Voice caught up with Nathan, manager of this fine restaurant within Friars Walk, to tell us what’s going on this spring at Bistrot Pierre. Here’s what he had to say:

You are one of the most popular restaurants in Newport City Centre, why do you think that is?
Our changing menus, great value food and customer service. It’s simple and delicious food that’s well presented.We use great ingredients sourced from artisan producers in France to make our dishes extra special, combined with the freshest ingredients that complement each other – it’s food we are proud to put on the plate. We are consistent and offer quality food, lovingly prepared and that offers great value for money. It makes every day dining special.

What’s new on the menu for spring?
Fish is always popular and is an ideal choice for a lighter meal now spring is approaching. Lovely new seasonal dishes include Salade Niçoise avec crevette – grilled king prawns, French beans, roasted peppers, olives, semi-dried tomatoes, warm new potatoes, artichoke, crispy anchovies and a soft poached egg and Loup de mer – Sea bass with sautéed green beans, sun-blushed tomatoes, basil and a caper and herb dressing

What’s been a best-seller from your gluten-free menu?
All our gluten free dishes are popular, rump steak probably being the bestseller.

We hear breakfast is quite popular at your restaurant, what’s your favourite option to start the day?
Eggs – the best start to the day. All Bistrot Pierre breakfast dishes provide a delicious start to the day for all customers, no matter how big their appetite. We showcase the humble egg as part of a number of delicious dishes which, when accompanied by ingredients such as Scottish oak-smoked salmon, hollandaise sauce and fresh, toasted muffins, are a very popular option. Our home-made crepes are a wonderful choice for those feeling a bit more indulgent. The mascarpone and fresh berries are perfect toppings for our freshly cooked, light and perfectly flipped pancakes – just like those served in French cafes
and from stalls in Paris! Whatever take customers’ fancy though, Bistrot Pierre’s breakfasts are sure to meet their taste buds’ expectations.

What two dishes would you recommend for a fish lover from the two-course prix-fixe lunch menu for £10.95?
From the April lunch menu I’d recommend the pâté au maquereau – smoked, sustainable mackerel pâté with crème fraîche, lemon and paprika. And Croquettes de poisson – Fish cake, sautéed spinach, soft poached egg and Hollandaise sauce.

For someone going to see a show at the Riverfront theatre, what would you suggest as a pre-show meal?
Our pre-theatre menu changes monthly to give those visiting the theatre a good reason to visit. I’d personally pick our Fritots de calamars, lightly spiced crispy fried squid with roasted garlic mayonnaise, and the filet de haddock, baked fillet of haddock on a spiced chickpea and apricot cassoulet with a lemon herb dressing.

Do you have anything planned for the Easter holidays?
We expect to be very busy with families dining with us over the holidays, but we will be open as usual and will be serving our Prix-fixe lunch menu.

And, what’s new on the menu for children?
Our children’s menu has proved extremely popular in Newport.We have no new dishes but we are refreshing the activity pack with a launch date in May.

Finally, when does the new menu launch?
Our spring/summer menu launches April 12th, with some lovely new seasonal dishes for people to try.

Le Bistrot Pierre can be found at FriarsWalk Shopping Centre, UskWay, Newport NP20 1HG. To book a table call 01633 744300. For more information about its menus and services visit lebistrotpierre.co.uk/locations/newport.