Le Pub

Brought into even greater focus since legendary Newport live music haunt TJ’s sadly closed down, Le Pub is now undisputedly the city’s finest venue for catching a gig. Playing host to everyone from top touring punk bands through to aspiring young local rock outfits, Le Pub’s two-​floor set up is a real winner. The upstairs venue section has a functional stage, meaty soundsystem, ultra-​cheap corner bar (although don’t make the mistake of erroneously ordering their non-​alcoholic cider!), with a high ceiling spiralling up to the wooden rafters. The downstairs bar is just as cheap, boasting a pool table, jukebox, videogames and refuge from the decibel-​laden noise upstairs. If you’re into punk-​rock ladies, there’s the extra boon that many of the barmaids are tattooed lovelies. Regular £2-​a-​pint nights and a weekly Sunday quiz are among the non-​gig-​based attractions, while their annual charity Stars In Their Eyes competition has a rock twist (you’re more likely to spy a ramshackle metal tribute starring local musicians than preening karaōke popsters). Two minutes from Newport train station, even though the live action isn’t seven evenings a week, late-​night weekend drinking with a real community of rock-​loving locals is reason enough to hit Le Pub. Oh and for extra convenience, there are several takeaways just across the road, too.