New Court Inn, Usk

Set in a terrace of houses, the New Court is thriving in new ownership having undergone an impressive refurbishment that saw it relaunched on 1 March 2013. Large, open plan interior divided into drinking and dining areas - mainly the latter. The areas near the entrance have been tastefully redecorated using red and white colours as the backdrop to a cosy seating area near the bar with a fireplace which has a log burner. Newspapers and quality magazines are on the tables. While the floor is mainly wood, flagstones are in front of the main bar counter. Just off this section is a small snug with a similar decor and with a TV for sports. The restaurant has floorboards in the lower section and is carpeted on the higher level which gives access to the garden. Low beams abound above white wall panels edged in dark wood some of which display modern black and white artwork. This area lends itself to relaxed dining with candles on each table and with 40+ covers there is room for variously-sized parties or an intimate meal for two. Stylish pieces of period furniture add to the ambience. For diners both lunch and dinner menus offer a tempting range of well-presented appetisers and main courses, traditional and a la carte, with a choice of desserts to follow if room allows. A choice from a good selection of wines may add to the dining experience. Taking centre stage on the bar are seven handpulls giving the regular choice of ales and two reserved for mainly-local ciders. Since its early days, this venture has become a popular dining and drinking destination. A lot of work has gone into the accommodation which has been recognised with a Visit Wales 4-star grading.