THE Old Ferry Inn, Beachley.

The Old Ferry Inn sits on the edge of the River Severn in Beachley near Chepstow with the first Severn Bridge crossing right above visitors as they arrive.

Should anyone stroll to the edge of the car park to take in the view before they enter the restaurant, they will discover the magnificent Severn Princess - the last of the three original ferries that used to shuttle between England and South Wales before the bridge was built in 1966.

Though she is far from healthy, she's still a stirring sight and pub landlord Murray Hunt, who leads a noble effort to raise the cash that will see her sail again, is happy to tell you about her history.

Food-wise the Old Ferry Inn is hard to beat for good value. I visited late on a Sunday with two companions and we enjoyed a good meal for around £10 each.

The regular menu reads like a Greatest Hits package of classic pub fare and though I was tempted by several more adventurous options from the specials board, I can rarely see past fish and chips when eating in a pub. I wasn't disappointed with the well-cooked haddock and the chips were everything you dream about in these diet-crazed times.

One friend chose the Vegetable Stack as her main course which looked as great as it tasted - a pile of couscous topped with marinated carrot strips and abuergine strips, all balanced on a fried potato-rosti base and garnished with salsa.

My other companion chose the lasagne which was perhaps the only slight disappointment of the visit as it seemed overcooked. We were already quite full from sharing some superb starters - potato wedges with salad and garlic mayonnaise and a terrific duck and orange pate with onion chutney on melba toast.

Dessert was never really on the agenda. With drinks the whole meal came to £29 and for a good meal in a friendly atmosphere with dramatic views from every window, we left well pleased. Mark Choueke