Buildings in Newport that changed the city's landscape

We dug through the archives to find a series of buildings which have helped to shape Newport into what it is today.

Villa Dino

Regarded as one of Newport's first Italian restaurants, Villa Dino was located on Chepstow Road and was in operation for 38 years. 

The former owners announced its closure in 2023, after confirming that they had accepted an offer from someone who hopes to keep the site as a restaurant.

Now we know the site as Chicky Fridays, a restaurant with a growing fan base which opened earlier this year.

Villa Dino restaurant on Chepstow Road - May 25, 1994 (Image: Newsquest)

Tesco store

The Tesco store chain was established in 1919 by Jack Cohen and has stood firmly in Newport since before 1988.

Do you recognise where this Tesco is located?
Tesco in Newport in November 1988 (Image: Newsquest)

Tesco in Newport in November 1988 (Image: Newsquest)

Tesco in Newport February 1988 (Image: Newsquest)

Kings Hotel

Kings Hotel was a hotel which stood on Newport High Street for more than 200 years, before closing its doors in 2012 due to the recession and "a severe downturn" in trade. 

The three-star establishment dated back to the 18th century.

Kings Hotel, November 3 1994 (Image: Newsquest)

Town Balti

Located on Commercial Street, Town Balti was a former tandoori restaurant, of Bengali-Welsh heritage. In 2002, the Argus reviewed the restaurant and gave it a thumbs up.

Read more: Spice that's nice on the pocket

Town Balti in September 1994 (Image: Newsquest)

Polash Balti-Nite Tandoori

Not much is known about Polash Balti-Nite Tandoori except that it was a Bengali restaurant and takeaway.

The architecture of the building looks elegant in the photo, with a balcony above.

'Polash Balti-Nite Tandoori' Bengali restaurant and takeaway on August 27, 1994 (Image: Newsquest)

Maindee Bingo Club

Maindee Bingo Club on Chepstow Road has long ceased operations.

Here is a photo of the bingo club on February 11, 1986, which later changed ownership to The Godfrey Morgan (a Wetherspoons pub).

Maindee Bingo Club on February 11, 1986 (Image: Newsquest)