Amelia Womack holding a Welsh flag

It’s just a few days away, and I am really looking forward to welcoming you all to Newport for our Autumn Conference. If you’ve not got your tickets yet, then please buy them now and come to Newport and get involved in our democratic processes as well as listen to inspiring speakers, attend training and get to know like minded people.

I am hoping that you’ll all take a chance to venture into town to support some of our amazing independent businesses. First things first, it’s worth downloading the Dragon Taxi Newport App that provides an app based mini cab service (like Uber, but without draining money out of communities). Here’s a few of my favourites:

Rag Tag Pizza

Location: 36 Clarence Place, Newport NP19 0AG
Opening times: Thurs-Sun 5pm-9pm

Top of my list is Rag Tag Pizza that has fantastic food and service with a range of vegan options. This local eatery has been the talk of the town since it opened 18 months ago and has been declared the second best pizza in Wales as well as listed in the top 25 places to eat in Newport.

This absolute gem of a place has recently been burgled twice in two weeks, so please show some solidarity and enjoy their range of pizza’s including one called “Kermit Gone Wild”. You can book a table on their Facebook page.

Le Pub

Location: 14 High Street
Opening Times: Fri & Sat 12pm-3am; Sun-Thurs 5pm-1am

My all time favourite place is Le Pub located at 14 High Street, which is a community owned music venue and pub that serves a whole range of drinks and cocktails and vegan food. I have lived in many places, and in my opinion there simply isn’t a venue like it. It’s truly inclusive and the staff and management are incredible – and I’m not just saying that because I am a shareholder. They are a genuine grass roots music venue with a club night open until 3am, and also have a bar area with a pool table. Ask for the Agwa shots if you dare …. And make sure you get pictures in their photo booth.

The Secret Garden

Location: 25 Charles Street
Opening Times: Wed-Sat 10am – 3.30pm

For breakfast I’ve often found myself in Secret Garden, who have a great veggie and vegan option. They do however do a mouth watering array of food and is a beautiful little spot, especially if it’s sunny and you get to enjoy the garden.

Ye Olde Murenger House

Location: 52-53 High St, Newport NP20 1GA
Opening Times: Mon – Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-3pm, 7pm-10.30pm

Growing up I use to think this pub was a genuine tudor building, but the fact it’s 19th century mock-Tudor doesn’t make it any less beautiful. The low beams and Victorian style interior is the perfect place to enjoy their Sam Smiths session ales.

Tiny Rebel Brewery Bar

Location: Wern Industrial Estate, Chartist Dr, Rogerstone, Newport NP10 9FQ
Opening times: Sun-Thurs 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am

This out of town brewery bar has a big industrial feel and is right next to the brewery itself and in the shadow of their grain silos, each decorated with the logos of different beers. You can book a brewery tour, or you can just hang out and try their wide range of Tiny Rebel beers in cask, keg, bottles and cans included their celebrated beer of the year, Cwtch. A food range is available, and there’s another Tiny Rebel bar in the town centre.

Bar Piazza

Location: 15 John Frost Square, Newport NP20 1HZ
Opening Times: Mon – Sat 9am-5.30pm

This family owned italian cafe and bar has been described by some as a little piece of Italy in Newport, and is a great place for breakfast and lunch. It serves Sexcellent coffee, sandwiches, baguettes, panini’ s and handmade cakes.

Diverse Vinyl

Location:10 Charles St, Newport NP20 1JU
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 9.30-5.30, Sat 10am-4pm

If like me you love an independent record store then stop by Diverse and pick up some albums.

Transporter Bridge

Location: Brunel St, Newport NP20 2JY
Closed 1st Oct until April 2020

The Newport Transporter Bridge is an icon of the city, and is one of just two such engineering projects in the UK. Unfortunately the bridge will be closed during Conference, but you can visit the base of the bridge and see a brief history of the construction, and if you want to have a ride on it then you can always come back next summer to help us in the Welsh Assembly campaign.

Other useful links

Vegan friendly restaurants: https://eatoutvegan.wales/county/newport
Best pubs in Newport: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/best-pubs-in-newport-2019-14199118
Best restaurants: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/25-best-restaurants-newport-2019-14687433