The Friendly Fox in Newport

Having eaten here several times and recommended Sunday lunch to friends and family, I was very disappointed with today's welcome. Shown to a very small table upstairs in a corner, music via a dj banging out loudly, we asked politely if we could possibly have a table downstairs. The waitress was obviously not happy with this request and the person who I can only assume was in charge today was so rude and unhelpful to our request for a table downstairs, which was half empty, could not accommodate us, we left! I will not return in a hurry, previous waiting staff and management have been so helpful and polite, it has been a pleasure to dine here, something has radically changed! They did not want our service and did not try to accommodate our request. Thank you to the Ruperra Arms who accommodated us as a table of 4 for as a walk in, superb food, great service, great atmosphere! Things will need to change at the UnFriendly Fox before we return.

Welcomed with smiles by the lovely staff today for Sunday lunch, went as a family table of 5 and the food was absolutely amazing!!

Lunch for 10, 6 adults 4 children. Food was fantastic. Went off the lunch menu where the food was delicious and really impressed with kids food portions. I had the sweet chilli chicken flat bread which was so good. Wish i had taken pictures. Everyone enjoyed their food so much that I've booked the place for my birthday. Well done all - couldn't fault it.

Superb place clean friendly , fresh food caters for gluten free.

Excellent food (Sunday lunch), great service and great hosts! Lunch was excellent, our party of 6 were well catered for.

A limited menu at lunch time but absolutely delicious food. This was unexpected as we called in on the off chance. Chicken and leek pie was delicious. Huge chunks of chicken in a lovely sauce with a puff pastry topping. Chunky chips were great as was the 'greens' which consisted of peas, leeks and cabbage. The outside/entrance needs a bit of tlc even if they just trimmed the hedges/bushes. There was also a large outdoor area. The staff were fab. The decor was fine. Would definitely return.

First visit and very pleased with all, food was presented nice, plenty of it and tasted lovely! Nice atmosphere with plenty of outside seating space.

Lovely meal, setting and friendly staff

Sadly the pub was let down by the very slow service, I wouldn't have minded if it was busy but it wasn't.

One of the worst atmospheres I’ve ever had to endure. The management are rude and will argue with you in front of other paying customers who are eating / drinking !! The bar / floor staff will make you feel like you are being a burden and interrupting them as they stand around gossiping and slagging others off or on their phones! If that is for you then you will enjoy but if you are looking for a nice night drama free night then AVOID !!!!!

Spend your hard earned money elsewhere, Overpriced food and drinks are hardly anything to scream about especially when it’s so poor quality. My first drink got served in a dirty glass, lipstick is always lovely with rum if you didn’t already know. Steak over cooked and rubbery , I can understand if a 6 year old was cooking but a rare steak isn’t hard. I did send it back but after the second attempt it wasn’t worth the hassle again as a girl behind the bar called Morgan , who seemed to act like she owned the place. so after receiving crap food I asked if she could take the steak back as it was over cooked for my liking and the attitude met with my request was horrendous , eye rolling, shaking her head at me and just general all round could not be bothered attitude. I assumed I’d interrupted her phone break. I also asked to speak to a manager but apparently there is no manager at the moment, hardly no surprise as to why. Avoid at all costs and spend your hard earned money elsewhere. This used to be a lovely place to go but it seems no more.

Lovely food and great service in a dog-friendly pub restaurant. The dogs even got a snack! Been here a few times whenever I come to Wales to see family so it’s becoming somewhat of a tradition.

A fabulous night at the Fox to celebrate our birthdays with friends. We hired upstairs with a buffet. The one room was laid out with tables and chairs the other set up as a dance floor. The bar was fully manned and we also had access to the rooftop terrace outside. The venue was perfect in every aspect, the food was outstanding and the staff were really helpful and couldn’t do enough for us. All our friends loved it and gave such positive feedback. I would not hesitate to book this venue again.

Had a table for four all happy with their food and service very nice place recommended it

Held my sisters baby shower at The Friendly Fox last Sunday and I never write reviews but felt I needed to after what I can only say was the best treatment and hospitality I have ever received from a pub/restaurant. From the moment I booked the venue after being let down with another venue last minute, they couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating. They allowed me to set up early Sunday and the entire day they were checking if we needed anything, accommodating anything I needed as well as the guests and the Sunday roast platters which catered for around 16 people were outstanding. The food was simply stunning. I honestly cannot recommend this place enough whether it is for an occasion or simply just a meal. The staff, food, decor was just perfect!

