The Unicorn Inn of Pontypool is undergoing a huge refurbishment, thanks to its new owners Ashley Stephens and Porscha Hilton.

The couple are no strangers when it comes to running a successful venue, as they previously owned Ashley’s at The Forge, located just up the road from the Unicorn. As the business needed to expand due to the high-demand of its food offerings, they have moved to a much larger premises to accommodate its customers.

They have spared no expense in transforming the old function room into a lavish new restaurant entitled Ashley’s at The Unicorn, where diners are invited to enjoy gastro-style options from the a la carte menu.

Fans of Ashley’s at the Forge will be pleased to learn that the menu will be very similar, but with a culinary twist as chef Ashley is joined by friend and former work colleague Billy Henry, with the duo having a combined experience of 58 years working in some of the finest restaurants in the country.

The chefs’ vast experience and knowledge allows them to create sensational dishes made from the finest locally sourced meats, fresh fruit and vegetables – specialising in signature Black Gate steaks and fish dishes.

The a la carte menu will change every eight weeks, allowing its diners to sample something new – Voice got the chance to photograph a few options from the current menu to give you a little taster of what to expect when visiting.

Catering for people’s dietary requirements is quite a common these days, and they’re very proud of the fact that a coeliac, vegetarian or vegan can easily order something from the menu without having to worry about what’s in it, such as their gluten free sauces.

There’s also an early bird menu to choose from, served for lunch up until early evening, where you can choose one course for £6, two-courses for £10.95 and threecourse for £14.50.

Additionally, there is a wide variety of choice for the youngsters too, with a full children’s menu to choose from.

Food is served daily from noon until 9pm, Tuesday to Saturday, with Sunday lunch being served from noon until 4pm, priced at £13.50 for two-courses and £16.50 for three-courses. There’s always a choice of at least three roasts to choose from as well as fish dish and a vegetarian/vegan option. Bookings are also being taken for Mothering Sunday, which this year falls on March 31.

For Valentine’s Day and also the following Friday and Saturday, there will be special three-course menu available priced at £25 per person, which includes a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival – booking essential.

The downstairs bar and lounge area will also be having a major refurbishment in the up-and-coming months, with the intention of it being a place for pre-drinks before being seated in the upstairs restaurant. There are plans to install flat screen televisions and a big screen projector to show Sky Sports.

Ashley’s at the Unicorn is also the ideal place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, while the space also lends itself to hosting training courses and business meetings, too. There’s a full catering service for all functions, which can accommodate both private and corporate events.

With plenty of parking spaces and a very warm welcome and relaxed environment, Ashley’s at the Unicorn makes for the perfect venue for any occasion, where you can enjoy great food, be entertained by live music, watch live sports on the big screen or relax in peace outside in the quaint, idyllic beer garden during the warmer months.

Ashley’s at the Unicorn - Albion Road, Pontypool NP4 6LE

01495 751 304

www.facebook.com/TheUnicornPontypool/