Reviews of Rock Inn, Blackwood
Review by Ian Lilley on 22nd February, 2011
Add your review Date visited: 21/02/2011
I grew up in and around Blackwood and The Rock has always been a favourite of mine (as well as incredibly local). The place has changed hands and look quite a bit over the years and is now being run by the Taylors.
There's no arguing that the place looks lovely and has been very sensitively and tastefully decorated. I haven't tried the food but there seems to be a good choice on the menu and some great lunchtime deals. I did sample the ale and have to say that it tasted clean and crisp and hit the right spot.
However, I was shocked and appalled by the Taylors themselves. When I went to the bar to get another round in Jennifer approached me while Paul poured. She said that she had been listening in to mine and my friend's conversation and that she found the language offensive.
(Now, I would like to take the opportunity right now to mention that we were the only customers in the bar and our conversation was appropriately quiet.)
I am not one for vulgar language and was a little taken aback by this. When I pushed the matter further with her she explained that she had been listening in to our conversation and found that what we were talking about was offensive. Here I need to point out that my friend was another man and we were, in fact, on a date. The conversation wasn't vulgar but it did contain homosexual comment and references - something Jennifer Taylor finds offensive. We hadn't even touched, let alone kissed, so as not to cause offense (which, in this day and age, I should not be worrying about).
Paul seemed to be as taken aback as me at this point and Jennifer obviously hadn't made him privy to her eavesdropping discoveries until now.
The outcome of this was for Jennifer to tell Paul not to serve us and to throw us out - which Paul obliged to do.
Jennifer would not expand on what it was in our conversation that she found offensive - she preferred to call out the police and have us removed and waste their time.
I will miss the Rock - somewhere I have been going for a drink and food over the last 18 years. It certainly is a beautiful pub, it's just a shame that the management have such an ugly attitude.
Last night brought back a lot of memories of what it was like to grow up in the Valleys as a gay man. They weren't happy ones...
Review by David Bragg on 8th March, 2010
Add your review Date visited: 3/1/2010-3/7/2010
A Magic Week at The Rock!
I have stayed in Cardiff many times at Marriott and Holland House while working in Wales. Finally I decided to stay near work in Blackwood against much resistance by others. But I wanted some quiet local color rather than shopping and partying in Cardiff. I spent one week at The Rock. I must say this was the most amazing hotel or B&B type experience I have ever had. I will never forget the time I had in the magical company of Paul and Jennifer Taylor, the owners. Great, clean accomodations, great food, great pub and music. The local patrons were very friendly towards the Yankees from Oklahoma. We've never met such friendly people. But the real magic here is the owners. What a wonderful pair. Together, they make your experience like a memorable event with close friends. From the moment we met them it was fun, compfortable and enojyable. Paul is so funny and talented. Ask him to do some impressions or just trade jokes with him. Their rendition of "Master of The House" is priceless! Ignore any of the people that gave a bad review. Never has a hotel given me 1% of the experience I had at The Rock. I recommend The Rock for anyone who wants a home-like environment, which is upstairs with everything you will ever need (seriously). When you decide to have an awesome ale or some great food and company, walk down to the pub or restaurant for a lively or quiet time, depending upon your wants. They will seat you in a more interactive area or one more secluded. As much as I have said here, I can not say enough about the Welsh experience I had at The Rock. And that goes also for my 3 companions.
You will likely forget every hotel stay in your life, but The Rock is one stay you will not forget. And I say that with the utmost fondness and appreciation. The only reason for a bad review is so the place won't fill up next time I come...
Review by Tracy Reynolds on 19th February, 2010
Add your review Date visited: 19/04/09
I travelled from Scotland to visit my mum in Wales for the weekend of her Birthdy, as it was all a last minute surpise I had not booked a restaurant in advance.
I contacted the Rock and explaned the situation. They could accommodate our party on the Sunday although it would be a late sitting due to them already being fully booked.
We had a fantastic time the food was excellent the staff were friendly and helpfull and the cost was nominal.
Thanks to all for a great day.
Review by Jane Willets on 12th August, 2009
Add your review Date visited: July 2009
Visiting on a nostalgia trip as I lived in Blackwood some time ago and have fond memories of a beautiful traditional pub serving good ales, good honest grub and always a warm welcome.Very attractive pub. Food passable. Service OK only. Landlord scary!
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