The Unicorn Inn, Albion Road, Pontypool

JUST off the Pontypool to Crumlin road is the Unicorn Inn - and it's the perfect pitstop for peckish drivers who fancy a good, tasty meal.

The Unicorn is a traditional, popular, no-frills hostelry with a solid regular trade - and it offers simple but filling food at decent prices.

There is no set restaurant area, but there are plenty of comfy seats tucked away in warm corners to enjoy a meal.

The menu is basic pub fayre - with all bar snacks served with salad and chips - and the portions are generous and the food is tasty and filling.

With no starters available, I chose steak and chips for my main course. The steak was served on its own platter, and was large enough for any appetite. My friend had gammon with pineapple.

Both meals were served with individual bowls of chips and salad, which were actually large enough to share.

After the hearty main courses my friend and I both opted for treacle sponge pudding with custard for dessert. There is a limited selection of desserts on the menu, but I guess most diners will have little room left after their main course.

Again the portions were large, and the pudding was steaming hot.

Being a traditional pub, the Unicorn has a selection of beers, wines and spirits ideal to wash the food down with and see you on your way.

A meal for two came to a very respectable £20 including drinks.