The Fastnet Pub

Not one of my favs. Fun atmosphere and the staff is very friendly but the food and drinks leave a lot to be desired. Draft beers here always leave a nasty taste in my mouth and upset my stomach and I’ve had other friends tell me the same, maybe something is up with the taps? Food is nothing special at all, you’re not going here for fine dining obviously but the burgers/​wings are pretty bland, there’s much better pub grub out there especially in Newport. On the bright side, the back patio can be really fun, especially in the summertime, there are two ping pong tables and also darts in the back. Not a bad place to catch a couple beers (again, I’d suggest sticking to bottles/​cans) but don’t bother eating here. If you’re looking for an Irish style pub with good food, hit Buskers on Thames instead.

A pleasant and well-​priced option if you are wandering through Newport’s old town neighborhood. Quite close to the Touro synagogue. Enjoyed the fish and chips.

Excellent fish and chips and prices are very reasonable. Great location in a somewhat quiet neighborhood, too.

Came in for a Guinness and some Irish food and was totally disappointed to find plain old bar food like poppers and mozzarella sticks.
This seems to be more of a sports bar than an Irish pub. All the locals gather here when a big game is on.

*Please keep in mind that I’ve never been here to eat.
After a long day of work in Newport, Fastnet is a great place to unwind. Summer here is great, because they have a huge outdoor patio that your work buddies can sit and enjoy yourselves while you have a few beers. The beer selection is pretty good and they have something for everyone.
This pub captures a typical Irish pub setting and you can always find international sports playing on the TVs. Also, there are a couple of dartboards and a pool table, as well as two Ping pong tables on the patio.
I like this place, and if you’re looking for a good time in Newport, this is a great place to hang out.

Excellent food! Excellent staff! Great place for a pint and a bite to eat. Great traditional pub feel!

Cool spot classic Irish pub. the guiness was on point.
They have a back courtyard to sit and enjoy a few.
Wasn’t too crowded when I went this time but I hear it usually is. I did stop by (and quickly left) during a soccer game on t.v.‘s there because it was jam packed to the point I’m suprised if they were not fined.
All around I would say it’s a good spot.

After dinner pitcher amidst the younger crowd was fun and the service was great! Good music and nice vibe.

Came here to meet my girlfriend for a quick drink. Awesome atmosphere and awesome service from Rene the bartender! Haven’t tried the food just yet but will be back for that.

Tried and true Irish pub, ideally located away from the insanity of the Newport waterfront. Dark wood, mismatched furniture, cheap but strong drinks, and solid simple food. Burger was on point and the lobster roll was surprisingly good. The Fastnet never disappoints.

Couldn’t say enough great things about Tim and the staff there this past Saturday! We brought a bunch of rowdy pirates there an hour before opening time and everybody at fastnet was awesome! Drinks were great and fresh, the bar itself is awesome, and everybody who works there is a great sport!
Thanks again and hopefully we’ll be welcome back next year!

The Fastnet Pub is a nice place to go in Newport that doesn’t feel like it’s in Newport. Good food, good music, and a generally upbeat, unpretentious crowd make it a fun place to stop in for a bite when you’re not feeling fancy. I like their clam chowder and loaded grilled cheese (filled with bacon, tomatoes, and sauteed onions) while my husband always gets their wings (which can sometimes be found on special for $.50/​each) with buffalo sauce. They have a nice selection of beers but tend to steer away from exotic micro-​brews and stick with local favorites (like Newport Storm). The back patio is cozy (if a bit loud) but we usually try to grab a table right in front of the window, which has cushy bench seats. The pub gets really dark inside so I like that the light from the streets provides a bit of illumination without being intrusive. There might be more high class fare in Newport, but for a good meal that won’t break the bank The Fastnet Pub awaits.

