Description

Formed over 10 years ago, PONCHARTRAIN'S music is described as ‘vintage Americana’ – "It's a honky-tonk, rockabilly, Cajun, bluesy kind of thing. The vibe is very 40s and 50s, I love stuff by amazing writers like Little Jimmy Dickens, Leadbelly, Wiley Barkdull and Bessie Smith, so we draw on some great songs, but play them with our own spirit and sound. There is a big resurgence of interest in this music at the moment, which is great to see!” Frontman Paul Godden's musical career started back in the 1970’s, playing and singing around the folk and blues clubs of Bristol and London. From roots blues, to R&B, country, bluegrass and rockabilly, and he has been the mainstay of numerous bands since then. In addition to radio and TV work, he has backed and supported the likes of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Patsy Montana, Doctor Ross, Champion Jack Dupree, Jo-Anne Kelly, Flaco Jimminez and numerous 50s rockabilly legends as steel guitar player with Cardiff band The Rimshots. Paul has also toured and recorded with Van Morrison, and appears on two of Van’s albums ‘You Win Again’ and ‘Pay the Devil’.

In PONCHARTRAIN Paul provides the lead vocals, and rhythm guitar, doubling on steel guitar and dobro. He is joined by Jean Godden on fiddle and accordion (Kelvin Henderson Band, Jo-Anne Kelly, Flaco Jimminez, Rimshots). The band also features Stig Manley on lead guitar (Hookem Boys, Adrian Utley Guitar Orchestra), Joe Allan on double-bass (Stangelove, Saturation Point, Alison Moyet) and Tim Robinson on drums (Daily Planet and beyond..). On the band's new album 'LONESOME JOURNEY' they are joined on piano by John Baggott (Robert Plant) and on harmonica by Professor of Criminology Kevin ‘Doc’ Stenson!

Description

Standing in the shadow of the imposing battlements of Chepstow Castle, a successful refurbishement has seen an upgrade of the interior which is broadly open plan facing towards the curved bar counter. What could be described as the public bar area has wooden floorboards with matching wooden furniture with a cosy sofa and small fireplace near the bar. On a lower level is a tastefully furnished lounge with an old fireplace with a hard fuel stove as its focal point above which is an attractive old clock dedicated to 'Sir George Thorold, Knight, Baronet, Lord Mair of London'. Enjoy also the lovely dresser with its modern ornaments and coloured lights near some window seating. A small dining room with old exposed stonework is off the bar and gives access to the toilets and outside patio. Car parking is at the rear outside the castle. Ales are usually sourced from the likes of Castles Brewery of Caldicot, Kingstone of Tintern, Rhymney or West Country brewers. Food is either made on the premises or sourced locally with the pie selection having interesting names. This also where the Chepstow Time Travellers Society meet. Note the old Whitbread Brewery plaque near the entrance claiming "The Best in the West" with the brewery founding date 1760.

32 Bridge Street,

Chepstow,

Monmouthshire,

Wales,

NP16 5EY.

01291 645 797