The Three Hills

Until Chris and Sarah Field stepped in, the village of Bartlow in east Cambridgeshire was set to suffer the fate of so many rural communities. It was going to lose its local! But thanks to the pair’s drive and passion, plus the tireless work of project manager Emma Harrison, the village now has a beautifully restored Grade II-listed 17th century pub with rooms.

There is a short but well-thought-out menu that champions local suppliers and follows the seasons. Expect dishes that use local ingredients such as venison and wood pigeon, or maybe you’d prefer something like poached halibut with clams, mussels, fennel purée and a herb beurre blanc? For pudding you might go for something like plums and baked custard.

The six bedrooms have been lovingly decorated and provide a retreat just 14 miles from Cambridge for those wanting some downtime in a rural idyll. It’s a perfect location to explore not only Cambridge but also the surrounding towns of Newmarket, Ely, Saffron Walden and Haverhill.

The Three Hills also has an attractive landscaped garden – perfect for al fresco dining in the summer.

Lucky Bartlow!

By Philip Seaman, Cambridgeshire editor

Photos: The Three Hills