The Three Horseshoes is a cosy independent pub in the village of Stapleford, just a few miles south of Cambridge. It changed hands a few months ago. The previous owner (Chris) introduced a Greek menu in 2019 and the new owners (Duncan and Justine) continued with the popular Greek menu.
The Three Horseshoes has been an integral part of Madingley, a lovely village three miles from the centre of Cambridge. The charming pub/restaurant entered an exciting new chapter in January 2018 when it joined Cambscuisine, a local independent restaurant group. The Three Horseshoes is Cambscuisine’s ninth venture, which includes their other country pubs The Cock (Hemingford Grey), The Tickell Arms (Whittlesford) and The Crown & Punchbowl (Horningsea). I’m a big fan of Cambscuisine’s model of good food, service and ambience. I’ve blogged about The Cock here and here, as well as The Crown & Punchbowl here.
Photo courtesy of Cambscuisine
It was a smooth transition as Cambscuisine inherited the excellent team at The Three Horseshoes. In addition, the building didn’t need a full redecoration and was already in fine order. However, some beautiful decorative touches recalling the building’s history have been added, such as antique saddles, mirrors with bridal leather surround and wall-mounted horseshoes. Gone is the formality of white tablecloths. The solid oak tables are bare and fuss-free, lending a more relaxed vibe to the dining experience.
The dog-friendly pub area is more approachable with its cosy corners and wood fire… and the pints are now cheaper – bonus!
I was invited to attend Provenance’s launch party on 3 July, held on the beautiful grounds of The Three Horseshoes in Madingley. In fact, Provenance is made up of the team behind this restaurant and their concept is to bring restaurant quality food to the hungry masses through corporate, private and public events.
Operating from a vintage Airstream caravan converted into a kitchen complete with wood fired oven, Provenance’s changing menu focuses on seasonal and nutritious food.
We were warmly welcomed and served some of Provenance’s homemade sodas and cocktails. I tried their non-alcoholic drinks: elderflower lemonade and strawberry cream soda, both very tasty and refreshing. There were also some very nice gin-based cocktails, such as elderflower cucumber gin fizz and strawberry rhubarb cream gin fizz.
One Two Culinary Stew 