The William Coppin (Lloyds No 1), Newport

Based in the former William Coppin Wetherspoons building a new nightclub Fever & Boutique will offer two club rooms, three bars, and a terrace.

Part of a vast out of town retail development,this Lloyds No.1 occupies part of the ground floor with an external walkway above the banks of the Medina River.The situation does feel isolated from the town centre and my Saturday 6pm visit showed only a handful of customers among whom were the obligatory old man clutching a supermarket bag and an argumentative couple(with each other) issuing many choice profanities.I suspect all three had been in the pub since the doors opened that morning. The interior is uber modern with an island serving area,an open kitchen in one corner ,dining sections raised at the front and sides and the low hum of the air conditioning the primary source of noise ,apart from the couple.The flatscreens were showing Sky News on mute.Being a Lloyds No 1 there was a mixing desk ,but there didn't appear that any clubbing scene was likely to materialise on my visit. The five handpumps has GK Abbott and Ruddles Bitter as stock regulars with three Xmas guests in Goddards Winter Warmer (OK condition),Nethergate Santa Paws and Everards Sleigh Bells. There appeared better ,more traditional pubs in town,there seemed little to justify a revisit to the WC.

Uninspiring modern Wetherspoon's that had a couple of real ales on but not much of great note.5 mins walk from the town centre but not really worth it.