The Unicorn Inn in Torfaen

My friend and I had lunch on Wednesday and it was delicious. Steak and ale pie was the best I have ever had. Service was amazing.

Staff are amazing however venue needs a good clean and update. Just looks unkept. The table we sat on, the wall behind the table was filthy. The menu was very limited, if you order a steak it is served on a steak griddle which continues to cook the steak once its delivered to table, if you order medium it will end up well done by the time you eat it, get rid of the griddles. I would avoid the salmon, it wasn't pleasant and had an upset stomach the next day. Although the other guests had steak, which was overcooked due to griddles, but guests said it was ok. We wouldn't be rushing back which is a shame as venue and food use to be lovely.

This place used to be amazing!!!…staff were exceptional….food was ok…but inside, decor, chairs, tables needs upgrading….and it’s not cheap….could be so much more….prices for food, particularly steaks do not meet up to surroundings….when we walked in…we though oh crikey and wanted to walk back out! We wouldn’t return anytime soon….sorry

You won't be disappointed with the meal or the cost it is fully worth the trip to support such a busy local pub. I have been there twice in a fortnight. the menu is simple endnote over complicated but the quality of the food is very good. the proportion size is just right also with the Sml mixed grill being large enough for adult and it does mean you can have a starter and a desert without feeling uncomfortable. Personally recommend the Sml Mixed grill, the garlic mushrooms, ciabatta bread and pate and the waffles, the salted caramel cheese cake is to die for. Totally recommended.

Very happy with my Mix Grill came with 3 lots of meat 🍖 🍽️ Only cost £12:50!! Good price 😋 Kids portions was very good too! And kids enjoyed their desserts 🍨

Outstanding Christmas lunch at the Unicorn today. Family of 5 with a mixture of different starters, mains and desserts. Brilliant service and fantastic food, cheers Ash 👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

We had our volunteers Christmas meal at the Unicorn last Friday and it was fantastic. great food, great service and a lovely atmosphere. Thank you so much

Despite being a busy Friday night the staff were friendly, service good and the food great. Large portions, tasty and well cooked.

Thanks for a great evening, warm and friendly staff. Warm welcome. Highly recommend. Thank you to Ashley and his team. Madras was the best.

Been here before wasn’t the best thought try again but out for Father’s Day food come out veg solid not even cooked to top off other half is now iLl after it also myself

I live local and haven’t been to the pub for a while due to a previous bad experience many moons ago. Heard some good things so me and the wife decided to give it a go for our anniversary. We booked to be sure and arrived on time. It was reasonably busy but we arrived with an hour before service finished. It took about 45 mins for the starters to arrive and they didn’t taste great. Asked how long our mains would be only to be told there was a big group upstairs so it would be a while. Decided that if the starters were anything to go by we’d cancel our mains and head off. All told it was a disappointing experience. On a positive note, the beer was nice.

The. Food was lovey but the chip where to big if the chip where smaller it would been a lovey meal x

We prebooked for 25 people and was put in the main bar, stuck in the corner with one long table no gaps for people to get up. We had to pull the tables slightly out as there was no room to sit on the seats, there was not enought places or chairs of the children had to sit on parents knee. The end of the table was right next to the toilets. Everyone had to keep getting up to let people go back and forth the the bar or toilet due to no Gaps.. We preordered food one starter was wrong and they refused to change it the managers attitude was absolutely disgraceful. Main food came and only 4-5 bowls of chips between the whole group. Food was ok but nothing special...my steak was supposed to be medium to well - it was pink still. I definitely will not be returning back there.

It was a birthday celebration and the Unicorn's food did not disappoint. The birthday man enjoyed his mixed grill and my fish and chips were hot and tasty. Service was prompt and friendly.

