The Three Horseshoes, Somerset, UK - Explore & Book
"It’s always a delight to find yet another reason for visiting this coveted corner of North Somerset, which is fast becoming a foodie haven. Top London chef Margot Henderson (owner of Rochelle Canteen) caught wind of the region’s rep, choosing to open up her next establishment in a 17th-century pub in a tiny village near Bruton (of Hauser & Wirth fame). The quaint village of Batcombe has little more than a handful of stone cottages separated by hedgerows, an impressive Norman church sited atop a hill, and now, next door, a destination pub. Inside, it’s all flickering candles, inglenook fireplaces and pared-back simplicity: a romantic nod to the pubs of yore. Inspired by Somerset’s bountiful garden, Margot's dishes draw on produce from the fields and orchards that fan out from the pub, as well as local meat and game. Menus change twice daily so every meal is a surprise, but it’s all traditional, unpretentious and exceedingly good. But that’s not all. Above the pub there are 5 enormous bedrooms that are so sumptuous we found it a struggle to go down for dinner. They are furnished in soothing colours, with pitched ceilings, roll-top baths and huge handmade beds that you could get lost in. Each room is indulgent and luxurious - an entity in its own right. But if you do manage to surface, there are dozens of attractions nearby, like Stourhead, Longleat and Bath, plus plenty of foodie highlights. Loosen those waistbands, you’re in for a treat! Highs This is fast becoming a destination pub for foodies in the know; the menu changes twice daily, and everything we tasted was hearty and scrummy The pub itself is rustic and cosy and perfectly matches the simple style of the food. In summer, it spills out onto a flower-filled garden overlooking the village church The rooms are the best we’ve seen in a pub: enormous and gorgeously furnished in calming tones - plus free snacks! Picturesque countryside walks from the door, and the upmarket towns of Bruton and Frome are close Dog-friendly and kid-friendly - there’s a big playground opposite the pub Lows The menu here is heavy on meat, but there is always at least one vegetarian option for starter and main course The breakfast menu is limited but you can order as much of it as you like (two options when we visited, both divine)" - Lucy Richardson
