Following our theme of Newport old and new, NPLife decided to try out two eateries in the city - good old favourite Rocky's was one and The Chandlery, a definite new favourite, was the other.

The Chandlery

Ask anyone in the know where the best place to eat is in Newport and I bet the answer will be The Chandlery.

And just one trip to this restaurant, across the road from George Street Furnishers, will tell you that they are all right.

We picked a Friday lunchtime for our testing. The NPLife team headed out of the office completely focussed on our mission - to enjoy ourselves.

The Chandlery is very understated. It has quite a country feel to it with its motley collection of tables and chairs. It feels comfortable and not at all overwhelming, which is a worry when you go to some top restaurants.

So to the food.

I went for the stir fry egg noodles with prawns and i was not disappointed. In fact my plate was almost spotless when I had finished - I didn't want the food to end. The flavours were delicate and delicious.

The haddock and chips were also a real hit - minted pea puree and tartar sauce completed the dish and the beer batter was done to perfection.

The third member of the team chose the faggots and mushy peas - and what another great choice. Again the plate was almost left spotless!

Dessert was a must. A selection of sorbets (apple, yoghurt and orange and cardamum) were exquisite. The flavours were subtle, the portions generous and the dish was the ideal way to finish lunch. Another choice was the chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. The verdict was delicious.

So, if you are looking for a restaurant where you can enjoy great food in a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere then the Chandlery should be top of your list. Lunch was about £37, including drinks.

JB

Rocky's

Hidden away at the bottom of Baneswell there is a legendary Newport eating house, which has been there for years and has been a must visit for a good few generations. Rocky's is its name and it is good to know that this restaurant is still there and is still selling the same kind of food.

NPLife visited on a Tuesday evening and thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere in this American-diner inspired restaurant.

I went for the Southern - a bacon cheeseburger - with a half and half of salad and chips. There was a choice of a quarter pounder or a half pounder. I went for the smaller option and found it nice and filling.

My colleague chose the vegetable enchilada, again with half and half. The verdict - very tasty and very filling.

The portions were a good size and we had garlic bread and dips as a side dish. Rocky's has quite an extensive menu - a vast selection of burgers, steaks, chicken dishes and vegetarian options. It has a real family feel to it and is an ideal choice for a bite to eat before a night out in the city centre.

Dessert was also big on choice and we both found the decision difficult but it was one that had to be made. I went for the apple crumble Betty and my colleague decided on the lemon meringue ice cream pie - both turned out to be great choices.

We left feeling full but not uncomfortable and the whole meal, plus drinks, came to just under £20.

VC and JM