Award Winning Gastro-Pub Offers Exclusive Champagne

Tucked away in the heart of a Leicestershire village that boasts a colourful history littered with Anglo-Saxon Kings, monasteries and invasions from our Nordic cousins, lies an old Farriers. Long since turned into a public house – not only the heart of this small community – but now an award winning gastro-pub with rustic British food that is of a quality that far outshines the offerings of some top city restaurants.

The Three Horseshoes in Breedon-on-the-Hill opened its doors under the management of Ian Davison and business partner Jennie Ison in February 2005. When they bought in 2004 the décor was truly historic - of the 1970’s variety – prompting them to close up and set about restoring it back to its former glory; exposing beautiful timberwork and imposing fireplaces in the process. They proceeded to successfully mix the classic and contemporary, bringing an ambient feel to the whole property.

They had already seen the potential in the pub and not only was that it was a Free House. Its location, the generous parking area, the history - everything fitted in with their vision. Ian is owner and chef and more than happy to be the creative master in the kitchen, whereas Jennie and partner Stuart Marson run the front of house, so to speak; a steady business relationship that has worked now for over 14 years.

Their vision was genius in its simplicity; “I cook as if I’m cooking for myself,” says Ian, “If I don’t enjoy it, then lets face it, my customers aren’t going to either!” And the proof of the pudding lies in the tasting. Ian and Jennie have a following of customers that moved with them from their previous and hugely successful pub-restaurant in neighbouring Castle Donington, and although their promotion is subtly low-key, it is clear their quality of service, food and drink has been passed far and wide by word of mouth.

So much so that The Three Horseshoes has earned its place in three of the most influential guidebooks by Which? Alistair Sawday and Les Routiers. Ian is modest as he also mentions their recognition by winning a Les Routiers Award – Regional Dining Pub of the Year 2006 – but explains about the many factors that contribute to their success.

“As diners become more discerning it is nice to know that my tradition of buying local produce is a great selling point now, people are much more interested in knowing where the food has come from and rather pleased to know that some suppliers are fellow patrons!

“Our menus are always chalkboard as well – this means that we’re constantly inventive, plus our regular customers are subjected to the many dishes I love to create and that the choice over a long period of time doesn’t become repetitive to anyone. I love cooking and have been doing this for over 20 years, mainly self-taught, but my fascination with good food and wine is what interests and drives me.”

Although a peaceful and picturesque setting, we wouldn’t want to fool you into thinking that their custom comes only from the village. Its neighbours’ local businesses include one of the top UK Grand Prix circuits (Donington) and an international airport (Nottingham East Midlands) so patrons are from near and afar. It is this mix of customers that compelled Ian to offer a range of speciality drinks; wines, whiskies and now champagne.

“Having a personal interest helps, along with a good relationship with our suppliers. I have known our wine merchant 20 years or so, but I’m also open to new experiences which is how I met Kevin and Louise Jansen; fellow patrons again, whose enthusiasm and passion for Champagne was contagious and which I thoroughly appreciated.” Ian adds.

Jansens (UK) are a local company who are distributors of Champagne De L’Argentaine, an excellent award winning family of five distinct Champagne's from the Marne Valley, and a rare Single Malt Whiskey from the Champagne region. They have a wealth of knowledge of the area, local businesses, and local produce and of Champagne itself and are dedicated to wholeheartedly protecting the passion and quality of which the region is built upon.

The Champagne De L’Argentaine and Guillon Single Malt are only available from carefully selected outlets, Jansens are keen to keep the exclusive and high profile they have built up, and they were thrilled with the outcome when they approached The Three Horseshoes.

A perfect match between local pub dining and local supplier, The Three Horseshoes offers all the palatable dining experience you would expect from a trendy city restaurant but without the ostentation. You don’t need to be dressed to the nines to enjoy amazing food and a glass of champagne here; in fact informal dress, well, it would be rude not to. . .