The John Capel Hanbury

Ambiance: This is a very spacious pub/​restaurant that has plenty of seating and room, but it still doesn’t deter it from being crowded so keep that in mind when planning your visit. I came here mid-​afternoon and it was already packed with only one table available.
One thing I have to applaud this place for are the AMAZING restrooms. I’m pretty sure they invest all of their money in just upgrading the toilets. Full-​length mirrors, cushy couches, ultra-​clean — I was not expecting all of that to come from just a normal pub.
Customer Service: Really good. There is a bit of a wait for the food but that’s understandable given how busy the establishment gets, but just don’t expect a quick meal. The servers were polite, courteous, and friendly.
Food: They have special days where certain things on the menu are cheaper. For instance, on Thursdays it’s Curry Club with cheap and delicious curries. They also have Steak Club and other specials as well — all affordable!
I ordered the Welsh Steak & Brains Ale Meat Pie, which came with vegetables (option for mushy peas) and mashed potatoes with gravy. It was a bit disappointing because the portions were a bit smaller than I expected, but the meal was still delicious. The pastry on the pie was flaky and incredible, meat soft and tender. Unfortunately, I was still extremely hungry even after finishing that main and could have probably finished another set.
They do have a small yet delicious selection of desserts as well. I had the Stick Toffee Pudding with Ice Cream (hot custard is an option). I personally recommend choosing it with Ice Cream because the warmth of the Toffee Pudding brilliantly contrasts with the cold Ice Cream. Fantastic dessert!
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I would definitely make another return trip to The John Capel Hanbury. Just keep in mind that if you go in starving, you might want to order a bit more to make up for the tiny portions.

Not a bad Wetherspoons, not exactly what I’m used to though as I normally live in a city and this one is a little less «city-​ish».
Overall though it’s what you’d expect of a Wetherspoons, well priced drinks, lively enough and the food is fine.

The best Wetherspoons i have ever been without a doubt.
Service is good and quick, food is always nice, staff are brilliant and have an amazing rapour with each other.
The manager a miss Rachel Rees is a young girl with a bright future Wetherspoons would do good to hold on to her.
Friday and Saturday nights are mayhem, although staff work their little socks off, or bg socks in the case of Steve who truly deserves a medal for the hours he puts in.
Thursday nights are packed too because of the standard curry club that Wetherspoons offer.
This is a clean well run pub of this chain and if your a bit of a spoon cynic i highly recommend a visit here.
I recommend avoiding the John Capel Hanbury on a Wednesday morning when Pontypool plays host to an outdoor market and around about three hundred people descent to spoons for breakfast and coffee’s. Now if you know the Wetherspoons system you know coffee slows everything up so do be prepared to wait!
All in all a nice Wetherspoons with a straight talking manager. Just what the doctor ordered on a tight budget!