Right we’re do we start Xmas after all food was good and hot which good but on arrival as we was with a dog was put in the corner and stunk of dog don’t get me wrong we own a dog and do expect a odd whiff of dog but this was unbearable I do appreciate Ashley is trying is best but this area needs attention ie air freshener new carpet or wood flooring etc but overall nice meal credit to all staff hope this doesn’t affend and you take this on bourd as constructive constrictiveasiiomn

We booked the function room for a work’s Christmas meal. 25 people in our group all ordering from the different menus. We all eat together, the food was excellent, piping hot and served to us by helpful and friendly staff. We had a great night and would definitely go back.

i stumbled across this lovely public house by chance. The welcome is always very good, the food is outstanding and the atmosphere is second to none. Have returned several times and the quality is of the same standard every time, Ashley and Porsha are very good hosts and their staff are fantastic, nothing is never any problem to them. The real ale is always very good and reasonably priced. Would highly recommend.

We decided to try The Unicorn en route to an evening out. The dining is quite cosy, off to the side of the rest of the pub. I had rump steak, which was very tasty, and my wife had sausage and mash which so also enjoyed. The desserts were nice too, and everything well presented. Prices were very reasonable for such good food, and the staff were all friendly and helpful. We hope to be back again soon for lunch when we are in the area.

Excellent and caters for gluten free. Highly recommend went with a party of 12 and have also taken adult children. Good food.

The waitress was friendly. Food was served quickly. It was around 4pm and a hand full of people in there. The cost was reasonable, I had scampi, the food was hot, typical pub grub, oven chips frozen scampi.

First visit to this place. We were greeted by friendly staff and shown to our table. There were plenty of choices on the menus to choose from. We chose starters of goats cheese and garlic mushrooms. Service was quick and food was plentiful. We chose off the special’s board for our main meals of minted lamb pie and slow cooked pork. The food was delicious. The service was great. We will definitely be back.

Very warm welcome, served promptly and polite staff. We only came in for a quick drink, so cant comment in the food but everything was really good. Would come here again. There is a beer garden with plenty of seating and a nice view over the green.

Took my son here one eve. He had a burger and he said it was amazing. Following week we went back and he destroyed a big gammon steak (he’s only 9!) Great selection of drinks and lovely newly refurbished outside area, good covid controls

First week post pandemic and we had a team meal here. Really nice Venue, fantastic friendly staff. A good selection of beers and wines, a great choice of freshly prepared and cooked food. Everything was excellent and we'll be back there again soon.

Great food, cracking ales, great atmosphere and above all for a pub a welcoming atmosphere. No hassle, friendly staff and a couple who care to produce something for their customers. Great to see somewhere doing good things and obeying the covid restrictions and policing them, challenging those who don’t follow. Lovely garden in the summer. My little lad has his own opinion on his burger as you can see.

We visited in September and found the menu very outdated. The menu features cheap products that you can buy in a local supermarket or Bookers. The prawns were flavourless and came from frozen and were deep fried, I struggled to see any passion coming from the kitchen. The steak was over cooked and under seasoned with bland frozen onion rings and a limp garnish. My wife’s chicken was very, very dry and she had to use my steak knife to cut it. We didn’t complain at the time as it was impossible to get any attention from the miserable staff. The service wasn’t very friendly and I didn’t find any of the staff particularly welcoming. The pub doesn’t have any identity and I don’t understand what they are trying to achieve with the “refurb”.We will not be visiting again.

Visited Ashleigh’s last night, lots of Covid measures in place, which was a great reassurance, Track and Trace and all tables social distances. So pleased to see Ashleigh back in his kitchen, food was outstanding. Would highly recommend trying the tapas, Most enjoyable meal we’ve had in a long time. Great service, friendly staff and a great selection on beers and ciders available. We will be back soon.

Food absolutely stunning staff excellent cannot do enough for you. Staff extremely hot on cleaning feel very comfortable eating out at these worrying times. Highly recommend

Went to Ashley's yesterday for tea. The steak was the best I have ever tasted. The size of it covered my plate. Medium rare ordered and cooked to perfection melted in my mouth. The service was amazing. Staff friendly, chatty they couldn't do enough for you. Definitely going back next week. Atmosphere is very welcoming.

