Meet Our Head Chef: Lee Spinks
Behind every great meal at The White Horse is a kitchen led with passion, skill, and creativity — and that’s exactly what you get with our head chef, Lee Spinks.
Lee’s journey into cooking started young, with a love of food inspired by family kitchen traditions. Over the past 15 + years, he has worked his way through every kitchen role imaginable — from kitchen porter to kitchen manager — gaining experience in a wide range of environments, from cosy cafés to Michelin-recommended restaurants.
From Early Passion to Professional Kitchen
Lee’s love for cooking began at just four years old, rooted in memories of cooking with family. That early passion became a career, and with hard work and determination he has developed into a chef who combines classic technique with creative flair.
He has honed his craft working with established chefs including Callum Holyland and Daniel Smith at The Ingham Swan, a prestigious 3 AA Rosette restaurant in Norfolk. This experience helped shape his appreciation for detail, consistency, and elevated pub food.
A Philosophy Built on Respect for Ingredients
Lee’s cooking philosophy centres on respect for ingredients and flavour integrity. With Scandinavian and Arctic heritage, he places particular emphasis on:
Working with ingredients in ways that honour their origin
Minimising waste wherever possible
Transforming traditional dishes with thoughtful creativity
He believes that even the simplest dish can be transformed into something extraordinary, especially when it draws on the traditions of the past while presenting them in exciting ways.
Lee’s approach resonates through every dish he prepares — whether it’s a beautifully cooked pub classic or a seasonal special designed to showcase local produce.
What Lee Brings to The White Horse
Since joining The White Horse, Lee has been instrumental in shaping a menu that reflects:
Quality pub dining with a refined touch
Seasonal produce from trusted local suppliers
Dishes that invite conversation and repeat visits
For Lee, pub food should surprise and satisfy. It should feel familiar yet thoughtfully prepared — something that makes locals proud and visitors eager to return.
More Than a Menu — A Culinary Experience
When you enjoy one of Lee’s dishes at The White Horse, you’re tasting:
Passion
Creativity
A commitment to keeping the art of great food alive
From heritage-inspired plates to elevated twists on classics, Lee’s food reflects a chef who values tradition, community, and exceptional flavour.
