As a child of the 1980s (born in 76) I can’t think of many pubs or social clubs in or around the edges of Cwmbran that I didn’t spend some time on at least one occasion with a warm cola and bag of crisps.
Thank my parents for that.
But I can’t recall ever going to The Crown Inn in Sebastopol. Blame my parents for that.
This former pub has been turned into a stunning cafe and bar called Bridge 48- check out my photos. It opened last year and I’ve meant to pop in for ages.
The canal
It overlooks the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal so is perfect for anyone enjoying a stroll along the towpath to use for a drink or bite to eat. I spotted a poster on the wall advertising events including a cheese and wine night, a quiz, and Mother’s Day specials. So check out their social media for their latest events.
The doors open at 10am on Saturdays and I was in the area last weekend about 40 minutes too early. I just walked by the waterside for 20 minutes before turning around and heading back to Sebastopol. A nice way to build up an appetite.
It was breakfast so I dived in with The Big One- a bap with two sausage patties, crispy smoked bacon, fried eggs, and a side of tortilla chips (£7.50).
When it arrived on my table I toyed with picking it up with two hands and diving in. Nope, I went for the safe option of using a knife and fork and enjoying every mouthful without any of it ending up down my top.
Outdoor seating
Despite the stunning blue sky, it was a chilly morning so I sat inside but I did peek through the door at the outdoor seating area and thought it’d make a cracking people-watching spot on a warm summer evening.
Looking at the size of the place, solid brick build, and its location it must have been a pub filled with characters and fun. I can only blame my parents for not taking me there back in its heyday.
I was there when a staff member opened the doors at 10am. The entrance is through a stone arch and one of the pub’s original thick wooden doors with metal bolts. They made a satisfying clatter as they opened for the day.
The owners have done a cracking job of turning [what I imagine was] a lovely, old pub into a lovely, new cafe bar.
Address and bill
📍Bridge 48, Greenhill Road, Sebastopol, Pontypool.
💵 Total bill was £10.50. My cappuccino was £3