We visited the unicorn yesterday for a late lunch and it was perfect. A lot of work has been done to the place during COVID and it’s looking great. We sat in the garden which was lovely. Lovely atmosphere. Food was delicious as always, I’ve never had a bad meal here and it’s always great value for money. The other girls also loved their food. Waitresses very attentive and friendly. Also, if you are feeling anxious due to COVID there is no need, plenty of hand sanitiser in place, regular cleaning and sanitising of tables/chairs between customers, limited numbers to tables which are well spaced out and track and trace. All necessary checks in place. Thank you for a lovely afternoon.

A lovely time had by all for Sunday lunch. Service was prompt, all staff were really welcoming and the food was lovely. We’ll be visiting again, thank you!

Booked for 12 no problem did'nt wait that long, drinks first then shown to our table which lovely the owner and the girls looked after us very well food was excellent. All in all a great time had by all many thanks will be back soon

Excellent eating experience.. from walking in the door and being greeted by employee, seated and drink order taken, was maybe 5 minutes very busy as Christmas. Meal was served hot and excellent taste. Server was very friendly and helpful.

The food was lovely, we had a Carvery on a Saturday dinner time that we ordered a few weeks before hand, the staff seemed so miserable as if they didn't want to be there, they didn't smile and we felt like we were an inconvenience to them, we were a party of 20 upstairs and there was two female bar - serving staff and a male staff cutting the meat, always enjoyed the food but really has put me off going back

Booked a table for two last night. We had a wonderful evening. A very friendly and welcoming Pub. A really nice atmosphere inside the bar area. Made to feel very comfortable from the start. Could not fault the Waitresses and Bar Staff, very attentive and friendly. A good choice of food on the menu. Service was quick. The food presented beautifully, hot and good portions. Tasted fantastic, all three courses.After our meal, a comfortable relaxing area to sit and enjoy a few drinks. A lovely evening and we plan to make The Unicorn a regular stop. I highly recommend a visit.

Thought the menu quite basic really also had to sit in the room adjacent to the exit entrance to kitchen and found it wad really quite cold with a cold draught coming in from stairs.Service ok but nithing special, quite a ket down from previous visits!

We visited The Unicorn of the 10th of January 2020. There were 12 of us in total – 9 adults and 3 children. It was a sombre occasion as we had just attended the funeral of my Dad who passed away on Christmas Day. The staff took excellent care of us and were so warm and friendly. I sincerely believe people in Pontypool are among the friendliest people you will ever meet anywhere. We left Pontypool in 1988, but the staff and other customers made us feel right at home. The pub is family friendly and feels homely. It is traditional but modernised and overlooks the playing fields. The staff were very polite and attentive and accommodated a large group (we hadn’t pre-booked). Food was excellent and arrived promptly and the portions were very large and well presented. We were particularly impressed with the amount of choice of vegetarian food on the menu. Our visit was a fitting way for us to gather as a family after what has been a very difficult time. Thank you to the staff at The Unicorn, you took excellent care of us. We look forward to returning.

Food and Beverages good value for money and plenty on the plate. Waitresses endeavour to work hard however it’s a pity the owner didn’t take a tip from those waitresses in the polite and courteous department. Very rude and abrupt in manner which for a large party will we be reviewing our options come next Christmas to host us with a much warmer welcome!

On several occasions we have had works meals and get togethers at the pub and enjoyed both our time and meals. However, today was not a positive experience as we wished we could have joined our works colleagues at their Christmas meal and were very disappointed that we couldn’t sit with them. Although you tired to rectify this problem we were already sat downstairs in the bar and would have been embarrassing to return to the function room. It was disappointing to be told that we weren’t able to order a small bar snack or a starter from the Christmas menu as it was made very clear it was only Christmas meals that they were serving. One of the party cancelled their order yesterday due to being very unwell and was advised that they would have to pay the full amount for the meal even though it was cancelled, because ‘technically you are stood in front of me’ therefore you need to pay for your meal.The pub was cold and the service even colder. We didn’t appreciate the unprofessionalism of the person who dealt with is and sadly we won’t be returning.The rating on the food was done after colleagues returned from their meal and the majority stated the food was very average.