Not sure what Has happened to this place , steaks were cold ingredients missing from burger food used to be nice but gone down hill they said supply issues , they need to sort them out

Great pub with fantastic staff. Well worth a visit.

It’s possible the kitchen may have been burgled as the list of options not available was more than those that where, considering this was 7.00pm on Good Friday when the Fox had only been open since the Wednesday that week….strange, couldn’t even rustle up cheesy garlic bread ! I think next time worth a call to check on the available options.

Only popped in for a drink. A lovely pub and reasonably priced.

Food was lush. Lovely atmosphere very warm and cosy feel.

We have been to the friendly Fox pub, a number of times with family and friends, Over the last couple of years, Sunday dinner is probably the best in Newport, excellent food from the newly refurbished restaurant, and we have always had great service from the staff. they have a band on most weeks which creates a great atmosphere.

Had mothers day Sunday roast. Enjoyed by all, good portions

My son took me for Mother's Day.Absolutely loved it👍

Superb food. Great atmosphere and friendly staff 👍

Had an absolutely gorgeous Sunday dinner here. The staff are also very accommodating and friendly. I have recommended it to everyone I know! Will definitely be coming back.

We visited last night for a family meal, found it difficult to find a place that serves great food that would cater for adults as well as the young children in our family. We were seated upstairs in the private room which was perfect for us. The food was absolutely beautiful, 20 meals altogether and none disappointed. Everyone was so friendly and helpful especially the 2 young girls who looked after us during the evening, they are a credit to your team. Thank you so much!

Staff were very friendly and helpful, food was delicious and large helpings

Highly recommend. Went for a roast dinner, very good value and great food. Lovely pub and lovely staff.

Fantastic restaurant. Staff friendly and attentive. Great menu choice. Shepherds pie the best I’ve ever tasted. Will definitely be back.

Highly recommend, fabulous service, stunning food, thank you to all the staff

We visited on pie night. The food was lovely. Turkey pie was delicious. Portions were very generous, and it was good value. The decor and atmosphere is excellent. We weren't in a rush so it didn't bother us, but the service was a bit slow. Would definitely visit again.

Was recommended highly & did not disappoint! Really lovely place will definitely be back. The roast was a great portion, not too posh but not too basic- just perfect for a nice Sunday out! The decor is really lovely, very clean & staff were attentive. Great drinks selection- I imagine the night vibe is good there too! Food was good quality & really good value for money.

My family members and I met up as we hadn’t done so over Christmas. The pub has recently been redecorated and was well presented. The menu is quite small in terms of choice, I had chicken and chips (with garlic sauce) and it was quite a wait. The wine (Malbec) tasted a little stale but the staff willingly changed this. The food was lovely, my relatives enjoyed theirs. Desserts were lovely, but again slow service. Paying was a bit of an issue, it’s common to split the bill but this seemed to cause chaos! Cash and card issues here, resolved now! These small things are quite annoying in this day and age and shouldn’t happen.

We found this pub on route home from Wales and were pleasantly surprised by the great food, generous portions and very friendly staff. Great with kids too. Would highly recommend.

Heard you had to book a table these days even for drinks and did so. After being sent to our table, got asked 4 separate times during the night if we'd booked a table, when trying to order food, said they would check with the kitchen if it was OK (it was 6:30). Food was average but the whole situation around the table felt extremely unwelcoming. I honestly won't be back.

Booked our Annual Christmas meal with the ladies. Booked back in September for 8 of us, called in November to ask if we need to make a pre order for our Xmas meal or a deposit, they said no it’s the same menu but with a Xmas twist - no pre order needed and no deposit. When we arrived it was pretty much empty, no music playing and no decorations on our table but we could see others had crackers etc, We were asked if we were eating from the Xmas menu or normal menu… we were confused by this as we were told it’s the same menu with a Xmas twist. They said we can have the Xmas menu but we would all have to eat from it and they only have turkey and pork left because we didn’t pre order … i informed them of what I was told I also said I tried emailing three times to double check with no response until I called and was told we didn’t need to pre order. The meal itself was lovely but it came 2 hours late ! We were there at 7.30 and food was served at 9.30. Also we decided to go On this date as it stated a band was there who didn’t turn up, we asked about this as it was 9.30 and no music no crackers and just lacked atmosphere. They just shrugged with no explanation and I asked for at least some Xmas music which they did then play. Very unorganised, lacked atmosphere, but the food was nice. Such a shame we won’t be booking there again next year.

