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The Black Bear Inn

Monmouthshire, Bettws Newydd - Modern British - Pub - ££

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

Against the dramatic backdrop of the Black Mountains, Bettws Newydd is an idyllic rural community with this ‘very unassuming' country pub at its heart. Seating just 36 indoors, with a small terrace at the back, it is run without pretence or formality and has a delightfully homely vibe. You’re likely to meet chef Josh Byrne, who frequently comes out of the kitchen to chat with the diners, while Hannah Byrne looks after front of house. The brief, weekly changing carte adds a Mediterranean sheen to carefully sourced seasonal ingredients, opening with a generous selection of snacks – perhaps cod's roe, pickled sardines or the ever-present Welsh rarebit. A recent lunch opened with a ‘fabulous’ cod brandade topped with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, fennel and crunchy, salty sea purslane, ahead of pollock, accompanied by clams, sherry and garlic, all set on a smooth, creamy cauliflower purée. Elsewhere, lamb with carrots, salsa verde and mash has been pra...

Against the dramatic backdrop of the Black Mountains, Bettws Newydd is an idyllic rural community with this ‘very unassuming' country pub at its heart. Seating just 36 indoors, with a small terrace at the back, it is run without pretence or formality and has a delightfully homely vibe. You’re likely to meet chef Josh Byrne, who frequently comes out of the kitchen to chat with the diners, while Hannah Byrne looks after front of house. The brief, weekly changing carte adds a Mediterranean sheen to carefully sourced seasonal ingredients, opening with a generous selection of snacks – perhaps cod's roe, pickled sardines or the ever-present Welsh rarebit. A recent lunch opened with a ‘fabulous’ cod brandade topped with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, fennel and crunchy, salty sea purslane, ahead of pollock, accompanied by clams, sherry and garlic, all set on a smooth, creamy cauliflower purée. Elsewhere, lamb with carrots, salsa verde and mash has been praised. To finish, there are British cheeses, custard tart or a summer berry pavlova. Reasonable prices extend to the Eurocentric wine list.

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VENUE DETAILS

Clytha Road
Bettws Newydd
Monmouthshire
NP15 1JNGB

01873 880701

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OTHER INFORMATION

Separate bar, Counter seating, Parking, Dog friendly

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