The Three Horseshoes Batcombe — Restaurant in England

Lovely place for the setting, interior is lovely. Atmosphere was dreadful.

Service however, was odd. Upon arrival, we said we had a booking which we were 5 minutes early for and gave the name and then the person checked and said ok, then left. Quite a few members of staff came and went, looking at us but quickly looking away and busying themselves as if not to call attention to themselves. I tried to grab someone's attention but when they went to "ask someone" never returned. We sat opposite the door, unsure of what else to do but wait. They seemed to be having a pre-service meeting but again we were just left to notice this ourselves after I leaned around the corner to see if anyone was around. The locals seemed quite judgemental of our being their with snooty eye rolls and laughs aimed in our direction, staring at us a lot. Not sure if they intended for us to hear them critising us but it was not pleasant when we just wanted to come enjoy a meal out. 10 minutes later we were told to follow a gentlemen to the dining area who then didn't say anything but went to the till. I asked if we find a seat or if that is pre-arranged and was told quite abruptly he was checking out seating. We were shown to our table, 10 minutes later placed our drinks order with our food later. A table sat after us and got their drinks before us. I couldn't get anyone's attention to change my drink as I selected the wrong wine by mistake, but it arrived eventually and I felt too awkward to send it back once poured for me.

The starter of tomato salad was bland, no seasoning and with raw onions scattered on top. The beef pie served alone was tasteless with chewy pastry and oily insides, not actual gravy or substance. The meat was tender thankfully but no flavour. Chips were incredibly salty. No balance to anything offered. My partner seemed to enjoy his food but when I spoke to him at home said he was embarrassed to say it was not enjoyable as the table behind seemed to know the owners personally allegedly. They were very loud about their connections.

We ordered the nemesis cake as a safe option for dessert, I made this a lot at work (I am a chef who has worked in high end restaurants and more humble establishments where this has been an offering) so I expected they couldn't really mess up chocolate cake. I asked if their was an alternative to crème fraiche as I seem to have a reaction to it, and was told yes only to have them first not bring me anything, then bring me more crème fraiche. I just left it to the side of the table. I would have understood if there was no alternative and gone without but I found it rude that the kitchen just sent more "house crème fraiche" after first ignoring the request. a "sorry, there is no alternative" would have been quite acceptable.

Also the table was so wobbly just setting my hand down almost sent my wine and food flying. I don't understand why people can't just set table straight or brace them.

Incredibly expensive and a poor experience. Very disappointed after my great eating experiences at other Henderson eateries. I will not...

After 3 perfect lunches at The Three Horseshoes, my partner and I booked in to stay a night AND have dinner. We were greeted by a young female member of staff with the most radiant smile and then taken up to our room by the perpetually charming male front of house (sorry we didn't catch either of your names). We stayed in Room 2 (of 5), which is enormous and has an even more enormous bathroom. The room is gorgeously thought out design-wise and every second spent in it was a treat. Whether appreciating the rugs, the bed's unbelievable mattress, the carefully selected artworks, the sleepy Somerset views out the windows or the magnificent exposed beam overhead, the attention to detail (apparently credit to owner Max Wigram and local interior designer Frances Penn) is second to none. We enjoyed a long looping walk around tiny Batcombe and its borders in some rare June sunshine, before heading for a cider in the pub garden and then inside for dinner which was an expected joy as per prior lunches, Margot Henderson's chef magic oversight vibrating across every single delicious dish that was served to us by the always lovely restaurant staff. Breakfast the next morning lived up to expectations too and local crusty sourdough toast came out with perfect butter and strawberry jam and coffee, followed by eggs and bacon and tomatoes. It's rare to find a place in the English countryside - let alone a pub - that is this brilliant in every single way: gorgeous location, grounds, bar, dining area, guest rooms, food and staff. So good in fact, we did a u-turn at midday heading back to London and drove back to The Three Horseshoes for a final snack lunch in the bar where even a request for ketchup to go with our Westcombe cheddar toasties led to a bespoke Catalan inspired sauce being brought...

Mixed bag here. GOOD STUFF: Puddings to die for! Big, delicious, unrivalled, fair price. Beautiful setting inside and out.

OTHER STUFF: Mains phenomenally overpriced for what you get... I had lamb, which was incredibly tough, with a huge helping of very bitter and unpleasant aioli (which I normally love) on the side. Tasted like it had been made with virgin olive oil and wasn't great. 5 pounds each for a bowl of new potatoes and half a cabbage that were tasteless, colourless, unseasoned and undercooked (yes I do like potatoes and pasta with some bite, but someone in the kitchen definitely got this one wrong). 5 quid for cabbage cut in half seems steep even in post COVID times.

We ate because we were starving, and when our waitress came to ask us how everything was when we paid, we explained about the potatoes and she did briefly apologise, but nothing else.

Feels like a very trendy, nice place to be seen and hang out, but really the cooking and eating is sadly under par. You'll find more appetising dinners for a tenth of the price in Tooting market, or any proper farm/ country pub.

We didn't realise it was a renovated "gastropub" when we booked, I don't mind paying the prices if the food is worth it. Since found out that hard potatoes are a regular thing here, and that any customer disgruntlement is met with a 'don't come back' attitude, which is a shame. 'Aesthetic' white potatoes are no match for a buttery bowl of joy and a tender...