WHO doesn’t love a good pub? Many pubs have a long history with their respective areas, often stretching back over hundreds of years.
Some are often on their second pubs, and part of their charm is the history of what they were before – including a coaching inn or townhouse.
Take a look at our list of five of Newport and the surrounding area’s oldest pubs and let us know which one is your favourite.
The Carpenters Arms, Newport
The Carpenters Arms, Newport (Image: JW Bassett)
The Carpenters Arms on Newport High Street is one of Newport’s oldest pubs dating back to the 15th century.
It was established by carpenters in 1403 and has been sitting at the top of the High Street for 625 years and even has its original prison cells where criminals were held before appearing in Monmouthshire’s County Court.
The establishment is now run by JW Bassett Pubs.
Check out our full pub of the week for the Carpenters Arms here.
Ye Olde Murenger, Newport
Ye Olde Murenger, Newport (Image: NQ)
The Murenger is one of the oldest pubs in Newport, and if you’re looking for an old traditional pub with friendly staff then look no further.
It sits on the top of the High Street and dates all the way back to the 17th century – beams inside the venue show the date of 1530.
The pub feels like a traditional British pub, with a cosy atmosphere due to its dimly lit lights and frosted windows.
Ye Old Murenger is a Grade II-listed building because of its historic interest – and is believed to be haunted.
There have been tales of various ghosts in the building, including an apparition of a woman who appears in one of the upper windows.
Check out our full pub of the week for Ye Olde Murenger here.
The Red Lion, Newport
The Red Lion, Newport (Image: Google)
The Red Lion used to be a coach house pub in 1848, with coachmen visiting regularly for the traditional ales.
The pub is steeped in original décor styled as an Alehouse, with two large casks hanging over the bar with an old beer engine on display.
It also has an old-fashioned log fire for customers to enjoy on cold winter evenings, giving the pub a cosy feel.
Check out our full pub of the week for the Red Lion here.
The Bell Inn, Caerleon
Rickie Ash owns and is the head chef of the Bell Inn, Caerleon (Image: NQ)
The Bell Inn’s history stretches back more than 400 years, first dating to the 17th century, originally as a house, then later a busy coaching inn.
By the 18th century, it was modified, with further rebuilding taking place in the 20th century, when the prominent chimney stack was given its current form.
It was also a venue for inquests in the 19th century.
Check out our full pub of the week for the Bell Inn here.
The Hanbury Arms, Caerleon
The Hanbury Arms, Caerleon (Image: Supplied)
Once a traditional coaching inn it was a favourite of Alfred, Lord Tennyson who stayed in the pub and even wrote some of his poetry here.
The Hanbury Arms was also once a townhouse for the Morgan family before becoming a pub in the 1720s, and is believed to date all the way back to 1565.
Check out our full pub of the week for the Hanbury Arms here.