Today is day 26 of Blogtober and I’m going off topic so I can share my latest Eat Out Vegan post. For a change it’s not about vegan places to eat in Pembrokeshire. At the weekend, Jo and I popped on the train to visit our younger sister Ceri in Newport for late birthday celebrations. We had no idea where we were going, but Ceri took us to explore Newport Market. Take a look:
Newport Market
Newport Market is a traditional Victorian indoor market, in Newport, South Wales. It is an early example of a large-span cast iron-frame building, featuring a glass-filled barrel roof.
In 2020, the market was closed for a major redevelopment. As with all changes like this there were mixed views among the locals. I’m sure everyone agrees that it was the end of an era when the market in it’s traditional format closed.
In 2022, the market reopened and some of the original market stalls returned. The newly refurbished market includes market stalls, a food hall and bar on the ground floor. Rae Barton Fruit and Veg, who had been in the market for more than a century, retained its spot. Friendly Neighbourhood Comics also returned. Toy and ornament seller, City Treasures, relocated from Commercial Street. Other stalls include a candle shop, home decor stall, pet food shop, sustainable soap eco-shop and a vintage clothes shop.
Food and drink outlets included Banh Wagon, Deli Bach, Dirty Gnocchi, Friends in Knead, Meat and Greek, Newport Distillery, Rogue Welsh Cake Company, Seven Lucky Gods, Tasty Peninsula and The Greedy Bear. Many of these offer vegan options. I meant to pick up some vegan Welsh Cakes from the Rogue Welsh Cake Company before I left. I think they also sold vegan Bara Brith.
The new market also includes 70 workspaces, a gym and a roof garden.
The matchstick model of Newport Transporter Bridge remains on display in the redeveloped market.
We had a walk around the stalls at Newport Market. I particularly liked the home deco stalls full of seasonal decor (think cute pumpkin ornaments) and the vintage clothes stall. Then we settled down at a table in the foodcourt and bar area.
Newport Market Food Court
We made a note of our table number, scanned the Good Eats QR code and began choosing our drinks and then our food. It was a good system which meant we could all order easily from different vendors.
Dirty Gnocchi
There was so much choice but I decided to order from Dirty Gnocchi as I enjoy gnocchi but hadn’t had it in this way before. They describe it as an Italian version of street food dirty fries. I went for the Dirty Vegan which is gnocchi with vegan cheese. vegan bacon, chilli, paprika and house aioli. It was so delicious and I’m definitely going to make this at home rather than just serve gnocchi with pesto or a pasta sauce as I usually do. It was funny when they came over to the table and asked, “Who’s the Dirty Vegan?” I said, “Me!”.
Jo had the Dirty Vegetarian Gnocchi which was similar but with vegetarian cheese and a different sauce. I realised after that the Dirty Fungi dish can be made vegan too so that sounds nice for another visit.
We ordered our drinks from the Academy Cafe Bar. It was good to share a bottle of Prosecco with my sisters. Our friend, Rachel was driving or we would have shared with her too, instead she had a sip for the photo.
Drago Lounge, Newport
We then went to Drago Lounge for cocktails and mocktails. We chose a pitcher of Cherry Bakewell, which was delicious. Mine didn’t last long as it was too nice! This is why I don’t generally drink cocktails- I’m unable to sip them! So delicious!
Later we went back to Ceri’s for more drinks, food, a film night and a sleepover. I can’t wait until our next visit! Thank you, Ceri!
Eat Out Vegan at Dirty Gnocchi
Dirty Gnocchi can be found in the Food Court F6 at Newport Market (High St, Newport NP20 1FX). Parking is available at Friar’s Walk Car Park.
Have you ever visited Newport Market or Dirty Gnocchi?
That looks like such a delicious meal! Sounds like a great day all around.
Author
Yes was great fun thanks xxx
This looks like a beautiful place to spend the day with family and friends. I bet it is just gorgeous. It also seems like it is huge. I really enjoyed reading this as I felt transported away. Thank you for this post.
Author
Yes, it’s interesting, glad my sister introduced me to it xxx
It looks and sounds like you had a great time and it’s always good to find somewhere new to eat. I am not a fan of gnocchi but this does look delicious. x
Author
I can understand that, it can be a bit odd and tasteless, can’t it? This was lovely though xxx