By Local Democracy Reporter Peter Davison with additional reporting by WHN.
Big changes are planned at a nationally-renowned Edington pub, brewery and farm shop.
The Three Daggers at Edington, near Westbury, has lodged a planning application with Wiltshire Council which, if granted, would see the front car park turned into a beer garden, a new car park created behind the farm shop, and the farm shop extended.
In the future, the microbrewery below the farm shop could also be converted into a café, and part of the spa barn – over the road from the pub and farm shop – could be converted to as a venue for “exhibitions, learning, lectures and team building activities.”
The applicants says the proposals will create new jobs and boost the rural and tourism economies.
The Three Daggers – previously known as both The Lamb Inn and The Paulet Arms – was acquired by the applicant 15 years ago.
Its name is inspired by the Battle of Edington, at which Alfred the Great stopped the Viking army of Guthrum advancing into Wessex.
Since then, it has numerous national awards and was recently named the UK’s best pub with rooms by the Good Hotel Guide. It has also held two AA rosettes for culinary excellence since 2019 and was named England Pub of the Year in 2020.
The current car park can accommodate 33 cars, and a recent survey found that around 40 cars were visiting the premises at any one time, with drivers parking on the verge of the road outside.
The business also estimates that the farm shop is losing more than £30,000 in lost revenue every year, with the pub losing more than £20,000, because customers are unable to park.
The extension of the car park – which would create 47 spaces – would necessitate the use of part of the current recreation area and football pitch, which is owned and operated by the parish council.
To compensate, the business is offering to create a new multi-use games area next to the new car park – a proposal endorsed by the parish council as it would increase amenities in the village.
The extension of the farm shop would increase retail space by 60 square metres.
The business argues that the pub and farm shop provide vital services in a largely rural area – the village is four miles from Westbury – and an economic boost to the tourism and rural sectors.
The plans, currently visible on the council’s website for the microbrewery and spa barn, relate to long term ideas looking years ahead which have not been confirmed as of yet.
“We’re incredibly excited about this journey and will keep our guests updated along the way,” said Katie Thompson from the Three Daggers. “Any future changes will be made gradually, in phases and customers will be kept informed as plans develop.
“The brewery will remain an integral part of the business and we are planning events and taprooms throughout 2026 and 2027 which further underlines our commitment to brewing on site.”
A decision by Wiltshire Council is expected before mid-March.
