Ben Atkinson
Head Chef

We have attached some sample menus, but as you would expect these change on a regular basis as we move through the seasons.
If you have any comments or requests regarding our menu,
please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ever since I was a child I always wanted to be a chef. My earliest and best memories all involve food; helping to forage for wild raspberries, mushrooms & herbs with my Grandmother to use in her restaurant on the Isle of Wight, fishing off the end of the pier and proudly grilling my catch with my grandfather, collecting crabs from the fisherman's beach hut to boil for tea, baking bread in a Dutch bakery, making peanut butter cookies, discovering sticky ribs and even using an oil fired Aga to make Irish stew and soda bread. My life has always revolved around the discovery and love of food.

As a child I travelled extensively, living in Holland, Belgium, Northern Ireland and the United States as well as a handful of places in England, gaining insight & interest into both international and traditional cuisine.

Over the past fifteen years I have honed my skills working in various restaurants and hotels all over the British Isles, from a seafood restaurant overlooking the Cornish coast to a Gothic Hotel in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales. Locally, I have headed teams at one of the top fine dining establishments in the region and at an award winning Inn serving the best traditional Yorkshire faire.

I have developed my own personal food philosophy. When possible I use the freshest, nearest and tastiest ingredients. From the humblest ingredients to the finest cuts, all should be treated with the utmost respect. I try to utilize the benefits of foraging the local area to obtain truly wonderful natural treasures. All of these attributes help me develop a my specific style.

The Spencer Arms represents the heart of a local rural community, with a surrounding area overflowing with local quality ingredients. My team and I hope to showcase these in all our menus allowing you to try, enjoy and celebrate them as well. It is our aim to deliver excellent food and service, allowing you to relax and indulge.


Look forward to seeing you soon.