Welcome to The Olive Tree

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Now serving our Autumn favourites

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Welcome to The Olive Tree • Now serving our Autumn favourites •

Something new and exciting for Spalding.

Opened in August 2025, The Olive Tree is our idea of the perfect place to eat, drink and unwind. Whether you’re dropping in for a pint in the beer garden, enjoying a cosy date night, or gathering with friends and family, we’ve crafted a venue for every occasion.

Our menu is fresh, seasonal and produce-led – from small plates and Sunday roasts to perfectly cooked steaks, hearty vegetarian dishes and gluten-free options. Pair your meal with carefully chosen wines, craft spirits, or a pint of local real ale.

Think mussels with chilled Sauvignon, ribeye with a bold Malbec, a black pudding & apple Scotch egg with a pint, or simply a flat white on a crisp afternoon. Whatever you’re here for, it’s all about quality ingredients at fair prices, with service to match.

Between us, we bring years of experience in hospitality and a passion for creating memorable moments. Spalding deserves something different, and we’re here to deliver it.

Ben & John

Opening Hours

Monday & Tuesday
Closed

Wednesday
16:00 – 23:00 (Bar) 

Thursday
16:00 – 23:00 (Bar)
17:30 – 20:30 (Restaurant) 

Friday
11:00 – 23:00 (Bar)
12:00 – 15:00, 17:30 – 20:30 (Restaurant)

Saturday
11:00 – 23:00 (Bar)
12:00 – 15:00, 17:30 – 20:30 (Restaurant) 

Sunday
11:00 – 22:00 (Bar)
12:00 – 16:00 (Restaurant) 

Christmas Menu

Download menu

“Fresh, in-season, and high-quality, that’s the simple philosophy behind every dish we serve at The Olive Tree.”

Ben Howling, Chef & Owner

Having most recently served as Head Chef at the Bertie Arms in Uffington, Ben brings a wealth of experience from kitchens across the UK and Europe. His career includes roles at The Red Lion Hotel, #PE11 in Spalding, and Smith’s of Bourne.

Originally from Spalding, Ben returned home nine years ago after a gap-year summer season evolved into a 17-year adventure living and working across mainland Europe. He spent much of that time in France, training in classical hotels, with further experience in Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria.

Opening his own restaurant has always been a case of “when” rather than “if”, and The Olive Tree presented the perfect opportunity to finally bring that dream to life.

“From Valencia to Cornwall and back to Spalding, my career has been shaped by experiences across some incredible kitchens.”

John, Front of House & Owner

Most people in Spalding know John from welcoming drinkers and diners to his family-owned Red Lion Hotel over the past 30 years.

Alongside running the business, John has travelled extensively to refine his craft — starting in Valencia, where he trained in a variety of restaurants and bars, before spending time in Cornwall working in 5-star establishments. He also enjoyed another spell in Spain before returning to Spalding to continue his work at the family business.

 

  • Have wanted to visit since it reopened but decided to leave it for a few weeks for it to 'bed in' and wait for a birthday treat. Was not disappointed. Really comprehensive menu from tapas style to ala carte. I chose the venison haunch and my partner fish and chips. Both were excellent so we followed with a pistachio panne cotta to share, absolutely outstanding. Staff attentive and knowledgable. Would highly recommend this restaurant and have every intention of returning.

    David H - September 2025 - TripAdvisor

  • Another wonderful meal at The Olive Tree - great menu that changes regularly. Fantastic seafood. Nothing else in Spalding compares to this restaurant. Lovely atmosphere and very friendly, welcoming staff. Strongly recommended. Thank you.

    karen l - Sept 2025 - TripAdvisor

  • At long, long last a restaurant in Spalding serving sublime food. None of us could fault a single thing. Whoever the chef is, hang on to him as he certainly knows how to cook. The dishes are quirky, delicious, well presented, generous, and reasonably priced. Staff are friendly and chatty. I know it is early days but we sat upstairs and I feel the windows need some blinds to add some warmth to a well decorated but stark, cold feeling room. The only other thing we all agreed was not good was the volume of the background music. Some songs were so loud we had to stop our conversation as we couldn’t hear ourselves speak. Minor niggles but nothing could distract from the amazing food. The wine was damn good too!

    Jane S - Sept 2025 - TripAdvisor

  • We ate here tonight and it was amazing. The staff were so welcoming and the restaurant really cosy. I ordered the battered fish and my daughter the barbecue brisket burger, the food was insane, beautifully presented and so tasty. I loved the small detail in that even the peas were fresh and you could taste the mint. For two meals and a bottle of wine the price was incredible. We will most definitely be back.

    jacqui43 - Sept 2025 - TripAdvisor

Contact us.

The most effective way to book is to speak directly to one of us on the phone during opening hours 01775 766640  

Email theolivetreespalding@gmail.com