The Punch House, 4 Agincourt Square, MONMOUTH, NP25 3BT [Map]
01600 713855 
11-23 MO-SA; 12-15, 19-22:30 SU
Evening Meals, Real Fire, Beer Garden, Lunchtime Meals

Me outside the Punch House, November 1998

Popped into this pub for a quiet lunchtime drink and for some food and was very impressed by the pub's beer, food and friendliness of the staff.

My initial reaction as I approached the pub was that it was an impressive 17th century building but unfortunately had large posters up promoting it as a place to watch Sky Sports. Maybe I'm getting a little fussy about the things good pubs should hang up outside their premises. However, once I was inside this was soon forgotten. A smart bar with well kept Brains beers on offer (other ales were available too) and very friendly, chatty staff. Good quality basic food on offer that certainly filled us up with polite swift service. Basically an open plan beamed bar with red leatherette settles and a no-smoking area. There's also seating out the front in the summer in the town square beside the Town Hall and opposite the King's Head Hotel, now a Wetherspoon's pub.