croesyceiliog  01633 482263  Mon-Thu 12-3, 6-11; Fri-Sat 12-11; Sun 12-10.30  A modernised estate pub with a large public bar and small cosy lounge. Bus stop nearby.  Hancock's HB

Square Inn 43-45 Gwent Square, Town Centre  01633 867587  Mon-Sat 11-11; Sun 12-10.30  Large popular pub with two bars at ground level and another below.  Brains SA

Three Blackbirds Pentre Lane, Llantarnam ,NP44 3AY 01633 483130  Mon-Sat 12-3, 6-11; Sun 12-3, 7-10.30  Smart open plan eating house which still accommodates those just wanting a drink. Bus stop nearby.  Green King Old Speckled Hen plus up to 2 guest ales Updated July 2008

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Cwmoody

Waun-y-Clare NP4 0JA (01495) 785216 12-11 Stylish L-shaped bar opposite the old 'Nylon' factory on the A4042. Selling "traditional" food until 9pm. Entrance to the car park is deceptively close to the roundabout. Up to 2 Guest Ales Updated Feb 2008

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Garndiffaith

Hanbury Arms Herberts Road, NP4 7QJ (01495) 772300 12-3, 6-11; Sun 12-6 Having undergone a major refurbishment, the Hanbury opened its doors again in late 2007. The interior has been transformed with smart adjoining bar and lounge sections around a central servery. It boasts two restaurants, one upstairs, one downstairs, either of which can cater for private parties. Food is served 12-2 (12-4 Sun) and 6-9pm, with reservations advisable for weekend dining.  Hancock's HB may be replaced with a guest ale in due course. Bus stops outside (daytime services only). Hancock's HB; Wye Valley Butty Bach (H) Updated Jan 2008

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Garn-Yr-Erw

Whistle Inn 01495 790403  Mon-Sat (12-3 in Summer), 7-11  Sun 12-3, 7-10.30  Pleasant pub with a largely stone interior, a real fireplace at each end and miner's lamps decorating the ceiling. Old Rhymney Brewery "Hobby Horse" sign outside and a poster of Westlakes Brewery inside.  Hancock's HB, Ruddles County

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Griffithstown

Hanbury Hotel Windsor Road  01495 763620  Currently closed Updated Feb 2008

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New Inn

Lower New Inn 48 Newport Rd, NP4 0NU 01495 762842 NRA Updated July 2008

Rising Sun Inn 108 The Highway  01495 767976  Mon-Fri 2-11; Sat 12-11; Sun 12-10.30  Formerly a traditional two roomed pub, now knocked into one.  NRA Updated July 2008

Teazer 58 The Highway  01495 758038  Mon-Sat 11-11; Sun 12-10.30  A two room pub with a split level lounge that has a fish tank.  Flowers IPA Updated July 2008

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Ponthir

Ponthir House Inn Candwr Road  01633 420479  Mon-Sat 11.30-11; Sun 12-3, 7-10.30  Picturesque village inn with several cosy connecting areas and an interesting teapot collection in the dining area. Bus stop outside.  Hancock's HB, Guest Ales

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Pontnewynydd

Bridgend Inn  Hanbury Road, Cwmffrwdoer  01495 763591  Mon-Thur 7-11; Fri 4-11; Sat 12-11; Sun 12-10.30  Traditional pub in a below street level setting.  Hancock's HB

Pegasus Hill Street NP4 6NL 01495 753500 Mon-Thu 7-12; Fri 4-12; Sat 12-1; Sun 12-11.30 Formerly the Masons Arms, this friendly locals pub is set below the level of the main Pontypool to Blaenavon road adjacent to the former railway line that once wound its way up to Blaenavon (Low Level station). Pub games are popular with pool, darts, and cribbage played in the public bar while there is also a skittles alley. A larger room is behind the servery where drinks are served via a hatch. Bus stop on main road. Guest ale Updated Oct 2007

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Pontypool

Globe Crane Street  NP4 6LY 01495 763834 Mon-Sat 11.30-11; Sun 12-3, 7-10.30  Popular Georgian style pub with walls adorned with pictures in the "George" theme. Very busy weekend evenings. Booking is a must for Sunday lunch.  John Smith's Bitter, Guest Ale

Hanbury Arms Commercial Street  Mon-Sat 11.30-11; Sun 12-10.30  Lively bar and lounge built on traditional lines.  Ushers BB

Horse And Jockey Usk Road, Llanvihangel NP4 0JB 01495 762721  12-11; 12-10.30 Sun (subject to how busy) This picture postcard pub with white frontage and low thatched roof is more a diner than a pub these days. The cosy fresh looking interior features much stonework and low beams and is largely given over to diners with a small concession of a table or two near the servery for drinkers, Outdoor seating is available at both the front and back, the latter a garden with play area giving tranquil countryside views. A short stroll from Bridge No 55 on the Monmouthshire & Brecon canal. Adnams Broadside; guest beer Updated Feb 2008

