The Three Daggers, Wiltshire: pub with rooms review

Which room should I book at the Three Daggers?

There are three bedrooms above the pub (all named after the surrounding area), plus Hillside Cottage, a separate building that sleeps up to 12. Tinhead is a cosy double bedroom that comes with a private bathroom across the hall, while Priory is slightly larger with a king size bed.

Coulston is the bedroom to choose if you want something a little grander. Exposed timber beams and a vaulted ceiling give it an air of farmhouse chic. Sturdy latched doors, dark mahogany cabinets and hessian flooring are offset by neutral bedding and furniture. Canvases depicting local farming scenes and armchairs draped with extra blankets are thoughtful additions.

Sink into the freestanding roll-top bath in Coulston’s vintage-style bathroom or, if you prefer, the tiled shower area is kitted out with a rain shower. Gorgeously scented natural Bramley shower products are made near Frome, 30 minutes away, keeping in line with the local focus.

The guest lounge and kitchen are shared between guests of all the three bedrooms and come well stocked with loaves of bread, eggs, Dorset tea, kilner jars of homemade granola and bottles of Priory Farm apple juice (made with five varieties of British apples, all grown on a farm that’s less than a mile away).

For a larger group, rent Hillside Cottage and make the most of its six en-suite bedrooms, long galley kitchen, spa with plunge pool, sauna and steam room and fire pit for summer gatherings.

What’s good to drink?

Ale is an obvious choice as there’s an on-site microbrewery (and farm shop) on site. Choose between the classic Daggers Ale, a slightly floral Daggers Edge or the lighter, more refreshing Daggers Blonde. Pub staff are happy to recommend from the extensive wine list, or supply good gin and tonics.

And to eat?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the pub. Low, beamed ceilings give the room an intimate feel without it being stuffy, while the snug area acts as a living room for the locals, with people throwing logs on the roaring fire while ordering a pint of their favourite ale. Wooden tables are simply laid with striped linen napkins, jugs of water and tea lights, and the menu mixes pub classics with more refined dishes.

To start, meaty cubes of salmon were served with chunks of fresh watermelon and an earthy watercress sauce. Next came tender pink duck breast, with sweet potato three ways: puréed, roasted in chunks and as crisp, wafer-thin slices. There was only one vegetarian dish on offer for the main course and two for the starter (both of which, we felt, lacked the flavour and finesse of the meatier options) although a homemade puff pastry lining a broccoli and herb ricotta tart was rich and buttery.

Make sure to leave plenty of room for puddings, which are pub classics executed at the next level. We loved the light sticky toffee sponge that came with a malty toffee sauce made with the Three Daggers ale, while an indulgent chocolate fondant came with pieces of sticky honeycomb and a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. Another dessert of pressed apple, apple sorbet and granola also tempted us as a lighter way to end the meal.

What’s the breakfast like?

A relaxed affair, with newspapers laid out ready to read and a table spread with homemade granola, bottles of apple juice, pastries and fruit (although we were disappointed to see the jams and marmalades were not the ones sold in the farm shop).

If you’ve got a full day of walking ahead order the hearty Full English, which comes with crispy, slightly sweet bacon and a herby sausage, both of which are made on the farm just down the road. Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, porridge and boiled eggs are also on offer if you’re craving something hot.

Any other food experiences I shouldn’t miss?

Be sure to visit the on-site farm shop to stock up on locally grown fruit and vegetables, fresh deli goods and an impressive selection of condiments, from passion fruit curd and real ale chutney to whisky marmalade and blackcurrant sloe gin jam (all made using Priory Farm fruit). Enjoy a custard doughnut (made by James, the village baker, who delivers them each morning) and a cup of coffee in the cafe before you leave.

Is the Three Daggers family-friendly?

Adults and children are equally well catered for, with crayons and a children’s menu available as well as games and DVD’s in the communal living area. Extra beds can be put in the bedrooms to accommodate families, and, if you’re staying in the Hillside Cottage, there are boules, badminton and croquet sets to use.

What can I do while I’m there?

The Three Daggers is perfect if you’re after peace and quiet as, apart from walking (wellies are provided if you’ve forgotten to pack your own), there’s little else to do in the surrounding area without a car. The spa at the Hillside Cottage is open to guests staying in the pub, so book ahead and enjoy a massage, facial or manicure in the tranquil barn which looks out onto the fields.

The concierge says…

If you’re looking for a day trip, hop on the train to Bath, which is only 20 minutes away. Here are our favourite places to eat and drink in Bath

olive says…

If you’re there on a sunny Saturday evening, be sure to grab a seat on one of the picnic benches in the beer garden and order a pizza, freshly cooked in a wood-fired oven. Choose between a meat version, topped with pepperoni and parma ham, a veggie option, with rocket and pesto, or a cheese-free pizza with ham and pineapple.

Double rooms at the Three Daggers start from £85, b&b, threedaggers.co.uk