Latest opening: The Three Horseshoes
What: Located between Batcombe’s medieval church and the village hall, The Three Horseshoes is a modern yet cosy pub located in a restored 17th century inn. As well as a pub and dining room area the property has five en-suite rooms
Who: New Zealand born Margot Henderson will divide her time between the Batcombe pub and her London restaurant Rochelle Canteen, leaving the day-to-day cooking duties to former Six Portland Road and The Bradley Hare chef Nye Smith. Smith has worked at Moro as well as Morito and also spent four years in Paris as head chef at Yard as has previously worked at Rochelle Canteen as well as with Henderson’s husband Fergus at St John Chinatown. The Three Horseshoes owner is Max Wigram, former art gallery owner, who has a second home nearby the pub. Local landscape designer Libby Russell oversees its well-appointed gardens.
The food: It’s not going to come as a surprise to anyone familiar with Henderson’s oeuvre of cooking that robust British food using local produce is what’s on offer. Must-have dishes (unless you’re a vegetarian) include rabbit pie; cold roast sirloin with dripping toast and horseradish; and a pork chop with roast onion and apple sauce and saving space for treacle tart and clotted cream (other desserts are available) is essential. There is also a bar menu that is just as sturdy and drink friendly, featuring the likes of watercress soup; pork pie; cheddar toastie; crumbed pigs head; mackerel pate; and veal mince on toast while staying guests can start the day with a ‘Full Somerset’ breakfast of bacon and eggs, pastries, and fresh bread.
To drink: A solid selection of draught local beers and cider is on offer, including from Bristol-based Wiper & True, Cheddar Ales, and cider from Shepton Montague-based Dowding. More exclusive bottled options that carry a more premium price tag are also on offer for the drinks connoisseur. The wine list is succinct, featuring white, red and rose versions of St John’s wine among others from France and Europe.
The vibe: Wooden beams, flagstone floors, antique benches and an inglenook fireplace help create a very polished pub worth the journey for out-of-towners. Effort has been made to ensure locals also feel at home with the dog-friendly generous separate bar area having been retained and brightened for those just stopping in for drinks. In the summer months, the pub will make use of its terrace and manicured walled gardens.
And another thing: Wigram fell in love with the pub during his visits to the area and took it on during lockdown after asking the landlord to call him if he ever considered selling up.
Batcombe, Somerset, BA4 6HE
thethreehorseshoesbatcombe.co.uk
