A passion for quality as Michelin-trained chef sparks rebirth of The Three Horseshoes
Published On Friday 18 Sep 2015 by Sticky Beak
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Food lovers in Derbyshire will be able to welcome a new face and venue to the county from today as The Three Horseshoes in Long Lane, Ashbourne, reopens after major investment.
Acquired by recently formed pub group, Berkeley Inns Ltd, in April of this year, The Three Horseshoes kitchen will be headed up by Michelin trained head chef Gareth Ward (34), working with an experienced, 6-strong team.
Pub manager Peter Petroullakis and restaurant manager Andrea Ruberto lead a new team of 22 bar and restaurant staff.
In total, 25 new jobs have been created, as the renovated and enlarged venue seeks to position itself as a quality restaurant-pub, without losing any of its cherished village pub atmosphere in its incredibly well stocked bar.
Head chef, Gareth Ward, who until joining The Three Horseshoes had worked for celebrated Midlands chef Andy Waters for fifteen years, (most recently as head chef at "The Queens, Belbroughton, nr Stourbridge) explains the philosophy behind the new venture;
“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to do something really special here at The Three Horseshoes. The owners, are as passionate about great quality food as I am and have let the team and I really express ourselves.
“We will be offering a wide variety of sumptuous as well as simple dishes, paired with superb wines but the one constant running throughout the menu will be an unwavering commitment to quality.”
Since Berkeley Inns acquired the pub in April, extensive refurbishments have been carried out to renovate and extend the venue, including a sympathetic extension to the rear of the property, providing new restaurant space for approximately 65 covers and cutting edge kitchen facilities.
Alongside the new restaurant, the pub provides a wide range of exceptional ales, ciders and lagers, as well as fine wines and spirits. The Three Horseshoes also features a spectacular range of over 100 gins from the UK and the rest of the world.
Local entrepreneur, Howard Thacker, who amongst other successful businesses interests was founder of the Howson/Hippo golf company and co-founder of uDate.com, inc. is the managing director of Berkeley Inns Ltd, a start-up established earlier this year.
Over the next few years they are seeking to acquire and operate several prime licensed properties as quality restaurant-pubs. Howard said;
“Having been fortunate enough to travel extensively, in comparison, I often felt that our area features a distinct shortage of quality places to eat, especially in the beautiful rural areas around Derby and Ashbourne. Several friends and colleagues agreed and have invested into the project alongside me to develop a serious offering locally and further afield.
"The key element of most businesses generally and especially the hospitality business is it’s people. To this end we have literally scoured the country and Europe to find key personnel capable of delivering the vision. Gareth is without doubt one of the country’s brightest young chefs we are very fortunate that he has joined us and he delivers an exceptional product.
"Customer service is always paramount and to this end, we managed to tempt Andrea from Venice to the fields of Derbyshire! Also, we know can’t lose our focus on the pub side of the venue and to ensure exceptional cask ales and a great pub experience we have Peter managing the pub. He has a wicked sense of humour and huge experience. Being born in South Africa, with a Cypriot roots, Peter also brings another international flavour into the mix.
“We look forward to welcoming customers old and new to see what we have done and to enjoy a truly unforgettable dining and drinking experience in an eclectic, blend of the traditional country pub with truly modern design and standards.”
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