About The Bruce Arms

Matt

Matt has worked in hospitality since the age of 17, beginning as a waiter before progressing into bar work and pub management. After managing award-winning venues and working with independent pub and restaurant groups, he brings years of experience in hospitality, food, and guest experience to The Bruce Arms.

Philippa

Philippa began working in hospitality in her local neighbourhood bar in Boston Spa, quickly progressing into management. Her experience helped shape a strong understanding of running welcoming hospitality spaces centred around service, atmosphere, and community.

The Bruce Arms takes its name from the Bruce Family: Thomas Bruce-Brudenell, later Earl of Ailesbury, took possession of Tanfield Manor and its surrounding lands in 1747; his family had been local landowners since 1676, and it stayed within the Bruce family right up until 1826 when Lord Arton purchased it.

Thomas Bruce Brudenell (1729 – 1814) was a British courtier and socialite. He took the second surname Bruce, after his uncle, in 1767 after succeeding to the barony of Bruce. The Bruce Brudenell family names have many pubs named after them, locally The Blue Lion takes its name from a Blue Lion on the family crest, The Cardigan Arms in Leeds takes its name from Thomas’s brother James being 5th Earl of Cardigan.