Newbridge on Usk have recently appointed a new head chef, Gareth Jenkins, who brings with him a mouth-watering new tasting menu.
Gareth Jenkins has returned to run the kitchen at the Newbridge on Usk, where he previously worked as a chef de partie before spending the last seven years as head chef at the Speech House Hotel in the Forest of Dean.
Part of The Celtic Collection, the Newbridge on Usk holds two AA Rosettes and is an idyllic destination restaurant with rooms, perched above a picturesque medieval bridge in the Monmouthshire countryside.
Gareth’s menu innovations include a new departure for the Newbridge with the inclusion of a six-course tasting menu, available every Friday and Saturday night in November and December. The tasting menu includes dishes of Blackberry Steeped Melon, Char Sui Pork Belly, Grilled Plaice Fillet and Welsh Lamb Rump, as well as the double dessert delight of Dark Chocolate Ganache and Black Cherry Mousse.
Gareth said: “I am delighted to be back at the Newbridge which is a fantastic restaurant and somewhere that probably had the biggest influence on my cooking style, working under Adam Whittle who was the head chef at the time.
“My main approach with the new menu is a modern British style with Welsh influences, using straightforward seasonal ingredients and elevating them through the presentation and execution of the dishes. The last thing I want to do is intimidate or confuse diners with fancy terms and ingredients – I think 2 AA Rosette dining should be accessible for everyone and the new tasting menu is hopefully an opportunity for people to sample more dishes.
“The Newbridge on Usk is lucky to be in a fantastic area for produce and we are proud to champion Welsh producers. Supporting local suppliers runs through The Celtic Collection and it’s very important not only to support their livelihoods but to understand their values and ethics and the provenance of the produce we use.”
The new à la carte menu includes a starter of Severn and Wye smoked salmon, main courses of Welsh Sirloin Steak, Welsh Lamb Rump and Baked Perl Wen, and the cheese option to finish features Snowdonia Black Bomber with Welsh honey toast. A passionate baker, Gareth has also introduced Newbridge homemade bread as the perfect appetiser to start any meal.
“I started cooking with my mum who was a home baker,” he added. “Then during lockdown I really got into baking bread. I think I made bread every day for 300 days in a row at one stage. So hopefully I’ve perfected my technique and the fresh, homemade bread has already become a bit of a favourite with our guests.”
The Newbridge on Usk is located seven miles upriver from the Celtic Manor Resort in the hamlet of Tredunnock. Six stylish en-suite bedrooms enjoyed refurbishment last year, making the Newbridge an ideal destination for a gourmet escape where guests can enjoy country walks, fresh air, or fishing on the River Usk.
We’ll be reviewing The Newbridge again soon. Pop back to read about our experience.
The Newbridge
Tredunnock, Usk NP15 1LY
01633 413 000
