Rafters Restaurant in Newport

Reviews

1. Jonathan Davies ★★★☆☆

   I visited Rafters as part of a large group for the Christmas Festive Menu. To start off, the vegetarian options for the set menu were very limited to butternut squash risotto only which feels quite meager considering the choice that is available in lots of other restaurants. I had asked to have the cauliflower steak off of the normal lunch menu which the chef kindly agreed to as well as the chocolate brownie for desert - keep in mind that this is £26 for two courses. The restaurant itself was clean however generally appeared to lack atmosphere. Service was ok, no real problems but no real 'next-level' service going on either. For a Christmas event, it felt quite impersonal although the surroundings and views of the Usk Valley are nice to look at. The cauliflower steak itself was ok however for the price, it left quite a bit to be desired. No side vegetables or potatoes etc. are offered and it really could have done with a sauce. It did come with a couple of pickled vegetables on top and crispy kale but it wasn't enough to elevate the dish in any meaningful way. It was one of those dishes that you take a look at and think - "where's the rest of it?!". The brownie was a bit better, but again, nothing particularly special stood out. It filled me up a bit after the main. The main problem is the price - for £26, you can go to restaurants in the area for a three course meal. Ok, it may not have the Celtic Manor label attached to it, or the views but I think you would probably find something more hearty, filling and with more choice at less well-known places. You'd probably also get a Christmas cracker which was also missing today. Given the current cost-of-living and that this might be the only venue that someone might go to for their Christmas meal - I think Rafters/Celtic Manor need to do more. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either and I think the biggest sin is having customers that leave hungry. I would rate the meal a 2 stars but will add an additional star for the accommodations that the chef made. Beans on toast for dinner then...

   almost 7 months ago
2. Debra Powell ★★★★★

   Visited Rafters 6th September 25 for a birthday treat ..lovely place and the staff were amazing ..food also lovely ..definitely worth a visit x

   almost 10 months ago
3. Hsc ★★★★☆

   Nice place to have a dinner and drink play and stay golf ⛳

   almost 10 months ago

1. Jon Davies ★★★★★

   This is our 2nd visit to Rafters and it doesn't disappoint. Yes it's expensive, but we had a voucher which reduced the price. The views overlooking the golf course are stunning. The service is excellent and the food is very tasty and well cooked.

   1 year ago
2. Annamarie Winks ★★★★★

   The welcome was lovely by the very well trained, personable staff. Excellent views of the golf course & add on top of that the gorgeous food & wine. Thank you for making it a throughly lovely afternoon xxx

   almost 2 years ago
3. Heqing Shen ★★★★☆

   One of the many restaurants located in this lovely resort. Pork belly as starter was without much flavour. Salmon skin was very crispy and tasty. Although they got our bill wrong in the end. Would recommend for the view and atmosphere of the resort.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Scotty Grech-Matthews ★★☆☆☆

   I’m frustratingly disappointed with our dining experience which was a gift from family. Rafters was described to us as a 5 star dining experience, it is better represented of a upper class pub dining with strict dress code. We are travellers from Australia, we read the dress code and had been told it was no shorts or flip flops after 5pm. No trainers. When we phoned to explain that we did not pack dress shoes but only trainers (clean and not torn or anything), we asked what our options were and we were told that we can book into another restaurant. We borrowed shoes from family members, only to find upon arrival most persons wearing trainers, some in flip flops and 1 guest in shorts!! To add insult, we asked if we could vape or smoke at the outside area but were refused, we queried this as other guests were already smoking and vape and that the restaurant provided ashtrays. We were told that they discourage breaking of rules this but do not enforce the rules. Our meals where fine however they did mix up the steaks and my husband got my steak although we were 2 of 6 guests at the time we ordered. They cater for larger parties so do expect an intimate dining experience. They are also willing to pull tables together which I expect from a pub. In short I felt like a second rate person who was told to adhere to a standard that was not applicable to other guests. My recommendation to the restaurant is to downgrade the dress code in line with what you are willing to enforce as by reducing expectations you reduce disappointment. I commend the service, it was very attentive. To other guests, if staying at the resort, it’s pleasant enough with beautiful views. The manager did offer us a bottle of their house rose to take with us. To anyone else go somewhere else. If from Cardiff, try the Tyr Winch Pub which offers freshly made food with an equal dining experience and atmosphere. It’s where we ended our evening.

   almost 4 years ago
2. Sue ★★★★★

   Lovely restaurant, attentive staff & amazing food! Stone Bass with Saffron Pearl potatoes and Halibut with Mussels were both delicious. Chocolate parfait with peanut butter ice cream and caramelised banana was divine but the Raspberry Opera looked more impressive than it tasted. Definitely worth a visit whether you're staying at the Celtic Manor or not. Would certainly recommend and re-visit.

   almost 4 years ago
3. Leane Edwards ★★★★★

   Didn't take many photos of the food as I was busy enjoying myself! The food was delicious and the staff were excellent. The guy at the front desk was amazing while we waited for the shuttle back to the hotel, It was very late so he showed us around a little which was lovely. We had a 3 course meal and so full by the time we finished desserts which was yum! Can't wait to visit again.

   almost 4 years ago

1. Malcolm Thomas ★★★★★

   Visited for lunch, a lovely restaurant with great staff and very nice food. It was our first visit to Rafters and we weren't disappointed, very nice lunch menu. Very nice setting with stunning countryside views from the dining room. Would definitely recommend.

   almost 4 years ago

FAQs