Great place for a family lunch on Sundays

I don't know what's happened here. When the pub first opened and was managed by an Eastern European chap it was amazing. Since the original staff have changed so has the pub. My last 2 visits were disappointing. Firstly we had a table booked for 5 of us for sunday lunch. My daughter wanted to join us and we rang the day before to ask to add her to our table but were refused! Our table was huge and could have sat 8 people and the pub was quiet. But we had to leave her at home! I was baffled. The food arrived and I asked the waitress if all 5 of us were to share the small dish of veg that arrived. She said yes, do you want more? I replied, yes if it's possible. Another dish came and the food was lovely. We weren't asked if the meals were okay which is courteous. When it came to paying, the manager ( a young chap) seemed cheesed off that we wanted to split the bill as we were in couples. Then he said I had to pay for the extra veg! I queried this, as had not been told this by the waitress. If I had been made aware I'd have said no as it was pricy enough as it was. He had a bad attitude towards me and was rude. I explained how I hadn't been told it was extra cost and the portion seemed small for 5 adults to share. He said he'd let us off this time but was clearly not happy. My next visit was as a couple, the pub was quiet and freezing cold. I sat with my coat on. We had to call the waitress over to be able to order 45 mins later as the staff including the bar manager were all having a good old chat and messing around by the end of the bar. We had to go to the bar to order more drinks as again, staff just chatting in a group. We had to go looking for someone to be able to get our bill to pay. The food is good here so what a shame the staff are such a let down. If it was being run how it used to I'm sure it would be a thriving success but it's always dead in here and can see why. A shame as Bassaleg needs a decent pub as there are no other good ones in the area.

Slow service tonight. We arrived at 5.30. Our table was booked for 5.45. When I rang for a table for 6pm they said it would have to be 5.45 I have no idea why. When we arrived the pub wasn't busy. The menus arrived straight away and it wasn't long before they took our orders which were burger, chicken breast and gammon. We didn't get our meals until 6.30. But in saying that the meals were lovely but overpriced for a pub setting at £14.50 each. We were asked 3 times by different people if the meals were okay.

Food was lovely, but we had a long wait. Worth the wait and I appreciate there were 12 of us and it was busy

Music way too loud, ordered food half came for my party, then the other half came 5 or so minutes later. Couldn't hear yourself speak. Drunk women screaming and shouting. Won't be back! Food is OK lots missing off menu not told when you order.

Amazing local pub/restaurant- would highly recommend- food standard is better than some top restaurants

Usually love coming here, girl on the bar is hilarious, manager is a proper cheeky chappy. But after my visit Saturday I’m not sure I’ll be back. Everyone had a bad vibe. The place was way over capacity, you couldn’t move. New bar staff were so rude and old bar staff I’m pretty sure gave up and clocked off as the owners would rather stumble round the bar drunk shouting at people than let the staff do their job. It’s a shame to see a group of people who used to be so happy, look so defeated. I really hope they get through it and become the welcoming and entertaining bunch they used to be.

Always a nice welcome and great steaks

Sat a table of 20 of us including two children, for my dad's birthday. The starters and Sunday roasts were first class, as was the vegetarian option. Staff were all wonderful. Thankyou so much. ❤️

I was very disappointed with my visit to the Friendly Fox. Having ordered Fish & Chips and sitting down with a pint, I was then told that I had to order two or more courses, and if I didn't want them I could take them home! It had gone 1pm, so I was stuck with a pint and no food, and the change of finding anywhere else for lunch unlikely. Very poor business model and bad attitude.

Great lunch today. Three courses for £20 from a smallish lunch menu but portion size was more than adequate. Curried parsnip soup was very good, toad in the hole and fish and chips excellent followed by a fruit crumble. Pecan tart for one of the party was a bit hard but ok. A really good meal spoiled only by how cold it was in the restaurant.

Booked for birthday with group of friends, staff gave us the upstairs space perfect for private events, great evening had, band was brilliant and also accomodated to anyone in the party ordering food when it was mostly drinks! couldnt ask for more!

Had a great night at the fox, best band I have seen for a long time; strip lighting!

