The Le De Spencers Arms

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!

A very welcome retreat for wet and cold walkers!
Yesterday some friends and I went for a walk in the country from Saunderton to High Wycombe. Unfortunately, early afternoon the bright, warm sunny day turned on us and we got caught in torrential rain.
Having visited Hughenden manor and found there was no room at the Inn we continued on (like brave soliders!) to Downey Common where we were greeted with a friendly (and sympathetic!) Landlord who, although fully booked, made room especially for us so we could have a pint (and cup of hot tea!) lovely hot roast dinner, a sit down and a warm! It was a heaven-​scent welcome and we’re so grateful to Mr Fuller (the Landlord and his lovely staff) for his patience and creativity in finding space for our mud laden walking boots and dripping waterproofs!
Superb, traditional local pub where I have no doubt you will always find a warm welcome, lots of laughter and new friends — definitely give this pub a visit if you’re in the area.
Ps. Also, a big Congratulations to the Fullers of The Spencers Arms who also proudly showed off their day-​old baby son — he (and his big sister!) were gorgeous!