The Three Horseshoes in Batcombe is the ideal country home away from home
The Three Horseshoes, a 17th-century inn, brings chef Margot Henderson’s culinary prowess to Somerset
![f](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KdfQ5cpnTf2jxSDre3QEWa-415-80.jpeg)
Somerset’s Bruton has long been a draw for those looking for a bucolic escape with the bonus of culinary gems, courtesy of the likes of Osip, and cultural standouts, namely Hauser & Wirth. But a few miles north, the charming village of Batcombe is staking its own claim to our attention with the opening of The Three Horseshoes, a country pub with rooms by former gallerist and art collector Max Wigram, and a restaurant helmed by Rochelle Canteen’s Margot Henderson.
The Three Horseshoes, an intimate country pub offering hospitality and culinary excellence
Occupying a former 17th-century coaching inn neighbouring a grand 15th-century church, this cosy spot feels as if it has been lovingly given a new lease of life while still maintaining all its original character – making The Three Horseshoes deeply refreshing.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the pub restaurant. For Henderson’s first spot outside of London, Henderson is letting the seasons dictate the daily changing menu to create a mix of traditional fare and elegant dishes – think Jerusalem artichokes roasted with sticky shallots and a hearty pheasant and ham pie that looks like it’s jumped out of a Dickens novel.
The pub is almost Quaker-esque in its simple design, with 19th-century wooden chairs set around tables on the flagstone floor and an inglenook fireplace under a mighty timber beam dividing the restaurant from the bar.
Upstairs, it seems like a different chapter of the same story. The five rooms have been individually designed by local talent Francis Penn in a way that maintains the simple, pastoral ethos of the pub, but with elevated comforts and thoughtful details.
The bright and airy rooms have their own character, dictated largely by the mix of antiques and artworks from the owner’s personal collection. Colourful Berber rugs are paired with delicate antique side tables, and vibrant landscape oil paintings are hung opposite watercolour studies of birds.
In every way, The Three Horseshoes feels like it belongs to the village. Nothing has been impressed on it, and instead, every effort has been made to integrate the surroundings via local finds, from the kitchen ingredients to the cosy beds, handmade by Relyon from nearby Wellington.
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
With so many picturesque walks on its doorstep and Bruton only a short drive away, you’d be easily convinced to make an extended stay out of your visit – if only to have a second helping of the treacle tart.
thethreehorseshoesbatcombe.co.uk/
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
Recharge at Praktyka, the glamping spot all creatives should know
Architectural cabins and art workshops await at Praktyka, a creative retreat on the wild North Devon coast
By Tom Howells Published
-
The Orangery at Kensington Palace offers high tea and verdant vistas in a royal London setting
The Orangery at Kensington Palace Gardens is the perfect green setting for a sunny day treat of afternoon tea and more
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Meet Paradise 2.0: the beloved Soho-based Sri Lankan restaurant, reinvented
Paradise 2.0 embraces tropical brutalism following a renovation by Dan Preston Studio
By Billie Brand Published
-
Step inside the majestic Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
In matching its exclusive and central location, a sleek building by RSHP houses the new ultra-refined Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
By Lauren Ho Published
-
Soak up London’s sunshine at these stylish rooftop bars
Discover the best London rooftop bars, from the Middle Eastern-themed Yasmin Soho to Spanish tapas haven, Amano Rooftop Bar
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Linger at Nightingale, a Tutto Bene-designed Mayfair restaurant
Nightingale restaurant in Mayfair is one of London-based design studio Tutto Bene’s debut projects
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Inside Cunard’s Queen Anne Britannia Restaurant, designed by David Collins Studio
Cunard’s Queen Anne, the new luxury cruise ship, introduces its state-of-the-art Britannia Restaurant designed by David Collins Studio
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
The new London restaurants to book now
This month, explore the best new restaurants in London, from brunch at The Park opposite Kensington Gardens to Plates, where vegan cooking gets the haute cuisine treatment
By Ben McCormack Last updated