John Capel Hanbury 130-131 Osborne Road, NP4 6LT 01945 767080 9am - midnight (1am Fri & Sat); 9am - midnight Sun Typical smart conversion by JD Wetherspoon of former shop premises that has enhanced the local drinking scene bringing with it a good range of cask beers and cider. Named after a former Lord Lieutenant of the County and member of a great coal and steel industry owning dynasty, much local history is depicted on the walls clearly illustrating the rich industrial heritage of the area. The interior is spacious with various sections offering a variety of seating from comfy sofas to traditional dining tables and chairs. A balcony at the rear caters for smokers and outdoor drinking. Designated as a Lloyds No.1 bar there is a large TV screen bringing music through the ages as well as major sporting events. Brains SA Gold; Evan Evans Original Welsh Ale; Greene King Abbot Ale; Marstons Pedigree; guest beer; Weston's cider Updated August 2007

Labour In Vain 39 High Street  01495 762863  Mon-Sat 6.30(12 Sat)-11; Sun 12-3, 7-10.30  Friendly traditional pub with a strong community focus. The bar has a photo of the old, politically incorrect pub sign which had to be removed and has since vanished. Skittle alley.  Hancock's HB; Guest Beers.

Lamb Penyrheol, Pontypool, NP4 5XS 01495 763718 Mon-Sat 6.30(12 Sat)-11; Sun 12-3, 7-10.30  Set on the side of the mountain, with sheep wandering the common outside, large public bar, quieter rear lounge, and outside drinking area. Large screen for the Big Matches Brains seasonal ale Updated Feb 2008

Pontypool RFC Club House Elm House, Park Road  01495 762524  Mon-Thur 7-11; Fri & Sat 12-3, 7-11; Sun 12-3, 7-10.30  Headquarters of famous rugby club with proud tradition. Comfortably furnished bar and lounge.  Hancocks HB, guest ale (winter)

Sally Tranch Road  01495 753477  Mon-Fri 7-11; Sat 12-11; Sun 12-10.30  Cosy multi roomed split-level interior. Formerly the Wellington it takes its name from a former barmaid, daughter of a past owner. The building is about 600 years old and has had several changes of use in the past.  Ruddles Best Bitter

Unicorn Cwmynyscoy Road, Pontypool, NP4 5SQ 01495 751155 Mon-Fri 7-11; Sat 12-11; Sun 12-10.30  Set in a valley on the outskirts of town. Snug public bar, outside lawn for summer. Live music Friday Rhymney Bitter Updated Feb 2008

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Sebastopol

Open Hearth Wern Road  01495 763752  11:30-midnight;12-11:30 Sun CAMRA award winning pub, offering a wide selection of ales, often including welsh independents, an extensive menu of appetising food and a friendly atmosphere. Its canalside location adds to its appeal while the garden is popular with families. Originally a cowman's cottage in the late seventeenth century, it later served as a wash house, before being extended and called the Railway Hotel, passing to brewers Phillips of Newport. Being on the canal, the pub was ideally suited for deliveries of beer by barge. Phillips were taken over by Simonds, which became part of Courage in 1960. Courage decided to change the name and held a competition to find a new name. A local steelworker won a barrel of beer for his entry; "The Open Hearth".  Archer's Golden, Boddington's Bitter, Hancock's HB, Up to Five Guest Ales Updated June 2008

Sebastopol Social Club Wern Road  01495 763808  12-11:20 (12:30 am Fri,Sat); 12-11 Sun Large front bar leading to smaller lounge type drinking area at rear of the club. Jazz sessions every Friday in the function room, live entertainment every Saturday.  Sometime Gwent Club of the year. Gwent Club of the Year  2008 Up to 8 ever changing beers Updated June 2008

Waterloo Inn Avondale Road, Sebastopol NP4 5EL (01495) 759588 12-12 Pleasant roadside pub with a comfortably furnished lounge and restaurant that has built a reputation for good food. The cosy public bar has a couple of sofas situated beneath a wide screen TV and a pool table. Brains Bitter; Greene King Old Speckled Hen Updated Feb 2008

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Talywain

Globe Inn Commercial Road (B4246)  NP4 7JH 01495 772053  Mon-Fri 5-11; Sat 1-11; Sun 12-10.30  Traditional local with a distinctive 'globe' sign. The small public bar has a real fire in winter. A pool room leads off a narrow comfortable lounge, which hosts live entertainment at weekends. Cider in summer.  Breconshire Brecon County Ale; Rhymney Bevan's Bitter; guest beer Updated Jan 2008

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Varteg

Crown Hotel (B4246) NP4 8UG 01495 774312 4-11 (1 Sat); Sun 12-10.30 A hillside village pub very much at the hub of the surrounding community. It was saved from near dereliction in the early 1980s. The result of this labour of love has seen emerge a traditional pub interior that could almost have been there for many decades. The landlady has a photograph album recording progress from the time her family lived in caravans while restoration work was underway to the hugely successful opening night. The main public bar has a cosy feel with plenty of artefacts dotted around and has as its focal point a large fireplace. Perhaps the only bow to modernity is the presence of large modern TV screens for sport etc. There are five letting rooms giving fine views over the valley. A mountain stream running through the cellar helps   maintain a cool temperature. A former Rhymney house, draught Bass is the regular beer offering. Bass Updated August 2007