The 3 Horseshoes, Barton under Needwood

Post

Subscribe

I have always been fascinated by unusual pub names, but some are perhaps easier to work out than others. Take The 3 Horseshoes in Barton-under-Needwood, near Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire for example. In fact, this delightful hostelry seems unsure whether to spell its name with a number 3 or the word Three, judging by the signs on the outside.



Regardless of how the 'three' appears on the building, it would appear that the pub owes its equine-related name to a long since disused old forge across the road. Presumably, thirsty riders could pop into The 3 Horseshoes for a pint of ale while their horse had its feet shod. Clearly, in those bygone days, you couldn't be picked up for drink 'riding'.



Today, The 3 Horseshoes offers customers all they would expect from a traditional country pub. Whatever the age of this historic building, the pub has apparently been lying relatively dormant for more than half a century but has, in more recent years, been enjoying something of a renovation and revival.



The bar at the front of the pub, which lies on the main road running through the village of Barton-under-Needwood, still has very much a traditional feel to it, with a cosy atmosphere for customers simply out to enjoy a quiet drink. But step through and around the central bar into the lounge area and you get a completely different picture.



There you will come across the Bit n' Cherry restaurant which apparently was once a derelict cottage and a coal and bottle store. The space has now been transformed into a delightfully decorated bistro, with an added touch being the photos of celebrities such as Mick Jagger appearing as they did in their police 'mug-shots'.



In the winter time, customers can expect a warming log fire to keep out the chill. But as I visited at the end of August I chose to sit outside at the front of the pub which was happily shaded, seeing as how it was a hot sunny day. A larger beer garden was situated at the rear, but that's for another day. The 3 Horseshoes prides itself on a selection of fine guest ales and outstanding food, so I enjoyed a refreshing pint of Wainwrights ale. The other beers on offer were Black Sheep and Marston's Pedigree.



I also tried what the Bit 'n' Cherry restaurant had to offer, although it was too nice a day to actually sit inside. All the restaurant food is said to be locally produced from local suppliers in order to keep everything fresh and delicious. And that was certainly the case with the gourmet sandwiches which my wife and I chose to eat - Warwickshire Truckle Cheddar with Classic Branston Pickle for my wife and Chicken with Paprika, Cos Lettuce, Raisin, Coriander & Lime Mayonnaise for myself. Both are served on either white or brown Bloomer bread with chunky chips.



The restaurant is closed on Mondays, apart from Bank Holidays, and has a special Steak Night on Tuesdays and a Fish Night on Fridays. But there are plenty of other dishes to try on the menu, such as traditional pub classics or the sandwiches we enjoyed.

#bars
#craft_beer
#pubs
#restaurants
%wnbirmingham