The Boat Inn, Chepstow

This pub appears to be formed from two buildings that have been knocked in to one, with the right hand part having a traditional whitewashed appearance and the next door half having a more contemporary look. There is also a good sized patio area alongside the river which is a pleasant enough spot on a sunny afternoon. Inside too, the right half is more traditional with a very low, beamed ceiling, flagstone floor and several low chairs gathered around the fireplace. Only the very large rear projection TV sat somewhat incongruously in the corner and the various kids running around spoilt what would otherwise be a cosy old hostelry. Off to one side was another area with extensive wood panelling on the walls reminiscent of a ship's cabin. Walking through to the other half, you find yourself in a quite different pub. It's still quiet traditional in many ways, but here the room is double height with a galleried landing running around the edge. Two staircases forming a V-shape on the back wall run up to this upper level and there is an exposed stone wall in between them with cream plasterwork elsewhere. The wooden balustrade along the edge of the landing is adorned with rope lights. Flooring is predominantly carpet, with a raised area in one corner having wooden flooring and a piano. The seating at the front of the pub offers pleasant views of the river and the cliffs opposite, especially those in the upstairs dining area. All sorts of nautical artefacts were festooned around and included a ship's wheel, technical diagrams showing ship's construction, pictures of ships, lobster pots, cargo nets complete with sacks of cargo and even a ship's figurehead and a rowing boat suspended from the ceiling. The menu was extensive and offered a good selection of "pub grub" dishes such as Ham, Egg & Chips, Burgers, Lasagne, Fish & Chips, etc., and these were mostly priced at around the £10 mark. There was also a specials board and at least on a Sunday afternoon, a carvery option. Food was a little disappointing though, whilst my Thai Green Chicken Curry was tasty enough, it had the appearance of something fresh out of a packet and the chicken was somewhat chewy. It certainly wasn't worth the £9.95 that it cost. Beers on tap were London Pride, Wadworth's 6X, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Rev. James. The solitary cider was Strongbow, unfortunately.

Overlooking the river with riverside seating. The pub looks like two old buildings that have been knocked into one. The bar is in the left hand part of the building and has bare brick walls, black timber beams and sailing/fishing memorabilia on the walls this area also has an upstairs eating area. Beers from brains, fuller's, timothy taylor and wadworth.