Had a meal at the unicorn for a Christmas meal the staff at the pub was moody and grumpy the owner was a cow and she is rude as well the way she spoke to us all the food was lovely but owner was grumpy the waiters never asked how the meal went along x

Came here on the 10/12/19,fourteen of us in the afternoon,for a family get together.We were in the upstairs room,lovely decor and comfy feeling,I must say the food was amazing.We had the set xmas menu,and every course was delicious with mince pies and tea or coffee to finish.The waiting staff were lovely,very polite,friendly and gave us a very warm welcome.We had a lovely time.Thank you all very much,Would highly recommend!!!

Went for a family members birthday meal, Family came down from london also. So a large party we before hand gave our orders in to the restaurant so they had everyone's meals.From the moment we stepped inside to the time we left it was a complete disaster and disappointment. No complimentaries on the table, asked the 3 staff that were serving us for them and third time lucky. Food was brought out in drips and drabs so we were unable to eat our meal without our full dish ie chips waiting on. Kids meals were brought out last and we waited ages for them to arrive. When they did alot of our meals had gone cold as we all wanted to eat as a family and eat our meals as a meal and not as a lasagne on it's own and chips to follow etc. Lady manager was very rude to one of our party members as we did complain alot because the service was appalling food was well cold and manager was rude. No one asked if everything was ok with our food etc. No one was asked if they'd like a dessert menu. Worst restaurant I've ever been to with family for a meal and would never step foot in their again even if meal was free. These people are in way over their heads. No management skills or customer service skills. Appalling and rude.

Called in after a afternoon of shopping glad to sit down and eat

Booked a birthday surprise for my Dad at The Unicorn this evening, and this booking had been made for almost a good couple of months. We were only a party of 14 so we certainly did not expect a private room. We had to share with a 70th birthday group, who had only booked within the week, and upon their later arrival, we were subjected to a torrent of abuse because they had to share the restaurant with us. We were the well behaved party sitting quietly minding our own business (children in our party and a heavily pregnant lady). The larger party were running riot; kids running everywhere - literally running rings around our table and not one word said to them, other than by the owner of the restaurant. We then gladly took up the owners offer to move downstairs as we were just happy to be enjoying our own company, however, we were again subjected to childish behaviour from individuals in the group, as we left our table! Some people are just disgraceful.

They should of stayed at forge. More of the wow factor. The food and staff were spot on. But the pub was a run down pit years ago and not much has changed, pity not very inviting

A special evening treat with my son and daughter in law. A welcoming atmosphere with lovely tasty food from a varied menu. Cooked beautifully. Wishing you all the very best for your business future. We will be back Sue Wayne

Ate evening meal at the unicorn recently, first time since i has been taken over.

The best lunch I had for a long time . going out and be satisfied by good food. Highly recommended.Its reasonable and very friendly service

Well what a shame, this place has gone from a lively place to have good food, to a bit of a half-baked makeover. We went in January when the upstairs had been done out and had a lovely but a lot more expensive birthday meal.

Visited here with my partner and family and really had such a lovely meal! Being a vegetarian I worry sometimes going for pub food but there was still so much choice for me here! I went with the halloumi and chargrilled vegetable burger and it was great, it came with chips which were also brilliant. The size portion was also amazing I did not leave hungry and one thing that also stood out was the presentation of the food which was creative and really great! Other people on my table went with the curry and that will definitely be what I go for next as it looked amazing! Will definitely be coming back.

Food was beautiful and real gravy, some pubs/restaurants serve coloured water which is called gravy, The Unicorn serves real gravy, tasty and right consistency. The meat was divine, having beef, thickly cut and three generous slices, partner had pork, once again 3 generous slices, parents had lamb which was mouth watering. Plenty of selection of deserts, the waffles were divine. Restaurant recently refurbished and was very pleasant. Highly recommend and would most certainly be returning.

