What ' s on the menu
eat out
THREE HORSESHOES A friendly pub that welcomes dogs , children and muddy boots . Robin Goodlad drops in to see if the food and booze is as good as the hospitality
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O n a midweek summer evening in the centre of the beautiful coastal village of Burton Bradstock , we found The Three Horseshoes to be a bustling hive of activity . A focal point in the village and clearly popular with locals and visitors alike .
The restaurant
Inside , the welcome is immediately apparent , with friendly staff and a warm , tastefully styled atmosphere . The bar has an open fire and a few little quirks , such as the old document drawers which form perfect holders for an excellent selection of local gins . Alongside the spirits there ' s an equally excellent range
of draught beers and ciders , with up to six Palmers draught ales to choose from .
The homemade bar snacks on offer are seriously appetizing – you can get a half pint of shell-on prawns , chicken wings with blue cheese , spring rolls , artisan breads with tomato tapenade and many more . It definitely beats a bag of dry roasted .
The menu
I ' m always happy when presented with a menu which makes choosing difficult . The Three Horsehoes presented one such menu , with plenty of choice , perfectly balanced with clear consideration for those with an adventurous palette , and those who like true classics , though even these have the edge which makes them stand out , such as the Dorset beef burger with Blue Vinny and a flat mushroom – you know that is going to be extra special , and you just can ’ t beat a
What ' s on the menu
Bar snacks : £ 1 to £ 4 Starters : £ 5 to £ 8 Mains from £ 10 to £ 15 Desserts from £ 1.50 to £ 6 Opening hours : 12 noon to 11pm Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 10.30pm Sunday
“ Sadly , we just didn ' t have the room to give the cheese board the attention it deservedˮ
really well presented burger . The best locally sourced ingredients proliferate through the menu with minimal food miles – there ' s Coastal Cheddar , fish from Lyme Bay and the River Exe , Dorset watercress , and bread from Bridport ' s artisan bakery , Leakers .
The food
Once we ' d chosen starters , the food arrived swiftly , and was delightful . The Szechuan pepper and sea salt squid was beautiful , accompanied with sriracha mayonnaise and lime , and my Lyme Bay scallops served classically with pea purée and crisp serrano ham were equally fine . The main courses are wide ranging and include Dorset ham and eggs , wild boar and apple sausages , four different burgers , and an excellent choice of steaks . Fish options are also varied . The fish and chips is far from standard , with beautiful Cornish hake , and grilled mackerel with tomato and red onion salad is one of my all-time favourites .
Vegetarian options include roasted beetroot salad , bean burger , and baked potato gnocchi with sun blushed tomato sauce and garlic sourdough .
The rump of lamb with braised and charred fennel was perfectly cooked and simply delicious . The treacle glazed pork belly with bubble and squeak and shallot jus was melt-in-the-mouth moreish .
The dessert
We finished the meal with a dreamy salted caramel chocolate pot , which was beautifully presented in fine china with a vintage teaspoon and homemade biscotti , and the altogether too enticing range of sorbets , including blood orange , elderflower , and blackcurrant .
My eyes then moved firmly towards the cheese board – a board so proud of its local provenance , with Blue Vinny , Somerset Camembert , Rosary Goats Cheese and Coastal Cheddar . All local cheeses , each with its own description of character . Sadly , we simply did not have the room to give it the attention it deserved after three superb courses .
Menu ’ s verdict
I was sad to leave The Three Horseshoes – it ' s one of those places where a stranger can feel at home . A few more hours by the fire with some Conker Gin would have gone down very nicely indeed .
Bookings : The Three Horseshoes , Mill Street , Burton Bradstock , DT6 4QZ www . threehorseshoesburtonbradstock . co . uk 01308 897259
www . menu-dorset . co . uk