THE new-look Stonehouse pub got off to a bit of a shaky start with our meal - but made up for it later.

Quality furnishings and a large car park make the Lighthouse Road venue in Duffryn ideal for a 'pub grub' feast.

For starters, my dining partner was a little disappointed by the black pudding dish (£3.10) as it was badly burnt.

However staff kindly refunded us the cost.

I was looking forward to my Ultimate Chilli Nachos (£5.99) but was again slightly disappointed with the look of the dish.

However we had ordered an extra starter of BBQ chicken wings (£3.55) which were the saving grace for the starters, and to coin a phrase, they were finger-lickin' good.

My main course was the Chicken 'n' Rib Combo (£8.55) that was enhanced by a tangy BBQ sauce, and was the most satisfying course.

The lamb chops main course which came served with chips and mushy peas was thoroughly enjoyable and with four cutlets was a generous serving for £8.50.

We were surprised to be told that the redcurrant and mint sauce, for which we had paid an extra £1 had been mixed in with the gravy!

The puddings were adequate - lemon meringue and white chocolate deluxe ice-cream (£2.99) for myself and chocolate brownies (£3.25) for my dining partner.

All in all it was a good pub-grub meal , served in the much improved surroundings of the refurbished pub.