Visited today for a birthday meal. 20 of us pre booked (we paid a deposit and pre ordered) and unfortunately my grandfather was taken into hospital for an emergency operation that day. Him and his wife couldn’t make it ..... We completely expected to lose their deposits but to be told we had to still pay in FULL for the meals for the people who were missing (for those two meals to be cooked / served / uneaten and thrown away) I thought was crazy! The management had already covered costs for those meals with the deposit and could’ve sold them to someone else. What a waste of food and zero sympathy from staff, it’s not as if we demanded a deposit or booked a table for 20 and 10 people arrived. We were left to pay for the meals of those who couldn’t make it. I have never known of a restaurant handling such a genuine case so negatively. Had the staff agreed to cancel two out of 20 meals and keep the deposits to cover costs, they would’ve received a good review, a tip, and retained 20 customers. We have had anniversary parties and weddings here over the years but we won’t be returning. Food was nice but management attitude was very poor which is a shame for them, reading reviews it doesn’t appear this is the first complaint about customer service skills, or should I say lack of.

3 course Sunday lunch for £16.50 Faultless food, the best Pate I’ve ever had and a superb Sunday Lunch. Much better quality than a lot of the lunches in the area, will be making this a regular stop! Lovely staff and atmosphere. Thanks!

My friend and I came here for lunch as we wanted somewhere local and we were extremely impressed with the service and food at this restaurant. The portions were huge and a reasonable price. The staff seemed very attentive and you could see the pub had regulars which is always a good sign. We will definitely go again!

Called in on a Thursday evening for a beer and some food. We ordered from the curry menu. The food was great. Would recommend it.

We visited today to check out a local pub affter securing a future move to the area. We were welcomed to the area by kind staff and friendly punters. Decent selection of beers and really good quality food that was very reasonably priced. We paid just over a tenner each for two courses on the early bird menu. Will definitely be back once we are fully moved in next month.

Staff were really friendly, food was beautiful the lamb was melt in your mouth and the portions were huge... Homemade Yorkshire puddings too.... Had Turkish delight cheesecake for desert which was stunning... Definatley recommend and will be going back very soon

First time in since the new owners took over and it was a very different experience to the quality meals of the past.

Previously wrote a review but it was removed, don’t think the management like to hear the truth.. have eaten here 4 times since the new owners taken over. Why I came back 4 times I don’t know, but maybe to please my family as convenient for them, all 4 times I have felt not very welcome, one occasion on Mother’s Day was the worst, the service was slow , we waited an hour for our table that was pre booked and paid a deposit ... and the food wasn’t good, burnt roast potatoes, there even was a hair in my food in the swede mash, I didn’t make a fuss as I wasn’t entirely sure it was mine or not. Anyhow during my meal a man came in and was talking to management regarding a previous employee , this was a heated discussion in public by the management, it felt very unprofessional, especially when the man left and management continued to voice her opinions regarding her ex employee for all to hear. The service took 4 hours and there was not enough staff on, the staff looked stressed working understaffed, management did not appear to be helpful to her staff showing any guidance or setting an example.

Went as part of a party of 15, food was served quickly I had a meal from the lunch menu and it was good value. We all had different and all said the food was plentiful and very tasty. The beef dinner meal came in a Yorkshire pudding which was a surprise as this was not mentioned. The puddings also looked very nice.

Father’s Day .. lovely family stress free getogether .... at the unicorn ? Not !!!!!!

We wanted to treat our parents to Sunday lunch so booked a table for 6 people. We were seated upstairs in the refurbished function room which is used for sunday dining. We'd been upstairs before since the refurb as we had a family birthday party. It's lovely and airy with a relaxed atmosphere. Our orders were taken quickly. The meals were lovely. The beef was beautifully tender, with plenty of vegetables. I found the veg to be slightly hard but that's just personal taste and no reflection on the cooking. The desserts were gorgeous!

The welcome to the unicorn was not there, you were made to feel an inconvenience to the staff. We had a large ish party and this clearly upset them.

Visited with work colleagues for a nice catch up. Staff acted as though they could not be bothered to serve you. Very unhelpful as well as miserable. Think they need lessons in customer service. Food is over priced for the portions you have. Also the wine is far too over priced compared to other pubs in the area. Will not be returning.

Food was ok but the service had alot to be desired. The staff need lessons in hospitality and how to smile. The rest rooms could do with a good spanner as door would not lock on one and the seat was broken in the other. For the prices things could have been alot better and quicker food service may have helped

Outstanding food and service. Food was served quickly and tasted fantastic. The staff were polite and approachable. I would highly recommend this pub to anyone who loves good food and a friendly atmosphere.

