logo
Chepstow pub 'with a castle at the bottom of the garden'

Chepstow pub 'with a castle at the bottom of the garden'

After all, a man with a pub to rebuild, and a 'castle at the bottom of his beer garden,' is a very busy man indeed.
Steve's rescue of the Five All's is in keeping with his love of pubs. He saw his old boozer, where quaffed his first legal pint,in need of a bit of care. So Steve came tot eh rescue of the pub where he once worked as a teen barman.
As Steve opened, a stream of customers came in to use the beer garden. Among them, Rebecca Roy, from Toronto, Canada. She said: 'Great pub. We have them back home, but never this friendly.' Rebecca's pooch pal, Sophie Bear, loves the pub too.
The interior is welcoming, with a fair bit of wood panelling, is well-lit bar and has many friendly faces. There was no need to light the pubs log burner on this sweltering day.
Talking of a quashing a thirst in the heat, there are eers aplenty to choose from. The bar also serves a range of spirits, including a single malt for dinosaurs like me, lots of gin for the ladies and enough varieties of rum to keep the entire fleet afloat.
I tried a Hobgoblin Session IPA. The taste was quite hoppy, not as bitter as most IPAs and a good introduction for a novice like me. Apparently. the beer suits the sun. Steve recommends it as a good alternative to that good old mad apple cider to those cool summer highs.
The Five Alls continues its impressive recovery with music and will soon introduce food by the end of the summer, Steve explains.
There is live music on Fridays. Next week, local band Damaged Goods will be an unofficial opening of Chepstow's Choral Festival – so choral fans should avoid the Five Alls next Friday, at all costs advises Steve.
Steve looks forward to continuing his efforts to rescues the Great British Pub and hopes for help for the ails of the trade.
'Let's hope government sees that pubs are an essential part of British culture and life. So many have closed, we need to do more to save this great institution. Tell your MP to cut duty. You won't know what you've lost until they're all gone,' he said.
On a lighter note, he concluded: 'The Five Alls is still standing. A traditional pub serving up good company. Support you local pub – they're a part of you and a part of our culture.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

All the Aldi Specialbuys hitting stores this weekend including bargain beer and kids toys starting at 89p
All the Aldi Specialbuys hitting stores this weekend including bargain beer and kids toys starting at 89p

The Sun

time28 minutes ago

  • The Sun

All the Aldi Specialbuys hitting stores this weekend including bargain beer and kids toys starting at 89p

SHOPPERS are set for another rush to Aldi's middle aisle as the latest round of Specialbuys hit stores this weekend — with prices starting from just 89p. Among the top picks this week are the Lychee & Passion Fruit Bubble Tea and the Peach & Strawberry Bubble Tea, both 320ml and just £1.25 each. Little ones are in for a treat too, with the Kids Light Assortment at £2.99 and the Animal Hopper for £8.99. Also making a splash is the CRANE Bean Bag Toss at £19.99 — ideal for summer fun in the garden — and fidget toy cases for just £4.99. From Saturday, July 27, shoppers across the UK can pick up sizzling deals on everything from BBQ meats and beachwear to toys and kitchen must-haves — but they'll need to move fast, as everything is available only while stocks last. Holidaymakers and beach-lovers can grab Aldi's CRANE Surfing Long Wetsuit for £29.99. There's a child's version too, the Surfing Short Wetsuit, for only £9.99, making it affordable for the whole family to hit the water. Also returning to shelves are summer favourites like the Swimming Noodle (£2.49), Pool Sports Ball (£3.49), and Neoprene Ball (£3.99). Outdoorsy types will want to snap up the Pull Along Picnic Cooler from CROFTON, priced at just £14.99. It's perfect for keeping drinks chilled on days out. Staying hydrated is easy too, thanks to the Water Tracker Bottle for £2.79. Over in the meat aisle, Aldi's BBQ-friendly range is bigger and better. Highlights include Ashfield's British Chicken Drumsticks, £3.79 for a 2kg pack, and premium cuts like the XXL Sirloin Steak for £15.99 and XXL Rump SteaKfor £12.99). If you fancy something with flavour, pick up the Sweet Chilli Koftas (£4.29) or the Asia specialities pork belly slices in either Salt & Pepper or Sweet & Sour styles, both just £3.49. For an easy dinner with a twist, the Ready, Set…Cook! Crispy Aromatic Spatchcock Duck with Pancakes (£10.99). Youngsters will also love Aldi's creative bits, like the Blowpens & Plusterpens set at £1.49, which is great for keeping kids entertained over the holidays. The little town Animal Hopper priced at £8.99 is likely to be a fast-seller for active play indoors or out. For those who enjoy garden games, the CRANE Bean Bag Toss costing £19.99 is a brilliant addition to any family gathering. And the Kids Light Assortment, at just £2.99, is a fun and affordable way to brighten up little ones' bedrooms. More Aldi middle aisle buys IF it's middle aisle buys that you're looking here, some of the new items you won't want to miss. Shoppers recently went wild for Aldi's new 'pregnancy and menopause essential' - and it's only £6.99. Garden enthusiasts raced to nab a £6.99 buy that will add style to any garden in an instant. A £12.99 garden find left shoppers open-mouthed - but you'll need to sprint to nab it. If you're looking to light up your garden this summer, you won't want to miss this £8.99 solar light. 6