A most unpleasant experience, an evening catching up with friends spoiled by what can only be described by 3 feral children. The three children were allowed to run around as they wished back and forth from the table where their ‘father’ sat on his phone, to the bar stools. They shouted and screamed, played a ‘game’ of spitting in each other’s face and were allowed to walk around with food on their forks as well as with glass bottles of J2o. No attempts were made by the parent to control them and there was no attempt by the staff to discourage the disruptive and potentially dangerous behaviour, as hot food was being transported, despite customers obvious discomfort. Food was expensive but edible, price of drinks extortionate, decor pleasant but the experience shocking.

Great live band and food service was very slow for table service bar very fast

Hands down the best Sunday lunch I have ever had out at a pub/restaurant. Great staff, the service was fantastic and a really nice atmosphere in there. Will definitely return

Went today and took the dog . Were made very welcome .great staff nice food .. dog even got a dinner

Had a great time there Lauren was amazing, very approachable and friendly she did a amazing job (pay rise for her) We will very returning absolutely one of the best places I've been

Stunning Sunday lunch. Service was top notch and called to confirm my booking. Great pint of Guinness as well. At £22.99 for two Courses I can honestly say it’s outstanding value for money with the quality of food and portion sizes.

Great place for a drink, Although 2 pints of Guinness £11.20. Good atmosphere, staff and customers great

Had 2x roast with 1 x pudding and 2 x pints. Good variety of veg served with the roast, tastey carrot and parsnip, with a small portion of cauli cheese and mashed sweed/carrot. Very buttery and flavoursome. Nice jug of gravy for two aswell. Very attentive staff (possibly a bit much as many waitresses attended our table) and all very polite !! Would reccomend for a Sunday roast for sure, good value and nice atmosphere! Thanks, Terrence.

Great food slow service but polite and friendly. Live music was great 👍

Had the Sunday roast today. The meat was Uber tender and tasty, beautiful vegetables, gorgeous Yorkshire pudding and lovely gravy. The only thing neither of us liked were the ‘roast’ potatoes which tasted and looked liked day old reheated jacket potatoes which had gone woolly inside. Everything else was delicious though. I was disappointed with the dessert menu - would have liked to see something with custard. Beautifully decorated, very clean and friendly staff. Plenty of parking

Friendly staff Accommodating Menus was a little bit limited Food was high quality Worth a visit For a main and a drink your looking at 20 pound per person if your ordering off the evening menu.

Undergone a great transformation. Lovely homely and proper pub feel inside, food was good!

Good food, nice pub, worth a visit

Had a highly enjoyable recent visit - young lady with tatoos behind the bar was very friendly and obliging, leaving me with a very satisfying experience.

The food was very good roast Sunday lunch(could have been hotter) waiting staff friendly and efficient but the manager was VERY RUDE and not at all friendly. As I was paying my bill I mentioned the beer tasted and smelled funny I didn't want a refund or a replacement but was told along with some other rude remarks listen love its an acquired taste you can ask everyone in the place and have a vote on it .my husband has drank beer for over 55years and he said it tasted of chemicals. Well myself and the 5 people I was with won't be back. Shame really because appart from him everyone was more than happy VERY RUDE MAN

Excellent food friendly staff will definitely be visiting again

Atmosphere, staff, very good. ROAST BEEF TOTALLY UNDER COOKED TO POINT OF AMOST BEING RAW. NOT MY TASTE, CRUMBLE UN RECOGNISABLE. NO CHOICE OF BEERS ONLY LAGERS. VERY POOR.

Thought we'd try somewhere new for Sunday Lunch and this place was amazing. Service was prompt and friendly (no pun intended) and food was good quality. Extra vegetables and sides would have been helpful and some nice sourdough with the meat platter starter would be nice but that's minor. Would certainly recommend.

Such a friendly and welcoming place, we popped in for one or two, and could have stayed all night. There was a live musician who was amazing, and although busy service was very quick.

Lovely pub with great decor and atmosphere. Great selection of alcoholic drinks with cocktail deals. Food is standard pub food but nice.

Lovely meal friendly staff happy visit would visit again

Great service and friendly atmosphere

We had a delicious Sunday roast this weekend at the friendly fox in Bassaleg . Beef perfectly cooked , tasty roasts and a favourite of ours the cauliflower cheese. Perfect portion size and plenty of gravy. Great service , bonus too that it was lovely and cool inside whilst the weather was very hot . We would highly recommend and will most definitely return .

