The Tom Toya Lewis, Newport

Set at the bottom end of the main shopping street in Newport this is one of the pubs that JDW want to get rid of, maybe because it's at the wrong end of the street. There was a large for sale sign outside it on my visit. It's a split level room with a staircase leading from a small front area with low tables and chairs to a wide rectangular bar area with mixed seating. The TV screen was silent despite Wales playing a game of rugby against someone or other. The bar has ten hand pumps which had a really poor choice with the JDW Trio Of Doom doubled up, two ciders, Deuchar's IPA and Hobgoblin. I opted for the keg Devil's Backbone given the poor cask choice. The Newport JDWs seem to be pretty poor.

Converted from two separate buildings (a foundation stone on one indicates that it was built as a YMCA), with a slightly odd split-level layout. Lighter than usual furniture and decor for a 'spoons. Small enclosed patio to one side. Fair selection of real ales from ten handpumps, with several real ales remarkably priced at £1.80.