Three Horseshoes Pub: Family-run pub with 'outstanding' service named the best 'destination' in Essex

A family-run, multi-award-winning Essex pub with "outstanding" service has bagged yet another accolade this month with it being named the best "destination pub" in the county. The Three Horseshoes Pub in Fordham, near Colchester, will now go through to the finals of the Muddy Stilettos Awards for 2024.

The pub, on Church Road in Fordham, is just a short drive from the A12 and so within easy access for people living across Essex. The team at The Three Horseshoes are no stranger to awards having been included in Estrella Damn's list of ones to watch and being given a recognisable 'Bib' in The Michelin Guide.

The family-run country pub is said to have been "born out of a passion for great food and hospitality". It's run by Moira and Sam Edwards with Abbie whilst former Chelmsford student Josh Dawson leads the operation in the kitchen.

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The Three Horseshoes joins 20 other businesses to receive such accolades from Muddy Stilettos, a UK-wide women's lifestyle platform. All regional winners in Essex, along with winners from the other counties, automatically go through to the 2024 National Awards and five businesses in each category will be picked by the Muddy Stilettos Editors to go through to the National Finals, with the ‘Best of the Best’ Winners crowned in July 2024.

A review written by Vishal Khanna on Google describes the Three Horseshoes as a "must-visit for anyone seeking great food in a lovely atmosphere". He adds: "Five stars for The Three Horseshoes Pub! Their food is consistently of amazing quality, complemented by outstanding service every time I visit. The well-kept, beautiful garden adds to the charm of dining here, especially in the summer."

Tia Eggleston, meanwhile, said: "Amazing little gem of a place. Such a cute family-run establishment, all of the staff are so attentive and friendly. Makes you feel at home!

"We had a raspberry lemonade which was gorgeous! Little nibble of sourdough and chilli butter, again amazing! The roast - amazing! I went for the beef and it was incredible. When you get cauliflower cheese on the plate without asking, that’s when you know it will be good!"

In January, the pub was a recipient of the Bib Gourmand, awarded to restaurants offering "great quality, great value cooking". A statement from Michelin announcing the news said: “Great pub dining is on offer down in Essex at The Three Horseshoes in Fordham. It’s a characterful, rustic place serving dishes that are carefully prepared and attractively presented.”

The Bib Gourmand - which is named after Bibendum, the official name of the Michelin Man - is given to restaurants offering quality cooking at a great value.