A landlord of a 1700s Wiltshire pub with a bespoke fireplace has said that the watering hole is the “heart of the community”.

Ben Leveque has been at The Three Horseshoes on the High Street in Chapmanslade for 13 years having moved to nearby Westbury to be with his wife Charlotte.

Originally from France, Ben came to England as a student and has remained in the country ever since having settled at the pub.

Swindon Advertiser: The pub has a large beer garden with stunning views.The pub has a large beer garden with stunning views. (Image: The Three Horseshoes)

The pair have become part of the furniture and aim to ensure that the pub has a strong link with the local community.

“We are most definitely a part of the pub now and there is always something going on here as we are the heart of the community,” said Ben.

“The pub organises several activity groups as well as hosting others to accommodate as much as we can for the community and to be part of it.

“There are French language groups, arts and crafts, a book club as well as having live music once a month and we have seasonal events such as Christmas and Halloween.”

Swindon Advertiser: The inglenook fireplace is a particularly impressive feature inside the pub.The inglenook fireplace is a particularly impressive feature inside the pub. (Image: The Three Horseshoes)

The Three Horseshoes was founded in the 1700s and has always remained a pub during those 300 years.

“The building is very historic and inside we have an amazing inglenook fireplace which is a big draw for the winter,” said Ben.

“People love to sit by the fire when it’s cold but in the summer we have fantastic views of Cley Hill and Longleat as well as the valley.”

Ben and his team serve a variety of food dishes alongside their usual host of ales which keeps locals coming back.

“We serve food everyday including Christmas Day and the residents really love the food and they are here all the time,” he said.

“The main menu is pub classics but we also have specials each day such as venison as well as pheasants.

Swindon Advertiser: The pub is decorated very ornately inside.The pub is decorated very ornately inside. (Image: The Three Horseshoes)

“We have vegan options as well as gluten free meals.”

The 41-year-old landlord is proud of his pub and feels attached now having got through adversity with the business over his 13 years in charge.

“I think it is a fantastic pub which is doing better and better each year with us having to battle the Covid pandemic and other problems,” said Ben.

“We have always come out stronger every time with a fantastic following from the local community.

“It is situated in a great location, I love being at the pub and I’m not planning on going anywhere.”