The Le De Spencers Arms. What a name! Since I have been staying at my aunt's house in Downley, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK, I have been exploring what this lovely town has to offer. She suggested that I try the pub across the commons and over the hill.
I go on daily walks around the commons so one Sunday lunchtime I gave myself a destination to stop at Le De Spencers Arms for roast. The walk was lovely, i took the path rather than meandering like usually do so that I don't get into a muddy mess by the time I arrive at the pub.
I got a bit lost but a teen riding around on his bicycle gave me directions, down the path and to the left. Sure enough, the pub sign appeared and cars everywhere. I was shocked to get a table as they were packed and only taking bookings. I sat on a very small table for one by the kitchen door. I was quickly notified of the offerings for lunch: chicken, beef or lamb. I haven't had lamb in sometime so I ordered it. My drink order was taken, water was brought, the lamb came out, my wine was served, and the vegetables came, all in sort of rapid succession. I was a bit amazed, stunned really. Very efficient, but really, it was a roast.
The lamb was well-cooked, a bit of pink, a bit of sizzling fat, tender and juicy. The yorkshire pudding was nice but a tad small. The veg were on the overcooked side but with roast I didn't mind it a bit softer. The gravy was lovely, a bit heavy on the salt but it was excellent on the lamb and roasted potatoes.
I was quite full from the main but ordered dessert anyway apple crumble with vanilla ice cream. It was a lovely pud but was extremely hot! and the ice cream was rock hard frozen. I had to wait a few moments for the temps to balance itself. The crumble was not as crumbly as I would like, more cakey, a very crumbly cake. The fruit was good although I did not get a sense that it was a particular variety of apple that was used. It could have benefited from an apple with tang like a Braeburn or even Granny Smith.
Overall, I like the Le De Spencers Arms.
My recommendation is to book a nice table for six and bring your mates and family out for a very traditional English Sunday roast. The walk back a lovely after lunch treat! read more