The Three Blackbirds, Woodditton pages

Cambridgeshire

The Three Blackbirds, Woodditton

The village of Woodditton has its own phoenix from the ashes story - except instead of the mythical bird it centres on blackbirds.

In 2018 fire caused substantial

damage to the Grade II listed Three Blackbirds inn - crews from seven nearby towns and villages and some 30 firefighters battled the blaze. Coming after a refurbishment in 2017 the devastation was a telling blow for Chestnut, who had recently acquired the property, yet two years on it was born again. Only locals will know what this inn was like before the fire but new visitors can’t help but be impressed by a clever and sympathetic rebuild. Much of the character of the old building has been retained. It has lovely bar and restaurant areas and inviting bedrooms in The Barn. The cosy, relaxed setting enables you to kick off your boots, wellies or otherwise and forget life’s stresses. For our autumn visit we had a dog friendly ground floor bedroom looking out over a landscaped courtyard, a suntrap from spring to autumn. The en suite included a rainfall shower and double sink.

As with Chestnut’s other pubs and inns there is great attention to furnishings and decor.

We found some picturesque walks along footpaths close to paddocks and fields. It gave us the chance to tire our dogs and have them sit contentedly by our table as we had drinks on a terraced area and then an evening meal in the restaurant. (Dog owners please note: This

is a perfect place to bring your four legged friends, you/they can choose a Muddy Paws Stay complete with dog menu.)

Stand out choices from a menu dotted with pub classics were the Newmarket sausages, mash and long stem broccoli; Salmon fishcake, pickled fennel and chive mayo and a ‘special’, whole plaice with samphire and brown shrimp.

And while I’m not vegan, the banana bread, rum caramel, caramelised banana, vegan vanilla ice cream was a delight.

Next day for breakfast we had bacon and scrambled eggs on sourdough - a hearty, wake-me-up - and plenty of strong coffee.

It seemed many of our fellow guests were either popping into nearby Newmarket, or setting off for long walks in the countryside. We decided to join the footsloggers for a short walk before heading home. Woodditton is a charming place and, thanks to a remarkable community spirit and investment from Chestnut, it boasts the kind of ‘local’ that would grace any village. Sam Marten Places to visit nearby

NEWMARKET Watch the horses exercise on the famous Warren Hill, visit the National Horse Racing Museum or plan a day out at the races.

Walk the historic Devils Dyke or visit Wicken Fen National Trust Nature Reserve.