AN INSPECTOR CALLS
IGNORANCE is bliss and all that — but I’m not so sure. I had no idea the kitchen would be shutting at 8pm on a damp, blustery Sunday at Three Daggers in the south Wiltshire village of Edington, near the Uffington White Horse.
So, arriving just before 8.30pm to be told there’s nothing to eat except crisps doesn’t get things off to a great start. Daggers drawn at Three Daggers.
But, to her credit, the friendly harbourer of bad news behind the bar immediately goes and speaks to the chef and comes back to say he can rustle up a cold platter of meats, pork pies, home-made chutney and some door-step slices of bread. Throw in homemade butter, a couple of glasses of Pinot Noir and order is restored.
There are only three rooms, but there’s a lot going on. Across the car park is Three Daggers’ microbrewery and a terrific farm shop, complete with a mini-library where you take a book for yourself and leave one for others.
Back in the pub, residents have use of a sitting room with its own kitchen, comfy sofas and chairs and a range of magazines.
My spacious bedroom is next door and it’s almost as tasty as the hop-based brews downstairs. I particularly like the huge wooden cabinet housing the TV, the sisal flooring and claw-foot bath.
The chef’s platter does the trick, and his breakfast next morning fills any gaps. My two soft-boiled eggs are presented in cups sitting on a bread board, and it doesn’t seem to matter how many coffees you order; the price stays the same.
Overall, Three Daggers is a friendly well-run, community boozer saved from extinction by a local entrepreneur and well-worth a visit if you’re passing by. Three Daggers 47 Westbury Road Edington, Wiltshire BA13 4PG 01380 830940, threedaggers.co.uk Doubles from £120 B&B