I booked at Ashley at the Forge and when we showed up it was closed. After some confusion a passer by said that they had moved to the Unicorn. Nobody had told us! The meal was ok but took forever to arrive and we had to ask 3 times for ketchup before getting up to get it ourselves. Then when we got the bill we were overcharged by £45 as someone else's docket had found its way onto our bill. The staff argued with us even though we had not been served the items on the list! On inspection there were also charges for drinks that had been paid for over the bar when ordered. Not one word of an apology. In fact the staff were positively rude to us. The Unicorn has been a family favourite for years and we have used it for big family events. No More!

Loved the unicorn as it has been my local for over 5 years. Great location and great atmosphere. However went to visit when the new owners had taken over, the cost was slightly higher and there was less on the menu than previously, which as disappointing as Ashley’s food was lovely. Meal was nice and service was good too. It was one of the girls birthday and we brought a birthday cake along, which has never been an issue with the unicorn or any other put I’ve been to for food. We asked the staff to bring out the cake with candles on that we provided and it took ages. Eventually came out, and we cut and ate a slice of cake. The owner then asked us in a rather uptight way were we ordering dessert or not. To which we replied not. This seemed to be an issue for them and we were made to feel very awkward. I wouldn’t have minded if the unicorn had said we had to pay a service charge on the cake, rather than making us feel really awkward. I will go back again as food was nice and love the pub, however I won’t rush back so soon.

We visited as a group of five after work. We sat in the pub area, it had a lovely atmosphere and staff were really nice. So, onto the food... Deciding what to have was the hardest choice for me, but I went with the salmon, I'm so glad I did, it was amazing. I was so full, I decided not to have a pudding, two others in the group had the lemon cheesecake - as it was brought to the table, I think the waitress may have seen how far my jaw dropped - and so, informed me that I could have dessert as a take away. A quick phone call home to see if my six-year-old-cheesecake-loving-son - would like to share one with me and that was that. Safe to say it had Ben's seal of approval (and the mouthful I managed to steal was good too). I cannot wait to return.

We attended a lunch time get together to say farewell to an esteemed college. It was a large party and there was a little confusion on what had been ordered.

We have just had the worst experience of anywhere we have ever eaten. Having booked for mothers day a month ago and paid a £30 deposit, both sets of inlaws (one from London and another from Bridgend) came down to enjoy what they thought would be an enjoyable meal. We turned up at 1.45 ready for our 2.00pm booking only to be told our table wasn't ready. We finally sat down at 2.30. Our starters arrived at 3.00 (by which point a 35 week pregnant me was starting to wane). We patiently waited for our mains. It wasnt until 4.15 did we feel the need to complain. Tables which arrived after us were finishing their desserts and we hadn't even had our main meals. In the end the unicorn waved the price for a few drinks (we paid for most off the tab anyway!) and our starters. They packaged up our meals for us as we couldn't sit any longer and charged us for the priveldge. £42 for 6 meals which we had to reheat when we got home. They were completely inedible! Burnt roast potatoes and soggy chips. It's put a huge dampener on mothers day and a birthday. Completely down to in my opinion, greedy management wanting to make as much money as possible on mother's day. Even one of the servers there said she wasn't happy as she had recieved so many complaints. My partner and myself feel embarrassed that we recommended the unicorn and have now had to fork out extra money to actually eat today.

The Unicorn has been a place that we have visited regularly over the years. This was our first visit since the place changed hands late last year. We have always been very happy with the food and service in the past, but sadly this visit left us very disappointed. I did wonder why the place was so empty when we walked in, but after eating I didn't need to wonder any more. The wife and I had Burgers which were very dry, burnt and gritty on the outside. Our daughter had Chicken Kiev with what was supposed to have been Sauté potatoes, but which was soggy lumps of potato in skins. The grandson's mixed grill looked like it had been cremated and was missing the sausages, when we queried this we were told that they had run out of sausages. No apology or discount was forthcoming. The only good thing about the meal were the chips which were very good. The menu is also much more limited now than it used to be.

