Amici D’italia Pontypool

The Horseshoe Inn

➤ Old Abergavenny Road, Mamhilad I-NP4 8QZ, United Kingdom

Carte • Pub • Welsh • Vegan • British

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"The interior of the restaurant was charming and traditional, featuring warm lighting from candles and classic pub tables and seating. The atmosphere was peaceful, free from loud music or rowdy patrons. We were promptly seated by a polite and attentive waiter who handed us the menu. The menu boasted some intriguing starters and main dishes—far superior to typical pub fare. It was compact, which I always see as a good sign, but with a vegetarian in our group, a picky 12-year-old, and a 6'2" teenager with a big appetite, we all had a tough time deciding among the excellent options. I opted for the confit duck in cherry sauce, which was absolutely delightful. My son went for a homemade curry served with chips and rice, which he devoured and found very filling. My wife chose a broccoli soup that she described as delicious. Despite being full from our entrees, we couldn't resist trying some desserts. The dessert selection was impressive, featuring classic choices like bread and butter pudding, treacle tart with custard, and a cheesecake that was impressively sized—about the size of a house brick! We all enjoyed some drinks, with a selection of nice ales and IPAs on tap. The total bill for our family of four came to just under £100, which felt quite reasonable. The staff were attentive, friendly, and polite, and the owner took the time to chat with us after our meal. We had a lovely experience and left feeling very satisfied. This place is truly a hidden gem; if you're in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit! Vegetarian options: There were several tasty vegetarian choices available. Parking: There were plenty of parking spaces just across from the pub. Kid-friendliness: Our 12-year-old and 14-year-old felt welcome, and there were kid-friendly menu options as well."

The Horseshoe Inn

➤ Old Abergavenny Road, NP4 8QZ, Monmouthshire, United Kingdom

Carte • Pubs • Full • Steak • Welsh

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"It was a wonderful happenstance. We were staying less than half a mile away from the pub, I called in to take a look on the way back to Ty-Cooke (lovely little certified location for caravans) and had a gander at the menu. I started chatting with the clientele who were very friendly and spoke highly of the pie and pint night on Wednesdays. On the strength of this, I booked a table for two, and I'm so glad I did. They had a good selection of beers and wines, so the better half and I were happy. I chose from the specials board and J from the menu. My beef bourguignon was superb, as was the bacon wrapped chicken stuffed with spinach and cream cheese, even the veg was outstanding, especially the red cabbage. Sadly, I was unable to finish it all as the portions were too generous for me, and I wanted to leave space for desert. The creme brulee with a cookie was truly excellent, as was the blackberry cheesecake, just how we both liked it. Not sweet but perfectly balanced with the fruit. We will be back to this location for a stay, and the food here is a major part of that decision. We had no right to expect such exemplary food without doing our research first, and it blew us away, and it wasn't expensive either. If you are in driving distance, you must give it a try, I can guarantee you will waddle away happy."

The Lower New Inn

➤ 48 Newport Road, NP4 0NU, Torfaen, United Kingdom

Carte • Pub • Steak • British • European

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"I'm visiting my dad, but grew up here and worked behind the bar before I went to uni in the 90s, so I remember it as the Lower from the olden days (IYKYK). Turns out, both of us look a bit different to how we looked back then. It's had a GORGEOUS makeover, and the decor is just on point with a tasteful fusion of modern and classic European. The music was appropriate, if a touch loud when sat close to the speaker. But not offensively so. The service was excellent; friendly and attentive. Ok so drinks; they have some sort of French gin that was sweet and went perfectly with elderflower tonic, served with what I think were sloes and a sprig of rosemary. I was LIVING for it. Papa said the malbec was very decent too. I also had a chocolate martini, and it was divine too. The food. Yaaaas, queen, the food. So there's not a huge range of choice, like when you go somewhere and you have to go through a ten page menu, but I can recommend the chicken goose pate and the sirloin steak. Both were done perfectly and I could literally eat that every day for ever. All in all, a well deserved five stars. Not cheap (hence the title), but given there's ample parking and it's a restaurant rather than a pub that shouldn't be a problem. Will definitely recommend and visit again."

The Bush Inn

➤ Graig Road, Cwmbran I-NP44 5AN, United Kingdom

Carte • Mexican • Seafood • Asiatic • European

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"Best pub in Cwmbran!! Vegetarian options: Many good options to all diets Kid-friendliness: Very friendly to all ages Parking: Terrible parking really hard to find a place to park, good for locals that live nearby Wheelchair accessibility: Good wheelchair accessibility, spaced out Dietary restrictions: A lot of options for most diets, except gluten Price per person: £20–30"

The Little Crown Inn

➤ Elled Road, Torfaen, United Kingdom, NP4 6PB

Carte • Pub • Steak • Welsh • British

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"We attended a memorial service for our friend yesterday and were very impressed with the changes that have been made at the restaurant since we hadn't visited in many years. The staff, especially the man serving us, were very friendly. The buffet was exceptional and we congratulate the restaurant on their outstanding food and drinks. Overall, we give the service a 5 out of 5 rating."