Cheap and cheerful

The meals are basic at the Albert Avenue pub in Maindee but are delicious all the same.

And they are much better value than some other similar outlets in the city. The local pub ambience with big screen television and juke box (mainly Elvis Presley playing) added to the experience rather than detracting from it.

The service was friendly but not in your face and my dining partner and I were able to wind down with our meals after both spending a hard day at the office.

To replenish my flagging energy I ordered the mixed grill with steak, sausage and a selection of other meats served on a hot plate with a mound of chips (£4.95).

My companion went for the surf 'n' turf with steak and scampi (£4.95). He ordered a rare steak and was a tad disappointed when it arrived a little overdone.

As side orders we chose a delicious thick pepper sauce (served in a gravy boat - was there a slight taste of curry?), crispy onion rings and juicy fried mushrooms (each side order £1.50).

We were both so bloated by the end of the meal (washed down with a good value pint of beer each) that we were unable to take advantage of the selection of desserts on offer.

Customers should watch out for the Christmas menu at £9.95 a head. Overall, the meal was great value and filled a space very nicely indeed. Henry Widdas