We have visited this pub for many years and always had nice meals. It has recently been taken over and the menu has changed. I have tried several of the new dishes which are great. The menu is brilliant. Just love the chips they were amazing. The chocolate brownie was astounding. My friends had chilli and the other chicken from the early bird menu. Cannot recommend the food enough.

Lovely atmosphere , Ashley and Portia are working so hard on refurbishment of this local place.

We all had something different and all enjoyed it the Barbados sauce was excellent and nice to try something different. Keep it up Ash 👍

Second visit since change of ownership and lots of refurbishment work has been done. You can still eat downstairs but the upstairs function room has now been refurbished into an alternative dinning area. My wife and I had a loverly meal, the service was as we like it, not too rushed giving time between courses. Downstairs is a pub atmosphere where upstairs has a more relaxed feeling. Considering the quality of the meal it was excellent value for money.

Garlic mushrooms are fab and fillet steak cooked to perfection. Good service, relaxed atmosphere. Will definitely be back. 😊

Visited as we heard the pub was under new ownership and thought we would try out Sunday lunch. Booked a table a few days in advance. When we arrived the car park was busy and we were seated downstairs as the upstairs restaurant was full. We were seated quickly and given menus and ordered drinks. Waited 10 mins for them to take our food order. Nearly 15 mins later the waitress came back to apologise for the wait and said our starters would be a little while as our order had just gone upstairs to the kitchen. We appreciated the honesty and within 10 mins we had our starters. The food was very good. Presented very well and tasty. We then waited over 30 mins for the main course to arrive. It wasn’t particularly busy downstairs and there were three staff serving 6 tables. They just seemed very unorganised and more interested in being behind the bar chatting. The only time they were busy was when the landlady came from upstairs and started directing them.

I’ve been going to The Unicorn for a while. The previous owners were great. Friendly and helpful, and the food was always well done and tasted amazing. Recently, The Unicorn has gone under new management, and they’re still doing a great job. The food is presented in a more ‘up-market’ way, with great layouts on the plate and generous portions. Normally, for a Sunday dinner, I’ll get chicken. This time around it wasn’t on the menu. Hopefully they haven’t got rid of that option! And if they have, maybe offer Turkey for people who aren’t big fans of beef. Nice atmosphere, busy, and glad to see the business doing well!

I've thought long and hard about writing this review for a pub that we've eaten at before and had a lovely time.

8 of us went to the unicorn for my sons 21st birthday on sat 26th jan the staff were rude and got our orders wrong not once but 3 times the food is not a patch on what it used to be when the previous owners were there I had the garlic mushrooms to start the sauce was like dishwasher not creamy at all like it should of been I then went on to order the steak and Guinness pie which was sloppy at best ll

We booked the function room for a family 50th birthday party last night. It was the first time we'd been upstairs since the unicorn has been under new management. The room looked lovely. We were going to decorate it ourselves with party decorations but due to refurbishment going on, they were using it for diners during the day so offered to decorate it using everything we'd brought over. Room looked so lovely so thank you.

As always an absolutely delicious lamb dinner, lovely choice of veg, home cooked roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding.. yum yum..

Excellent meal and very good service definitely worth a visit. Staff were very accommodating and food was of a high quality

Group of 8 visited and had a mixture of starters and mains. Food was delicious as ever and there was nothing left on the plates. Reasonably busy but we were served promptly and the staff were very attentive.

Went to have a meal with some friends was greeted by a rude lady who did not care we were here to eat. Did not receive a menu, until we had said out loud we had not received a menu. Quickly finished our drinks and left. Would not recommend as it seems they do not care for they're customers.

Try to buy a drink - questioned about my friends age who wasnt even drinking (and we are all 26 years old)

Came here for food a couple of weeks ago...compliments to chef Billy. ...Came yesterday for new years eve and the atmosphere was fabulous....a lovely buffet was offered and entertainment...all free...friendly staff and the cocktails were a hit. Definitely come back

This is the first time to have Sunday lunch at the Unicorn since it has been taken over by Ashley.