Just had the one drink but nice atmosphere

When I visited on a Saturday evening the pub was understaffed. Waited 20 mins at the bar to be served. Also ordered food to be told half hour later they wouldn't be able to prepare it. The Fox has a good selection of beers on tap and the place has a great atmosphere. Luckily there are other established premises in the village with great service and within a similar price point. I won't be darkening the Fox again

Thursday Steak night superb. Fantastic food. New sun terrace just opened best place to drink in Newport and surrounding area views absolutely spectacular.

Chef went out of his way to make our party a lovely chicken salad. Was the envy of the table 😂 cheers all

Been looking for a good roast in Newport for a while. The friendly fox delivered!

We booked a lunch over Christmas well in advance for a party of 6 with 2 small children. We had an email the day before advising us that the only menu available was the pizza menu. We could find no telephone number so had to...

Lovely lady in charge felt small menu overpriced food and drinks .Sadly would not return hunters chicken was 2 small wrapped chicken pieces couldn t see the cheese and came with rocket leaves and chips for £15

Does not do walk-ins, only booking so if passing keep driving nice restaurant just down rd that even though Fully booked makes space for everyone. Not a place that will have my custom

My family and I have just eaten the most amazing Sunday lunch ever. Well done to chef Ben and his friendly and efficient team. We will definitely be returning.

Very disappointing, very limited choice of main meals and no Garlic bread available even though its on the menu and this was early on a Saturday night!! - absurd. The venue was noisier with people than any other pub including Wetherspoons that I have ever...

Great food and reasonably priced.

The best Sunday lunch in a long time served by very helpful and friendly staff, 5 stars all round.

Excellent meal, friendly staff, and great atmosphere Will visit again

First time there for many years but definitely going to be a regular place to visit ...was lovely chatting to Ben and Kayley(?) Hope I've written it correctly .. fantastic fun afternoon with a delicious meal 😋 great place ..Great friendly staff .

Visited for Sunday lunch on Mother's Day, and it was probably the best Sunday Roast I can remember. All of the items were really nicely cooked and well seasoned making it more special than your average and worthy of paying a premium. Service was a...

The whole atmosphere of this pub was young, thriving & a lovely place to catch up with friends & enjoy the lovely food.

Been past many times, finally stopped in & glad we did! A lovely welcome from very friendly and helpful staff, beautiful hot food and a lovely atmosphere. Fully recommend

Called in on the way home. The food was outstanding. Staff great. And a great cider They booked us in on a busy day of rugby.. Will definitely be back. Thank you all involved at the friendly fox.

Excellent steak sandwich, possibly the best I've ever had. Very welcoming and friendly. Will certainly go back soon 👌

Came for an impromptu mid week drink. Decided to share a pizza and chips - amazing. Staff were so friendly and accommodating. I'm local to this pub and wasn't too sure of the changes when the new company took over I'm very pleased to say...

Lovely pub nice atmosphere in there .Food is very good service was brilliant would go again definitely.

Rude staff Massively over priced Don't expect food to arrive at the same time, it won't. They have two kitchens which can not coordinate apparently. I finished my meal before my wife's meal arrived. Not the biggest reason to complain. What compounded it was the...

Went today to celebrate my Nieces Birthday, such a lovely Pub, food was fabulous!! Lovely staff. Wishing you the best of luck 🤞🏼

I visited the Friendly Fox with friends for the first time on Saturday. The service was excellent and being served at the table was an added bonus. The staff were extremely friendly, especially the waiter who was working temporarily that evening (I didnt catch his...

Hubby and I decided very late to go for lunch at around 3.30pm. After having tried unsuccessfully to get into two other places we came here and they were able to fit us in. Hadn't been here for more than 4 years after a not...

Sunday roast was delicious!!!!! However unfortunately service was slow both in time it took to deliver courses as well as bringing out each plate for each person (took 2.5 hours to serve 3 courses and we ended up sending plates back because food got cold whilst serving ) which became difficult with 2 children under 3. They realised this and gave a 10% discount without any prompting which was a positive.

Good food great service will definitely return

It was ok ,very noisy not the place on Friday to go for a meal and a chat .Food was ok had fish &chips very salty, Staff was very polite and friendly but think they need a bit more training, the worst part, the tables were very sticky even the serviette stuck on the table.