Newport Ale House - Isle of Wight

Probably the worst Surf&Turf I 've ever had... Friendly staff can not compensate the lack of cooking quality. The steak was ordered rare-medium-rare and was served well done. The breaded scampi were more bread and fat than scampi. Mashed potatoes very dry, Highlight were the garden peas. The starter beer battered mussels were a disappointment as well: the only taste was the taste of the deep fried bread. All in all: only the friendly staff was a light at the end of the tunnel while service was below average, as one has to order drinks at the bar and food at a order station.

In the years I lived in Newport I had the dubious honour of living very close to The Bargeman 's Rest. Dubious in that it 's across the river from an infamous dogging spot, honour in that the staff and patrons of the 'Bargies ' are warm, welcoming and kind. The interior of the Bargeman 's is a long, open hall, with a well stocked bar in the centre and a great kitchen out the back. It seldom betrays its roots as a squash centre. Assorted fishing tackle and ropes hang from the ceiling, but while it has a sort of Disneyland sincerity at times, it 's at least earnest in its efforts. The bar stocks a very broad selection of beers, ciders and wines, along with a row of optics with something for everyone. The menu has a check of a selection. I 'd normally not expect good things from such a long and varied menu, but they pull it off. Everything from coronary beckoning burgers to full and rich macaroni cheese to fresh breaded fish with chips. So, if you 're in Newport and in need of a feed, I recommend you head out of town and find yourself the Bargeman 's.

For an American visiting, this was a wonderful British Pub experience. It's quite large and has an extensive menu. You order food at register and drinks at the bar. The food is then brought to your table. Really large plates of delicious pub food. Bit expensive, but worth it for the ambiance and enjoyed the location on the waterfront.

Certainly a pub to visit if you happen to find yourself in Newport. It has a nice large interior and fantastic outside area where you can pitch up on a sunny day and enjoy food and drink right next to the River Medina. Friendly service and good food too. All round a great pub to visit on the Isle of Wight.

Great pub food and a great location on the River Medina. Slightly expensive for pub food, however the portions more than make up for this. Very generous sized portions. Good outside seating as others have said and lovely in the summer. Family friendly and with a great selection of ales. One star marked down due to price and the hidden minimum £10 charge on credit card orders. Not stated at bar. So if you just want a beer make sure you have change.