Tredegar Arms, Bassaleg.

WHETHER you are looking for a bar snack, a three-course meal or just mulling over a quiet pint of real ale with a book, the Tredegar Arms in Bassaleg is a public house and restaurant to suit all tastes.

We visited on a busy Tuesday night, when the pub was packed with families, couples and groups of friends, no doubt helped by a rare glimpse of a summer's evening.

Taking our seats in the bright conservatory extension, we ordered portions of potato wedges with salsa and sour cream and chicken strips in a battered pesto with a citrus and chilli sauce to start.

The service was prompt despite the bustling atmosphere and the food was well cooked and neatly presented.

For our main courses we ordered a portobello steak, stewed in a red wine -based sauce with chips and vegetables and a tart flambe, consisting of spinach, cheese and peppers.

There was quite a delay between the courses, something that is perhaps more reassuring then when it arrives in just a few microwaved minutes, and thankfully it was worth the wait.

The meals were tasty and well cooked and there were no complaints.

A side order of rustic garlic bread, drizzled with olive oil and well garnished with olives and tomatoes removed any room that may have left for desserts.

The bill for the night - which included a couple of drinks - came to a very reasonable £28.