Great spot to watch sports events, sip on a great guiness or play darts! There is an outside sitting area with table tennis and it is a pretty casual spot. Food is pretty good of what i remember! Enjoy

The Fastnet is a place I’ve been a half dozen times when visiting Newport and as «pubs» go, it’s one of my favorites.
I mean, I don’t think of a pub with big expectations. They’re gritty. They’re worn. They’re loud. They’re dirty, even. (And this place does not disappoint. It’s got one of the smallest, dirtiest bathrooms in Newport!)
But they’ve also got character. And the Fastnet has plenty of this. It’s an Irish watering hole with plenty of beers on tap. Some great (like high-​octane Double Jack IPA) and some downright nasty (like PBR). It’s a friendly place with beers for everyone and every taste and every mood. The place comes outfitted with a pool table and dart boards — just as you’d expect.
Now the food — don’t expect much. It can be good at times. But again, it’s the kind of place that probably has a big fryer in the back filled with plenty of frying oil. You can decide for yourself if that’s a good or bad thing. For me, it’s more of an appetizer and beer place. (Last time, I got the pub fries with cheese. They were so good but so unhealthy and loaded with oil. I knew what I was getting into — so I was ok with it. Onion rings, wings, mozzarella sticks. Nothing fancy here. Just good food that’s bad for you.)
At night, it can get crowded and loud. For me, I’m long gone by then. I’ll stop there mid-​afternoon for a couple drinks and an appetizer before heading out to find finer dining options downtown. But for others, I’m sure it’s a good place to hang out all night.
I want to give this place 4 stars because I enjoy it so much for its intended purpose. But I’m afraid it would be misleading in comparing it to those finer establishments that warrant really big marks. So 3 stars it is… Long live the Fastnet!

I’m halfway through my meal and I’m loving it!
Can’t wait to get back to my meal!
Grilled cheese– thumbs up
Calamari– two thumbs up!
Atmosphere– three thumbs up!!!

I love this place. was my go to bar in Newport. The bar staff is amazing, very laid back and friendly!. Authentic Irish Bar. Does get a bit crowded on the weekends but that’s to be expected, so get here early! They had a live band on the weekends! Beers were always good! Will always go back when visiting Newport!

I like this place except sometimes you can see the person in the bathroom stall next to you if you look down at the floor.
it can get awkward especially if that person is crying in the stall (you know who you are and you’re just bored).
But the staff is quick and accurate and some interesting people seem to flock there. Like my boyfriend. If anyone has seen him, please tell him to come home as I think he’s blocked my phone number but he just says he loses signal in fastnet.

On food alone it deserves 5 stars. Chowda was top notch! The fish & chips were as good as it gets. Fish was flaky, tasty, & perfectly fried golden. The chips were fried perfectly crunchy. The issue with so many places is the food is gleaming or downright soggy with oil or the oil is so old you taste it. NOT HERE!
The one less star is the bathroom, rundown & smells. If the bathroom is that way what is the kitchen like?

Very authentic Irish pub. Located in a very nice part of town.
I ordered wings and pub fries since I’ve been eating very well lately and needed a treat. The food was very good. They even have Heinz Malt Vinegar for the fries!
I got to say my highlight was the server Renae, she was not only a beautiful, professional and pleasant bartender, she also poured the best Guinness I’ve ever had. First and second glass were totally impeccable. She even served them with an artistic four leaf clover carved on the head (froth).
Thank you Renae! I must definitely return.

Fastnet is a popular local spot. Lots of beers on tap, a strong pour on mixed drinks, and a friendly crowd. I really like all of the bartenders here. There is a good sized bar with plenty of seats, and lots of tables around the rest of the place. During the day and early evening its even rather family friendly. It is also the place in town for catching the European Football league games as well as Rugby, even the early matches! Late night definitely draws a bigger crowd. but its still always enjoyable as there is plenty of space. There are dart boards, pool table, and a back patio for smokers. Every Sunday evening there is a live band playing traditional Irish music.
Food is fairly average pub fare. Fish and Chips are solid. I love the curry sauce, you can see most people ordering a side of it to dip their fries in. Steak tips seem to be the most popular thing on the menu. It’s great to just pop in for a drink or two, or spend some time there and order food. Nothing fancy, just a good olé Irish pub and usually a great crowd.