Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT, WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-exterior-min.jpg" alt="Three-Horseshoes-pub-Bighton-Alresford-Hampshire-" class="wp-image-38938" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-exterior-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-exterior-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-exterior-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-exterior-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Picture-perfect outside and in, <a href="https://www.thethreehorseshoesbighton.com/"><strong>The Three Horseshoes</strong></a> is a glorious country pub tucked away along winding country lanes in the tiny village of Bighton, three miles from Alresford and just under ten from Winchester. </p>



<p>The 18th-century inn has long been a locals’ favourite but, under the new stewardship of Matheus Sanches Alves and his wife Aline, it’s stepped things up a notch. Expect quietly confident, restaurant-quality seasonal cooking, friendly service and a proper countryside welcome that feels both special and familiar.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-interior-HR.jpg" alt="IFireplace and tables at The Three-Horseshoes-pub-Bighton-Alresford-Hampshire" class="wp-image-38936" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-interior-HR.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-interior-HR-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-interior-HR-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-interior-HR-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Inside, The Three Horseshoes at Bighton ticks plenty of cosy country pub boxes: weathered parquet floors, exposed brickwork, quirky signs and decorations (look out for the whopper stuffed brown trout) and flickering fire. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-interior-HR-2-min.jpg" alt="Tables at Three-Horseshoes-pub-Bighton-Alresford-Hampshire-country pub restaurant " class="wp-image-38939" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-interior-HR-2-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-interior-HR-2-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-interior-HR-2-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-interior-HR-2-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There’s a snug for the locals to come for a pint, an inviting bar-dining area where dogs are welcome and a separate (dog-free) dining room at the rear.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-whitebait.jpg" alt="Three Horseshoes Bighton Whitebait" class="wp-image-38937" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-whitebait.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-whitebait-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-whitebait-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-whitebait-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Food at The Three Horseshoes is the real deal. Seasonal, gastro and plenty of pub favourites for those that want them. We started with a shared crispy whitebait with smoked cod roe and caviar from the selection of ‘snacks’ – light, salty perfection – followed by a beautiful, full-flavoured bouillabaisse and a silky pumpkin velouté topped with roasted pumpkin, hazelnuts and crème fraîche.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1153" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-beetroot-tart.jpg" alt="Beetroot tart at The Three-Horseshoes-pub-Bighton-Alresford-Hampshire-" class="wp-image-38935" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-beetroot-tart.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-beetroot-tart-694x800.jpg 694w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-beetroot-tart-867x1000.jpg 867w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-beetroot-tart-768x886.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>On to mains and a mixed beetroot tart with whipped goat’s curd that looked almost too pretty to touch was just as delicious as it looked and soon devoured. Seasonal and seriously tasty, grilled plaice with gnocchi, spinach and rich, buttery chicken sauce from the unbelievably good value set lunch menu also hit the spot.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-pudding-apple-crumble-cake-min.jpg" alt="Apple cake and crumble pudding at the Three Horseshoes Bighton Alresford Hampshire" class="wp-image-38940" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-pudding-apple-crumble-cake-min.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-pudding-apple-crumble-cake-min-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-pudding-apple-crumble-cake-min-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Three-Horseshoes-Bighton-pudding-apple-crumble-cake-min-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pudding too was pure comfort. Already two-and-a-half courses in, the satisfying, autumnal Bighton apple cake and crumble and Basque cheesecake with passionfruit, mango and lime inspired acts of pure gluttony.</p>



<p>To go with, a very decent selection of wines are well chosen and good value. By the glass, crisp Petit Ballon Blanc and juicy Argentine Malbec both more than hit the spot. If you’re celebrating, you can also plump for a bottle of excellent local English sparkling from Hattingley Valley vineyard &#8211; located literally just down the road here.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Yes indeed. Relaxed and unpretentious, it’s the kind of place where children are part of the fun rather than an afterthought.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-dogs-too">AND DOGS, TOO?</h2>



<p>Dogs are welcome in the bar and Gun Room, where the open fire will make for a cosy post-walk flop. Expect plenty of fuss and a water bowl or two.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access">DISABILITY ACCESS</h2>



<p>Flat access from the car park to the dining area, with helpful staff always ready to assist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/09/Hattingley-Valley-Harvest-2016-©-The-Electric-Eye-Photography-69-tractor-transporting-grapes-1.jpg" alt="tractor harvest at Hattingley Valley vineyard Alresford Hampshire ©-The-Electric-Eye-Photography" class="wp-image-23787" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/09/Hattingley-Valley-Harvest-2016-©-The-Electric-Eye-Photography-69-tractor-transporting-grapes-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/09/Hattingley-Valley-Harvest-2016-©-The-Electric-Eye-Photography-69-tractor-transporting-grapes-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/09/Hattingley-Valley-Harvest-2016-©-The-Electric-Eye-Photography-69-tractor-transporting-grapes-1-720x479.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/09/Hattingley-Valley-Harvest-2016-©-The-Electric-Eye-Photography-69-tractor-transporting-grapes-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/09/Hattingley-Valley-Harvest-2016-©-The-Electric-Eye-Photography-69-tractor-transporting-grapes-1-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Hattingley Valley Vineyard <em>© The Electric Eye Photography</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Make a day of it and explore pretty <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/hampshire-iow/alresford/">Alresford</a> with its boutique shops and riverside walks. Nearby, you can book a ride on the famous nostalgic <a href="https://watercressline.co.uk/">Watercress Line</a> vintage steam railway (star of more TV dramas than you can shake a ticket at) from Alresford Station or tour the award-winning <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/hattingley-valley-wine/">Hattingley Valley Vineyard</a>.</p>



<p>If you fancy a stately stroll, National Trust gem <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/hinton-ampner-alresford/">Hinton Ampner</a> is just up the road and famed for its sculpted gardens. For a literary detour, <a href="https://janeaustens.house/">Jane Austen’s House</a> and <a href="https://chawtonhouse.org/">Chawton House</a> are also just a couple of miles away, perfect for a wander in the footsteps of Hampshire’s legendary writer. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Lazy lunches, romantic dinners and Sunday roasts in front of the fire. Warm, welcoming and utterly delicious, The Three Horseshoes a hidden Hampshire country pub gem that’s well worth the detour.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Anyone after a quick, cheap bite. This isn’t fast food – it’s slow, soulful, seasonal cooking best enjoyed at country pace. Worth noting too that The Three Horseshoes is closed on Mondays.</p>



<p><strong>The damage</strong>: Starters from £5, mains £20–£30, puddings £9. Set lunch £20 for two courses, £25 for three. Wines from £7 a glass. Lunchtime (Weds-Sat) brings unbeatable value with a set menu priced at £20 for two courses or £25 for three.</p>



<p><em>The Three Horseshoes, Bighton Dean Lane, New Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9RE</em>.<br><a href="http://threehorseshoesbighton.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>threehorseshoesbighton.com</em></a></p>


Review: The Three Horseshoes, Bighton, Alresford

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