01/03/2026
Bubbles bar is famous hehe. In the Argus newspaper. Thank you Skippys bar 😘😂😂⚒❤️………………… Skippy’s Bar in Griffithstown, Pontypool, has been awarded a food hygiene rating of four out of five by Torfaen County Borough Council.
The rating comes at a time when pubs across Wales are closing at an alarming rate.
Skippy’s Bar has publicly acknowledged these challenges, with planning documents revealing the pub “tends to incur a regular annual deficit” and with patronage of local pubs having “significantly diminished in recent years”.
Sponsored
ADVERTISING
Despite these pressures, the pub continues to invest in maintaining high standards for its loyal customer base.
Food safety officers rated the venue for its hygienic food handling and the cleanliness and condition of its building, describing the management of food safety as “generally satisfactory”.
The pub has earned strong support from customers online, with its official page showing a 96 per cent recommendation rate from local visitors.
Twelve customer reviews are listed, and more than 700 people have checked in at the venue.
One separate review site describes it simply as a “superb pub” and “the best pub in Wales – except for Bubbles Bar”.
In addition to its reputation for cleanliness, the pub has become a popular destination for weekend entertainment.
Regular events include COSMIC Discos and karaoke every Friday from 7pm, promoted as “Feel Good Friday Karaoke”.
ADVERTISING
Instagram posts from visiting entertainers show packed nights and describe the weekly karaoke sessions as a feelgood fixture in Griffithstown’s calendar.
Read more
Traditional country pub known for focus on local produce lands top rating
Village pub's fortunes turn around with glowing food hygiene score
Popular pub could receive major makeover under new plans including 6 LED floodlights
Despite its strengths, Skippy’s Bar has had to consider changes to remain financially viable.
Earlier this year, owners submitted a planning application to convert the pub’s little-used upper floor into two residential flats to help offset ongoing losses.
The upstairs function room is currently only used a handful of times each year.
Planning papers note that, even at peak times, regulars can be “sufficiently accommodated” on the ground floor alone.
Skippy’s Bar is located at 3 Charles Street, Griffithstown, Pontypool, NP4 5HQ.
