Pub operator JD Wetherspoon is to open a brand new family pub in Newport tomorrow (Tuesday), with the creation of 70 new jobs.
The company, which already operates two other public houses on the Island, has spent £1.86 million developing the outlet on the site of the former Temptations nightclub in St James’ Street, completely transforming the historic building into a family friendly establishment. Original stained glass windows have been repaired and original stonework brought back to life throughout the building.
The pub, which has been named ‘The Man in the Moon’, is set over two floors with a beer garden to the front of the building, where smoking will be permitted in a designated area. In addition, it is wheelchair accessible and has a specially-adapted toilet for people with disabilities.
Accompanying The William Coppin in Newport and S.Fowler & Co. in Ryde, the modern and welcoming pub will be open from 07:00 until 00:30 Sunday to Thursday and 07:00 until 01:30 on Friday and Saturday. Food will be served throughout the day until 23:00 and will specialise in real ales, serving a wide range of beers including those from local and regional brewers.
The Man in The Moon is targeting families and those wanting to enjoy a quieter setting. There will be no late night music or disco lighting but the fully refurbished building will instead offer a sophisticated and comfortable location for all to enjoy.
The site, which has been run down for a number of years, was once the Newport Congregational Church and has been home to several bars since the sale of the church in 2002. Designed by Francis Pouget, the Gothic style ‘Great Chapel’ was built in 1848. The trustees had secured the plot (messuage) for £500-5s and, in 1818, it was described as ‘the messuage formerly called The Man in the Moon’. It was recorded by that name in 1739 and many years earlier in the will of ‘John Hopkins Gent of Newport’ dated 14 October 1680.
Children, accompanied by an adult, will be welcome in the pub until 21:00 throughout the week. As a condition on the licence, both the adult and child (babies and toddlers excepted) must order a meal by 20:00, if the adult wishes to consume alcohol.
Photos, local history, commissioned artwork by local artists and information boards relating to events, history and characters of the area will be displayed in the pub. The artwork includes photography by Newport-born Ainsley Bennett, as well as Chris Weston, water colour drawing by Barry Ecuyer, oil on canvas by Lorna Seaward and two pieces by Celia Wilkinson.
Manager Tony Duncan said:
“Myself and my team are looking forward to welcoming customers into the pub and we are confident that it will be a great addition to the Newport community.”
