The Ives At 12 Old Market Street in Neath Port Talbot

Visited the St Ives for New Year 2024 (ticketed event at £15). Staff very friendly, an impressive hot & cold buffet, busy but not too crowded and live singer/dance floor. An enjoyable night to see in the New Year!

The people who now have the pub have only just taken it over. They are trying very hard! I went there with friends and we felt very welcome and almost pampered. We enjoyed their fantastic Sunday lunch which was fairly priced. The place was spotless. There was a very good selection at the bar. Live football. Live band in the evening. Everything ran like a Swiss watch, prices were fair and the current Licensee was very friendly and professional. We look forward to returning soon.

After seeing a few social media posts about the new Ives food we fancied a quick lunch. They were just opening and we were first in. I review places for the good and the bad. The good: My son is so fussy especially new places and new food as he’s autistic and likes routine. I asked to see the menu before deciding wether to eat there. The lady I spoke to was very helpful when she asked what he liked and made suggestions. With that we decided to give it go. It’s decorated lovely in there, a far cry from the old Ives pub I knew. Nicely laid out condiments and cutlery with sturdy wooden tables. The bad: I appreciate it was early but there was no atmosphere. We could hear a penny drop and our conversation was the only one to be heard. No music. We were the first to order (another couple came in after) at the bar and we sat and waited. Nearly 40 minutes later we went to check but on doing so could see the earlier couple tucking into their food. They ordered after us. All we ordered was a tuna jacket, chicken and fish finger sandwich with a portion of chips. Was told food was on the way. The food was average. The jacket potato was fine. Chips weren’t great but most importantly the chicken and fish finger sandwich on the menu said ‘Ciabatta’. That’s not what came. It came in a small brioche bun that all the fish fingers didn’t fit in. We don’t like brioche as it’s a very sweet bread. We prefer the more rustic bread so they didn’t provide what was on the menu. The chicken was very oily and that put my son off. So all in all, very average, long wait for food and not given what we asked. Not a quick pop in for lunch option for us so won’t be coming back.

Stay well clear of this place the both meals was a long wait. Veg was hard and cold absolutely disguting

Food and service was first class could not wish for more, great atmosphere, nice to see a traditional pub back open in Neath. Thank you Gail and staff

My husband went into this pub last Sunday about 12 noon, to ask if they were doing Sunday lunches as there was a board a bit further along the road, stating they were open for food. He was told that they were open until 5.00pm. So at 2.00pm we went in to get a table, to which we were told we had to book! So the lady said wait for a few minutes and she would try to get us a table. This lady then disappeared, so at 3.00pm , I asked the young lady at the bar, she said the same, to wait a few minutes and she would try to get us a table. So we waited again until 3.30 and on asking if we could have the empty table in the corner, she said to wait whilst she cleared the table. We finally got the table at 4.00pm. Duly ordered 1 beef dinner and 1 turkey dinner. Then we were asked to move to a different table, so they could accommodate 4 people. By 4.40 our dinner still had not appeared on our table. My husband asked the young lady where it was and apparently the order had not gone through to the kitchen as the till roll had run out. She then came back to us and said that our dinner was being prepared! The only reason we waited for such a long time was that there was no where else locally that we could get a Sunday lunch. Our fault we didn't book but we weren't told initially that we needed to. Anyway the dinner arrived and it was lukewarm. The place is seriously understaffed; i.e. the 2 bar staff were having to clear the tables as well as serve at the bar. They had taken too many bookings that they could handle. We overheard a few people complaining about the same issues. Safe to say we we will not be going there again.

Walked into a pretty much empty pub, was told to pick our table. Before sitting down we were informed the steak on the menu wasn’t available. We were given some menus to look at, while we were looking, the drink order was being taken. Every drink we requested they didn’t have!! The basic … wine, beer shandy, vodka, nothing unusual, we were told they had a busy Saturday!! We decided to leave, we went to the castle hotel where we had a beautiful Sunday lunch, and plenty of drink.

Some friends said it was ok so went to give it a go. Quiet night on a Thursday. One person at bar and a small group of drinkers. Was shown to our booked table while single staff member went off to make cocktails for group. We sat there like lemons hoping for a menu at least or a word to say he would be with us soon. Was close to just walking out or asking for a job so we could at least get served.. Finally got a menu. Decided to have same starter and same main. Staff member got distracted and then just bought mains. We mentioned it and had a vague apology and an offer to bring starter as well, Not much point we said as we had mains which for 11 quid each didn't really feel worth the price. Could have had 2 of same dish for the same price at spoons or bryncoch inn..with better service. No offer of reduced bill or free drinks to apologise for messing up order ( i recommend a paper pad and a pen). Pub itself is quite nice inside but if this is what service is like with just 2 diners I dread to think what it's like at busy times. Pretty sure we won't be back. And coleslaw in a stupid little paper cup

My friends & I loved our meals here, I had ribs & the meat was delicious & fell off the bone. The chips were crispy and so tasty too! The bar offered a great selection of drinks. I wish I lived locally as would definately come here frequently. Would 100% recommend this place if you are staying in Neath, you will not be disappointed!

After being let down by another restaurant in Neath, we were welcomed by Chris in St Ives. The staff were very accommodating and made my daughter’s birthday very special. What a fantastic meal and great value.

Although this pub is one of the oldest in Neath, I had never been in before. It is now a lovely restaurant at the front with friendly, welcoming staff. The menu was substantial and reasonably priced- as was the wine. Service was good and I would recommend the venue.

The Ives came highly recommended for Sunday lunch so a friend and myself decided to give it a try Sunday gone 2nd Feb. However, we were really disappointed there was a long wait after we ordered our main. Food was average, could gave been hotter. We waited 20/25 mins for the staff to advise us on a dessert so we both decided not to bother . Staff were friendly enough but the service was too slow and the place wasn't even full so, another miss for me