Excellent CAMRA award winner fully deserving its high popularity rating being one of the best-run pubs in the area. A central bar serves adjoining but discrete areas which include a lounge panelled with wood salvaged from the Doric, a former ocean liner that was broken up by Cashmores at Newport. There is a cosy nook with sofas adjacent to the games/pool area and seating near the bar counter where access is gained to the popular riverside balcony which gives superb views of the local countryside and towards historic Caerleon. Pub games include boules and skittles, the latter skittles alley doubling as a function room. Friday afternoon sees live jazz from 3 to 6 pm. Interesting guest ales sit alongside the core range. The pub is a short drive away from the Celtic Manor Resort, host of golf's 2010 Ryder Cup. The northbound bus stop is immediately outside, while the southbound (to Newport) 80 metres away.