Usually a Friday or Saturday night would be the days we might usually head into Cardiff for a spot of shopping and/or a meal. As the Stereophonics and Tom Jones were in town, this wouldn’t be a sensible option, assuming we didn’t have tickets, and we didn’t.
Tredegar House. Its secrets would make you blush…
Don’t get me wrong, this pairing would be a dream gig, but we just didn’t fancy it and, besides, the Beeb were covering it anyway. Yes, it would have been great to be there but also nice to be at home watching it three days later with a vodka and tonic, which we did.
No, this weekend we were heading for Newport. We’d booked a suite on the Friday night in the new Mercure, and we had tickets for Fleetwood Bac at the Riverfront Theatre. We’ve stayed at Mercure hotels before. They’re pretty good and, as we hadn’t stayed at this one, we thought we’d give it a try.
We arrived early in Newport and thought we’d make the best of the beautifully sunny day by visiting the Transporter Bridge. This was definitely one of the highs of the weekend as the views from the top are breath-taking. You can see right across the city, the docks, and across the Bristol Channel to Somerset. It’s one of several around the world and, apparently, boasts the longest span and is the quickest – the history is fascinating. It’ll shortly be undergoing a complete renovation which will include a new visitor centre. It should be complete in 2024 and will be well worth the wait. It must be on your Newport bucket list.
The very impressive and iconic Steel Wave…
Back into Newport centre and a nice afternoon walk around the city, followed by a stroll across the foot bridge over the river Usk – there are some great cafes and restaurants on the other side. We ended up in Horton’s (good coffee). Just to the right is Monusk Tapas & Wine Bar which was highly recommended. We didn’t partake on this occasion – certainly next time.
We then walked along the river up to the road bridge and crossed back passing the Steel Wave, one of Newport’s iconic pieces of public art. Have to say there are some beautiful pieces of art around the city. Unlike the awful visual drivel you see in most cities, Newport nails it. Clearly someone in Newport Council has taste.
The food at the Mercure is superb, and the service from the restaurant staff was equally impressive.
Back to the Mercure to check in. The whole hotel is tastefully designed. It’s very contemporary in style and the art is a nod to Newport’s past. I have to say we were very impressed with the quality of the room, and the views from the thirteenth floor were pretty impressive. The overall design is excellent, and the bathroom and shower were superbly designed. The shower is walk-in and could easily accommodate two people. We always say, people make hotels, and the staff can’t do enough to help – a proper Welsh welcome. Its location next to Friar’s Walk (parking) and the train station is, quite frankly, perfect. Everything is within walking distance.
Newport itself is an excellent base camp for exploring south-east Wales. If you’re into history, you’ll be in heaven and there is lovely countryside within walking distance or, if you want to venture a little further by car, the astonishingly beautiful Welsh valleys and Monmouthshire are close by.
I mentioned the Stereophonics and Tom Jones earlier. While we were staying in the Mercure, many guests were going to the concerts and had, pretty smartly, booked in and were taking the train from Newport to Cardiff – a few minutes’ walk at each end, saving themselves from the chaotic traffic jams and parking nightmare that has blighted recent concerts at the Principality Stadium.
Before our Fleetwood Bac experience at the Riverfront Theatre (less than five minutes’ walk away), we had booked in to the restaurant for 6pm. We won’t go into a full-blown review here but to say we were impressed would be an understatement. The food was superb. Perfectly cooked and the staff delivered a truly enjoyable experience.
With full tummies, we headed for the Riverfront and enjoyed an excellent show by one of the world’s best Fleetwood Mac tribute bands. Have to say, the acoustics at the Riverfront are very good. I had goosebumps – if you love Fleetwood Mac, they should be on your radar next time ‘round.
The beds are excellent at the Mercure. We have kings at home, but this seemed huge! A good night’s sleep was complemented by an excellent breakfast and while Jennifer headed for the high street, I popped across to Newport Museum & Art Gallery. Wow, what a little gem. Three floors include a library and what’s on show is really quite brilliant. The quality of art is pretty exceptional for a relatively small gallery A few personal favourites: Kyffin Williams, Ernest Zobole to name but a few. Naturally, the Chartist movement takes pride of place here and the museum does an excellent job of explaining the events and impact it had on Britain.
One of the floors is home to a section of Roman mosaic flooring, plus a collection of china. There is also plenty of background on the history of Newport and a particularly moving video about the loss of life when one of the docks collapsed during construction. The whole experience was quite emotional. I spent over 90 minutes there and couldn’t really take it all in. Again, the staff were so helpful and welcoming.
I stepped out into the rain and headed to my pre-arranged meeting with Jennifer at the newly redeveloped Newport Market. Loft Co, who developed the Goodsheds in Barry take credit for the very stylish overhaul. No surprise really, everything this talented team touch seems to work beautifully.
The market is completely covered and is now home to dozens of cool businesses and a fantastic food hall. We decided to try a few burgers at Burger Boyz. We were not disappointed. I munched my way through the legendary Chuck Norris. The quality of the meat and preparation is superb. The two owners were there, and they have invited us to the opening of their next incarnation opening in July. Seeing these young entrepreneurs building a brilliant business is quite inspiring.
We headed out of Newport but couldn’t resist popping into Tredegar House & Gardens on the way home. This beautiful property was once home to the very colourful Morgan family. Their history is fascinating: “Welsh, wealthy and wild!” is a fair description. If you’re near Newport, this is a must visit. The knowledgeable staff are excellent and recanted tales that would make even the broad-minded blush.
Before visiting Newport, we had heard pretty negative and disparaging comments about the city. To be fair, for a long time, it hasn’t had a great rep. However, the Newport today is blossoming, booming even. There’s a sense of optimism in the air, things are changing. It’s exciting, and it felt good to be here. The city and its people embraced Chartism, so Newport is no stranger to revolution. We think there just might be another on the way.
Mercure Newport
Chartist Tower, Upper Dock Street
Newport NP20 1DW
01633 837700
Search Mercure Newport
www.accor.com
Newport Museum & Art Gallery
Home to some pretty decent art
Newport Transporter Bridge
Both searchable on www.newport.gov.uk
Newport Market
Home to the Burger Boys
www.newport-market.co.uk
Tredegar House & Gardens
Home to the Morgan family for centuries
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegar-house
Fleetwood Bac
Rumoured to be the best FM tribute band
www.fleetwoodbac.com
The parody, Newport State of Mind
Keep your Big Apple, we’ll have a tangerine!
https://youtu.be/Eijc2tGe-zM
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