Marcus Rashford back with ex-fiancee Lucia Loi two years after split as childhood sweetheart joins him in Barcelona
Marcus Rashford back with ex-fiancee Lucia Loi two years after split as childhood sweetheart joins him in Barcelona

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

Marcus Rashford back with ex-fiancee Lucia Loi two years after split as childhood sweetheart joins him in Barcelona

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MARCUS Rashford has rekindled his relationship with former fiancée Lucia Loi — and she was with him when he signed for FC Barcelona, The Sun can reveal. The Three Lions ace, 27, and childhood sweetheart Lucia, 26, were together during a photoshoot before he was unveiled as the Catalan giants' latest signing at the Camp Nou stadium. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Marcus Rashford being unveiled as Barcelona's latest signing at the Camp Nou stadium Credit: Getty 7 The footie ace has rekindled his relationship with former fiancée Lucia Loi Credit: Getty 7 Rashford had proposed to Lucia after a romantic meal at celebrity restaurant Catch LA in 2022 She took his photo, then moved behind him to take another and seemingly checked his shirt before the Man United exile posed beside a traditional red British phone box. Rashford was later seen emerging from the kiosk in a post on FC Barcelona's social media, captioned: 'Hello? Barca? For sure, I'm coming.' The striker has signed a year-long deal with Barcelona, who have an option to buy him next summer for around £26million. Old Trafford boss Ruben Amorim has made it clear he will not play for United while he is in charge. Rashford has been given the No14 shirt previously worn by big names including Johan Cruyff, Thierry Henry and Ronald Koeman. The Sun understands that Rashford has asked calming influence Lucia, who works in PR, to help him settle in to life in Spain so he can focus on his football. But they were not seen together until they were unwittingly snapped preparing for his phone box stunt. A source said the pair have stayed close, despite their 2022 engagement fizzling out, and have grown close again of late. They added: 'Marcus knows that some of the best moments in his career have occurred when Lucia has been at his side. 'They got together when they were very young and have had ups and downs, but a friendship has always remained. Barcelona announce loan signing of Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford 'He knows that she is good for him and she is one of the few people in the world he knows has got his best interests at heart. She is very sensible and helps keep him grounded.' Rashford said of his move: 'I'm very excited. It's a club where dreams come true. 'It feels like I'm at home and it's a big factor in my choice to come here. It's a family club and people are comfortable here.' Rashford, who flew out yesterday with his new teammates for his new club's Far East pre-season tour, and Lucia have been friends for at least a decade. They met at Ashton on Mersey School in Manchester where both were pupils. He was sent there as a teenage United academy player. They were dating when he made his first team debut in February 2016 in a UEFA Europa League match against FC Midtjylland. 7 Lucia takes snap of her man during photoshoot at the Camp Nou Credit: x 7 Lucia lends Marcus a hand by checking his shirt 7 Rashford during Barca's phone box stunt Credit: Facebook. He scored twice in the 5-1 victory at Old Trafford. They split in 2021 after Covid put a strain on their relationship but reconciled the following year. In February 2022, they were seen at the world premiere of Amazon Prime documentary 'Rooney' at HOME cinema in Manchester. Three months later, he proposed to Lucia after a romantic meal at celebrity restaurant Catch LA in West Hollywood, California. He got down on one knee and handed her a £250,000 engagement ring, posting a picture on Instagram of them kissing. Behind them was a large heart made from white flowers. Beneath the picture was the date and a love heart emoji. Lucia, who graduated with first class honours in Advertising and Brand Management, was a regular in the stands at Old Trafford. But in June 2023, sources said Rashford and the former Manchester Metropolitan University student had split after he was seen with a model outside a hotel in Miami. 7 Sources said Rashford and Lucia had split in June 2023 Credit: Getty She was later identified as personal trainer Courtney Caldwell. In November 2023, Rashford and Lucia were seen having dinner at a restaurant in Manchester. He was briefly linked to model and former Love Island contestant Grace Jackson last year, but the relationship ended in December. Back in Spain, meanwhile, Rashford is expected to be on 15 per cent less than the £315,000-a-week he was paid at Man United. He spent the second half of last season at Aston Villa after Amorim made it plain he would not be part of his plans for United's future. Barcelona almost signed Rashford in January, a move the star said he wanted to go through. After the deal was finally signed on Wednesday, club president Joan Laporta said: 'We are very happy because a player of great quality is coming, at a great age. 'We have him as strong as a rock. He came in very motivated.'

