A culinary gem for those in the know, The Duncombe Arms is an award-winning pub in the heart of the British countryside. Meticulously merging pub classics with adventurous contemporary dishes, we take a deep dive into this one-of-a-kind location and indulge in the future of gastronomic satisfaction.
THE LOCAL WE ALL WISH WE HAD
In the quintessential English village of Ellastone sat a boarded-up pub that had once served as a place of food, drink, laughter, and community – a hub for the locals to gather and enjoy each other’s company and a sense of unity.
Having to drive past the once lively heart of the village tore at Johnny and Laura Greenall more and more each day until they finally decided to put together their combined decades of experience in brewing, cooking, and hospitality to give this neglected inn a second chance at life.
This dream of resurrecting the historic shell in such a picturesque setting was brought to fruition when Laura’s mother noticed that the pub had their family crest already painted on the sign outside – a curious coincidence that indicated this venture was meant to be.
Deciding to breathe new life into the centuries-old building, the Greenalls conducted an extensive renovation that included a state-of-the-art refurbished kitchen, a light-filled and airy dining space, and restoration of the characteristic 1850s nooks and crannies that allotted the place its unique charm.
The Duncombe Arms opened for business in March 2012 with the aim of serving classic and modern British food of fine-dining quality in the warm, relaxed surroundings of a local country pub.
The tucked-away location in the English countryside went on to quickly become renowned for its award-winning food, having held a Michelin Bib Gourmand for five years, been placed in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list, and retained the ‘Pub of the Year’ title at the 2024 Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism and Good Food Awards.
A HIDDEN HOTSPOT
Pubs serve as a unique and distinctive feature of the UK. Not only are they historically significant, but they act as an important cultural gathering place for people of all backgrounds.
A secular heart of the community, pubs are an integral part of British life, and people are increasingly recognising their value as such egalitarian places are becoming unfortunately rare.
The Duncombe Arms is one such place that epitomises the ever-lasting need for a delicious, warm, relaxed, and community-oriented location that brings together those both near and far.
Located on the edge of the infamously beautiful Peak District and a short trip away from the Pennines, the pub is sat upon an unspoilt piece of countryside and offers an eclectic, rustic-chic décor, blazing fires, and a spacious garden with unbeatable views.
Known as ‘the local we all wish we had’, the pub boasts fresh, seasonal menus that consist of hearty English roasts, comforting pub classics, an incredible wine list, and local dazzlers, amongst other irresistible choices.
These, mixed with more adventurous modern British dishes, demonstrate why The Duncombe Arms draws a convivial combination of loyal locals and visitors with its menus and daily specials that showcase the very best hyperlocal and seasonal produce alongside the freshest and most decadent ingredients from around the country.
The pub works closely with a local farmer from the 170-acre, all-grass Dunwood Farm set in the midst of the stunning Staffordshire Moorlands, where small herds of Aberdeen Angus, Hereford, and Longhorn cattle are raised. It also works closely with local huntsmen for fresh game across the seasons.
Additionally, all breads, sauces, stocks, and ice creams are homemade, and its menus cater imaginatively to vegetarians, children, and guests on gluten-free diets – a haven for every sort of food connoisseur.
A CULINARY GEM
The culinary experience at The Duncombe Arms is led by Head Chef, Scott Law, who is passionate about providing an authentic, homegrown gastronomic retreat for those looking to relax and indulge in a succulent gem.
Having grown up in London to Scottish parents, Law lived and worked across the capital city before making the move to the Midlands in 2016, where he then became part of the initial team on the ground floor of the Gherkin when it first opened its doors.
He then returned to the city centre, working at notable destinations, including The Groucho Club in Soho, The Arts Club in Mayfair, and Belgo Centraal in Covent Garden, before the temptation of gastropubs called his name and he returned to the Midlands, joining The Duncombe Arms in 2020.
Since becoming Head Chef at the beloved pub, Law has spearheaded the growth of the kitchen garden on the restaurant’s grounds, echoing his love of seasonal ingredients. Additionally, he is passionate about foraging locally and growing his own produce at home, with any excess greenery making it onto the menu – nasturtiums for salads, courgettes for side dishes, borages as a garnish for gin and tonics, and much more.
With Law at the helm, The Duncombe Arms is one of Staffordshire’s leading culinary establishments, boasting a plethora of awards and a long-held Michelin Bib Gourmand under its belt.
The pub prioritises being a beloved local alongside a mouthwatering diner. As such, it ensures that the drinks menu features plenty of choices and is treated with no less reverence.
From juicy Marston’s Pedigree from nearby Burton upon Trent to the pub’s own Duncombe Ale and at least one guest ale to highlight small local breweries, it also proudly offers over 160 wines alongside regularly hosting wine-tasting dinners and special events where Law works with local huntsman to lay on delicious game-based meals paired with exciting wines.
DINING WITH A DIFFERENCE
The Duncombe Arms not only provides showstopping dishes that expertly accentuate the region’s local produce and delicacies, but is also home to the Walnut House, consisting of 10 cosy bedrooms with the relaxed home-away-from-home comfort one would expect from a country pub but the added flair and contemporary design of a boutique residence.
Each room offers unique and eclectic styling and is situated on a serene spot in the British countryside, with exceptional walking routes and stunning views to be admired during every season.
This is in addition to two other accommodation offerings, namely the Garden Cottage and The Old Barn.
This hidden hotspot is on the edge of the Peak District and close to a variety of rich attractions and activities, including the market towns of Ashbourne and Uttoxeter and a mere three miles away from Alton Towers – a popular theme park.
Additionally, adding to the pub’s unique charm and difference is General Manager James Oddy’s passion for gin.
His response to the burgeoning trend for craft gin? A new menu that brings together over 28 varieties to be enjoyed.
Alongside this extensive gin offering, The Duncombe Arms’ vast wine selection is enhanced by Coravin – a revolutionary invention that allows the pub to reseal bottles as if they had never been opened.
A truly immersive experience that encourages diners to sit back with a delicious drink, indulge in gastronomic excellence, and embrace the warm ambience of a roaring log fire, The Duncombe Arms is a true culinary gem just waiting to be discovered.
CONTACT THE DUNCOMBE ARMS
- Tel: 01335 324275
- [email protected]
- www.duncombearms.co.uk
