The New Inn, Newport

The New Inn is a large Joule’s run pub with a bar counter centrally located on the rear wall. This supports five hand pumps that were drawing their Bob On, Mosaic (decent), Slumbering Monk, Pale and Pure Blonde. Premium keg was also available alongside Carling and a couple of Joule’s keg. To the left of the bar are front and rear seating areas where the locals had gathered, the older being at the front and younger the rear. To the right of the entrance is a snug with an exposed brick fireplace, and up the right hand side is a long seating / dining area that was empty. Out the back is a large split-level patio garden with lots of picnic tables, half of which are under cover. The music from inside is also piped into the garden. I liked it in here and would return if passing.

This Joule's pub has an oddly shaped interior, with the central bar up one step from the largest seating / dining area, and all parts set at slightly different angles. Anyway, it has the usual recreated traditional look, with plenty of retro-style advertising signage and murals. With four of the six handpumps being used, I found the regular Pale Ale, Pure Blonde and Slumbering Monk plus its Brown Mild (£3.60).

Though not as classy as the Swan Hotel outside town (on Eccleshall Road at Forton), this is another pub that has been either revitalised by Joules Brewery, or completely ruined, depending on your point of view. I'm a bit betwixt and between, as I quite liked some of the features while still reckoning most of them to be fake. I was more concerned about the beer: in addition to the usual Joules beers on the bar (Pale, Blonde and Slumbering Monk) there was a mild, which although described as "brown" on the pump clip was what would be thought of by most people as a light mild (see photo); whatever, I found it underwhelming, though I like the style. (Kirkstall Brewery have recreated an old Kirkstall recipe for a 5% light mild which is gorgeous.) Now some people I know who can remember the "old" Joules brewery of Stone would say that's just the way new Joules beers are: nothing to them. I was left wondering whether the beer was a bit tired, and whether four beers on the bar were too many for this pub. I was probably there at a quiet time of the afternoon (just after 1.30pm), but I was the only customer. If I were to make another visit to Newport, I'm not sure if I would include this one. Unless someone suggested giving it another chance.