This November, chef Margot Henderson will open her very first pub with lodgings, The Three Horseshoes, in Somerset.
Found in the countryside village of Batcombe, set between the medieval church and the village hall, the 17th century inn has been lovingly restored.
Patrons and their dogs will be welcomed into the cosy bar, replete with wooden beams, flagstone floors, antique benches and a roaring inglenook fireplace, a meeting place for locals, walkers, and travelers alike.
There will be a succinct wine list, and plenty of local ales alongside Margot’s bar snacks of Crisp pigs skin; Smoked cod’s roe, Potted pork; and Veal mince on toast.
The Dining room, with its beamed ceiling, open fires, and simple tables and chairs will be the backdrop to Margot’s robust British cooking, championing local greats including the family-run smokery, Brown and Forest; Swaledale; Westcombe Dairy and Feltham’s Farm.
Long lunches with friends and family will begin with dishes like Devilled crab & focaccia; Green bean, roast shallot & anchovy; or Wetscoombe ricotta nudi with sage & butter. Hearty mains will list Chicken & tarragon pie; Grilled brill, fennel, chard & green sauce; or Lemon sole & gribiche, all finished with puddings to include Plum and Somerset apple crumble; Custard tarts; and local cheeses with cob nuts.
In summer months, the pub will throw open its doors onto its beautiful walled gardens, created by local Batcombe resident and designer, Libby Russell. Wooden tables will sit amongst the fruit trees, beds of cutting flowers and vegetables, for sunshine-filled lunches and long summer evenings.
Designed by Frances Penn, each of the five charming bedrooms will overlook the sloping village rooftops, onto the rolling countryside of the valley. There will be enormous comfortable beds, the softest linens, freestanding bathtubs for a long soak, and rain-showers, all finished with an eclectic mix of antiques and art.
Guests will be eased into the day each morning with Margot’s ‘Full Somerset’ breakfast of bacon and eggs, pastries, and fresh bread.
Originally from New Zealand, Margot is one of Britain’s most respected and acclaimed chefs. After training in her home country, Margot moved to London and started working at The French House in Soho, where she met her husband, Fergus Henderson, founder of St John. She later opened Rochelle Canteen on Arnold Circus, with Melanie Arnold, and published her first book ‘You’re All Invited’.