'I'm part of British royal family after Queen's secret marriage and love child'
'I'm part of British royal family after Queen's secret marriage and love child'

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

'I'm part of British royal family after Queen's secret marriage and love child'

Queen Victoria had a secret lovechild with her manservant, a new documentary claims. Here a woman, who believes she's a descendent of the royal, speaks out Queen Victoria and John Brown were not only secretly married, they had a love child, a new documentary will claim. Historian Dr Fern Riddell believes she has found proof that the monarch and her manservant were deeply in love – and that the Queen gave birth to her tenth child, a girl called Mary-Anne, whose father was John. ‌ "I believe Victoria and John were madly in love. I believe I've found evidence that they got married, and I really do believe there's a strong possibility they may have had a child together," she says. ‌ TV lawyer Rob Rinder, who appears in the documentary to cast his sceptical eye over her findings, says: "Big claims. If you're right, that changes our understanding of history." ‌ In her new book, Victoria's Secret, Riddell reveals that she has located a direct descendent of Mary-Anne _ Angela Webb, who lives in Minnesota, USA. John Brown was her grandfather's great uncle and she grew up knowing all the stories about her family coming from an illegitimate branch of British royalty – but never thinking it could be proved. She shows off a basket of heirlooms in the Channel 4 programme and explains: "They were originally Queen Victoria and John Brown's and have made their way to me. There are books, there's jewellery, there's documents. ‌ "This brooch was commissioned by Queen Victoria. It says March 29, 1896. It does have a lock of hair in the back as well. "This is a handwritten note from Victoria. It has the royal seal. It says to place a wreath and flowers in dear John Brown's room on his bed on the 27th, which would have been the anniversary of his passing." ‌ Angela says the story she grew up with is that John Brown was far more than a close companion of Queen Victoria's. She says: "We were told there was a romantic relationship, that there was a long boat journey and there was a baby, Mary-Anne, that was Queen Victoria's and John Brown's – and my family has descended from that baby." Dr Fern says that the secret Brown family archive that she has unearthed proves beyond all doubt that the pair were lovers – and had a baby girl who was given to John's brother Hugh to bring up with his wife Jessie. The couple, who were childless, then moved to New Zealand with the baby, and it helped to avoid a scandal. But later it's said that Queen Victoria begged them to return to Scotland with the child – and they did. In the film, Dr Fern says that the end of Victoria's marriage to Prince Albert had been an unhappy time. Victoria had struggled through her nine pregnancies and suffered from post-natal depression, plus symptoms including hallucinations that may have been mistaken for the madness that had afflicted King George. ‌ She says doctors had warned against any further pregnancies, meaning the couple would have had to practice celibacy. "So in her late 30s, she is told to no longer have a sexual connection with her husband. It's going to cause a real issue in their marriage for her." Dr Fern believes the Queen always had a strong sex drive. "She was sensual, she adored physical pleasure." One example of this is a young Victoria writing that she had been riding in the rain with Albert, who was wearing "tight white cashmere pantaloons" and noting that he had on "nothing under them", which she had also underlined. ‌ Fern says that she can understand why Victoria would have been drawn to John Brown at this time, because he was young and handsome and dashing. She explains: "When you look at this, you can see why Queen Victoria is irresistibly drawn to him." When her marriage to Albert becomes strained, the couple spent more time in Scotland at Balmoral, where John would have spent much time with Victoria. "This allows a space for a wounded Queen to indulge in a flirtation with a strong, sexy young man," Dr Fern says. There are many examples of love letters, unearthed from the Brown family archive, including one that the monarch wrote to John's brother Hugh in 1886, to let him know how she felt about his brother. It says: "I took and held his dear kind hand. I told him no one loved him more than I did. And he answered, nor you than me, no one loves you more." ‌ In one Christmas card she tells her lover: "My lips may give a message better of Christmas love than even my letter." And in case that wasn't clear enough, another says: "I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Rinder agrees this could only mean they had a "deep, meaningful and enduring" love affair. But the affair was hushed up, and so too was the pregnancy, Dr Fern believes, which happened when the Queen was in mourning over Prince Albert and out of public life. ‌ She finds evidence to suggest that Victoria and John were secretly married and declares: "I think there was a surprise baby, spirited away to New Zealand. Then, once Victoria and John had committed to one another, they decided to bring Hugh and Jessie and Mary-Anne home." Angela was "flabbergasted" when Dr Fern contacted her to ask questions about her ancestry. She believes she can "see myself" in pictures of Queen Victoria and is now keen to do a DNA test. She says: "I'd love to be able to prove that they had a really beautiful love story. I'd love to be able to say this was a legitimate part of John Brown's life - that he was her second greatest love." But the American admits: "If it's proven that I am a descendent of Queen Victoria, I'm not sure how I'll feel."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store