Red Lion, Newport

Six hand pumps but only two were on when Luton Town visited Newport County recently. The dozen or so Hatters fans in here before kick-off would certainly have been a boost to trade on what looked like a quiet night. It got even quieter just after 7pm when the lights went out. Power cut, we thought? No, just the appropriate atmosphere for the game of rugby union which had just kicked off on one of the TV screens. There are numerous pictures, club shields and players' shirts dotted around the walls, though to be fair there are also pictures celebrating hunting and other miscellaneous aspects of Welsh life. If you're planning a visit, check the RU fixtures on TV if you want to be sure of the lights staying on during your visit. This is otherwise a fairly basic local, the outstanding features, besides the very welcome coal fire, being the mirrored bar-back and what appeared to be original etched glass in the windows. Brains Reverend James and Fullers London Pride were the beers on offer, neither outstanding but OK. An unusual feature was the pair of barrels suspended from the ceiling above the bar. I tried not to look at them as I was ordering my drinks, because the word "precarious" definitely sprang to mind.