ABOUT US.
Ben Howling –
Chef & Owner
"Fresh, in-season, and high-quality; that's the simple philosophy behind every dish we serve at The Olive Tree."
Originally from Spalding, Ben’s culinary journey began when a brief gap-year summer season blossomed into an incredible 17-year adventure living and working across mainland Europe. He spent much of this time mastering his craft in classical French hotels, whilst also gaining invaluable experience in kitchens across Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria.
Since returning home nine years ago, Ben has continued to build an impressive local reputation. He has brought his European expertise to several well-known establishments, including The Red Lion Hotel and #PE11 in Spalding, Smith’s of Bourne, and, most recently, as Head Chef at the Bertie Arms in Uffington.
For Ben, opening his own restaurant has always been a case of “when” rather than “if”. The Olive Tree presented the perfect opportunity to finally bring that long-held dream to life—creating a menu that combines his classical training with the very best seasonal produce.
John Wilkins –
Front of House & Owner
"From Valencia to Cornwall and back to Spalding, my career has been shaped by experiences across some incredible kitchens."
A familiar face to many in Spalding, John has spent the past 30 years welcoming drinkers and diners to his family-owned Red Lion Hotel.
Alongside running the family business, John has travelled extensively to refine his front-of-house craft and broaden his hospitality experience. His journey began in Valencia, Spain, where he trained across a variety of bustling restaurants and bars. From there, he moved to Cornwall to work in top-tier, 5-star establishments, before enjoying a second spell in Spain.
He ultimately returned to his roots in Spalding to continue his work at the family business and is now thrilled to bring his years of expertise and passion for exceptional service to The Olive Tree.
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
What Sets Us Apart
Our Food Philosophy
What sets The Olive Tree apart from other restaurants in Spalding is our absolute commitment to fresh, in-season, and produce-led dining. Rather than offering a static, predictable menu, we believe in using high-quality ingredients at fair prices. Our menu is dynamic and varied, ranging from tapas-style small plates and Sunday roasts to perfectly cooked steaks—like a ribeye paired with a bold Malbec—alongside hearty vegetarian and gluten-free options. This dedication to culinary excellence and quirky, generous dishes has already earned us a reputation for serving sublime food that stands out in the local area.
A Wealth of Experience
Our approach is driven by the international and high-end hospitality experience we bring to the heart of town. Opening a restaurant together has always been a case of "when" rather than "if." We have blended classical European training with the best local ingredients to offer a refined yet completely accessible dining experience that Spalding hasn't seen before.
A Space for Every Occasion
The Olive Tree is designed to be a versatile and welcoming venue for any occasion, moving seamlessly from a relaxed pub environment to an upscale restaurant. Whether you are dropping into the courtyard beer garden for a pint of local real ale and a black pudding and apple Scotch egg, or booking the upstairs dining room for a cosy date night, the atmosphere is tailored to be both comfortable and memorable. Top-tier food is matched by a genuinely welcoming, community-focused environment where our service makes you feel right at home.