The Chepstow Castle, Chepstow

Great location..... we looked at all of the pubs in Chepstow and this was the most appealing. Interesting sandwich menu.... still unsure about whether a chicken sandwich should have a fried egg on top :-) Three real ales on - I went for a Bath Ales Gem - Served in a timothy taylor glass. Decent enough but quickly lost its head. OK Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2iDCxGF

Blessed with a perfect location directly opposite Chepstow castle, this is a smart gastro-style pub with very smart décor, presumably aimed primarily at the tourist market , although offering a nice environment for locals to enjoy a meal or drink. You enter into a lower level carpeted seating area with some high quality furniture and views out to the aforementioned castle. There are bare stone walls, dark beams and a nice stone fireplace to create a traditional pub feeling, enhanced by large book shelves, local art for sale on the walls and vases of fresh daffodils on each table. A couple of steps lead you up past an upright piano and on into the main bar area with a decent curved servery over on the left hand wall. A selection of comfortable looking seating options have been arranged opposite in this part carpeted, part quarry stone floored area. Some large pillars help to break the space up a bit here and there were more paintings on show, as well as a few nice clocks and a raised rear section with a single deep sofa and a platform for live music performances. Beyond is a garden which I failed to explore on this occasion, whilst the day's papers were available at the end of the bar counter. A radio station was being broadcast throughout the pub, presumably for the entertainment of the friendly barmaid, as I was the only customer in on a late Wednesday afternoon. There were two ales on when I arrived - Otter Bitter and Purity Mad Goose - with Wadworth 6X having recently gone off. I tried the Mad Goose, which was in reasonable condition, although I only had time for a swift half before having to dash back to the train station. Food seems to be the pub's main draw, with the barmaid thoroughly cleaning a big pile of cutlery throughout my visit, but I failed to spot a menu, so can't comment on the offerings. This seems like a pretty good spot for the passing tourist to enjoy a bite to eat and a well kept pint of ale. The place felt a little too food-oriented for my liking, but it still came across as a smart, well run operation and it was worth the visit for the fine views over to the castle.

2 real ales and food served. Live music advertised and the pub has a large beer garden to the rear.