Three Horseshoes, Faversham

Official site of The Three Horseshoes - www.threehorseshoesfaversham.co.uk

Official site of The Three Horseshoes - www.threehorseshoesfaversham.co.uk

Sheps-love ‘em or hate ‘em (I admit to being quite a fan)-they do have some thunderingly good country pubs. The Three Horseshoes is a case in point, a typically Kentish farmhouse with weatherboarding and a catslide roof. Inside, there’s a small bar, furnished with tables, benches and all the accoutrements of pub life. The end of the bar furthest from the open fire, but heated by its own rather ornate fireplace is laid up for dining. Our visit was on a damp Thursday lunchtime during February half term: the pub was sadly quiet, a few locals and the brewery rep on official business.The food has deservedly good reputation: I had an historic steak and onion pudding, and the chicken baltis looked tempting .A family run business, everyone was most welcoming. This is the second pub that we’ve been in this year that boasts an onion competition-I suppose it ‘s a change from all those Geordies and their leeks. Musical entertainment is also promised, and various sporting events are recorded on the pub notice board. I am a great fan of beer served by gravity dispense –not so often seen today. Here, the Master Brew was served in this time honoured method, and was most acceptable. However, the star of the session was the Late Red (on handpump). I’m very fond of this beer,with a luscious maltiness , backed up by the hops, which I understand are the celebrated Cascades, grown in this parish for Sheps ,by a local grower. The pub seems to be as one with the rest of this attractive village, as if it has always been there, as I expect it has.

This is a pub but that oozes history and atmosphere. Just over three centuries old the pub is built in a style that immediately links it with this part of Kent. The exterior is a brick and white weatherboard and traditional Kent peg tiles have been used on the roof. Outside is a sunny garden scattered with picnic tables and a walnut tree, which predates the pub by a century, but still gives a good supply.