Just popped in for a pint and snack had a lovely gammon and scampy 2 meals for £12 excellent will definitely return again soon

I have had several meals at Ashleys and cannot recommend enough. Food is always delicious and such excellent value for money. They have recently moved to the Unicorn pub in Pontypool and it is lovely. I have had 2 meals there in the past week and both meals have been perfect. The large groups that I have been with have also thoroughly enjoyed their meals. Staff are always friendly and very accommodating. Great to have such a lovely pub and restaurant in Pontypool, Ashley & Porscha are doing a great job and have only been in the Unicorn a matter of weeks. Well done both.

Well done Ashley and your wife on the fantastic job you have done revamping the unicorn.

Well what can i say went for crimbo dinner today and was given a piece of steak with pepper corn sauce veg and roast patato when i thought i was gonna have a beef dinner, the service was poor when it come to our coffee and mince pie one of the waitress got a coffee pot from another table to give us how cheeky. veg was rock hard no Yorkshire pudds no pigs in blankets, its a shame really cos we been going to this pub for 4 years now and never had a problem with the food also puddings i wasnt allowed to pour my own cream, and paid £1.50 for mince pie witch was the size of a ten pence piece coffee was luke warm and like tar.

As we arrived we noticed the pub had changed hands . The menu obviously has changed also (which I collected myself as no one came to our table), smaller than before .

Three of us went for a meal Saturday. We were presented with the festive menu and that was it. Three courses, two courses or one course was all one price £19.95. One had lamb shank which was really good, a friend and myself had steak. I ordered them to be cooked medium. I was told they were all cooked the same. The steaks were really nice but if you wanted it rare or well done you'd had it. All the vegetables were piled in one dish, not appetising at all. The sprouts were as hard as bullets and also the other vegetables weren't appetising. There were no serving spoons presented so we had to manage. When we booked in no one knew where we were sitting, upstairs or down so after trudging upstairs we were informed we were sitting downstairs !! I asked the price for Sunday lunch, no one got back to me. Bring back the old Unicorn not this bunch of tossers that don't seem to know what day it is !!

The pub itself if very homely and cosy. We were a party of 4 and there were various options on the menu which suited us all. Unfortunately my 1st choice was not available and the same for another person in the party that wanted the haddock that was on the menu but that had been substituted with cod so they opted for scampi with salad. Unfortunately the salad was really boring as it only consisted of lettuce and a few slivers of red pepper with no dressing, so they loose a mark for that. I opted for the beef and Guinness pie with shortcrust pastry and it turned out to be one of the best pies I've every had. The mash with it and the carrots and broccoli were perfectly cooked, plenty of gravy in the pie to soak up the mash. 2 others had the pies and were equally satisfied. Sadly the meals were so generous none of us had room for a desert, and they all sounded so lovely. The landlord was very welcoming but the waitress did not look very happy at all and when she asked us about drinks we told her we wanted to pair our wine with our food choice so we would hang on to order. And really she should have advised us of the items that were not available on the menu at that point, before we chose our food. She was equally straight faced throughout our visit so for that I will drop another point for the service. The prices were equally attractive especially when you are used to London prices!! Well worth the visit for the food and the ambience and I'm sure you will find a warm welcome there.

The food here was gorgeous. Very reasonable prices too. The white chocolate cheesecake is to die for

Visited on Friday 14 September, having arrived for the weekend Abergaveny food festival, luckily we were able to get a table, selected this pub from previous reviews. We were served by a lovely friendly and very helpful lady. We choose 4 different meals, pies, lasagne and curry and all were excellent. It was also very good value. What a find, if your in the area definitely go.

food was really good and the service excellent there was 4 in our party the choice of meats for the roast was plenty the amount on your plate was very generous too

Visited with friends on a Saturday evening. Place was busy so glad we had reserved a table. Proper pub grub, great portions and fresh homemade food. Great value for money, 2 courses and drinks £36 for two people. Upstairs was hosting a private party. Car parking onsite. Clean with friendy helpful staff will definatley return.