The Quest for the Ultimate Sunday Roast in London
We scoured the city on a quest for the Ultimate Sunday Roast in London. From tender, flavourful meats to perfect Yorkshire puddings and sides, these spots hit the mark every time. Expect roast potatoes so crispy they’ll melt in your mouth and vegetarian options that will convince even carnivores.
Whether you’re looking for a luxe take on a classic or just a solid city gem, you’ll find a new go-to spot for your weekly roast. Don’t waste next Sunday on subpar offerings – check out the 10 roast dinner legends you need to know.
The 303 Winner
The Pelican
45 All Saints Rd, London W11 1HE
One of the best places to have a Sunday roast in London is The Pelican Notting Hill, a newly renovated pub that offers a gastropub experience. You can enjoy a modern British cuisine that features a variety of dishes, such as mince on toast, potted shrimp and tomahawk steak. The pub has a cosy and inviting atmosphere, with a simple but elegant decor. You can also sample some of the beers, wines and cocktails that the pub has to offer. The Pelican Notting Hill is a great choice for a satisfying and enjoyable Sunday roast in London.
“What an amazing lunch! 3rd time this year. I always send clients here as the majority of them are chefs or food producers and they understand what goes into producing such a fantastic meal and experience. Great emphasis on regenerative farming and the chef (Owen) was really generous with his time explaining the concept and where he sources his produce. Great to see a chef taking the time to engage, a lovely chap! Looking forward to my next visit and sampling more of the beers on tap”.
Shortlisted
Fallow
52 Haymarket, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4RP
“Chefs Will Murray and Jack Croft met in the kitchens of Dinner by Heston and then teamed up with James Robson to come up with Fallow. They run big on sustainability, so they use interesting cuts and everything is super seasonal and focuses mainly on British and Irish produce. Fallow’s commitment to sustainability and seasonality extends to even growing its own mushrooms in-house – how’s that for food miles?”
“What a fantastic place! I’ve been wanting to visit Fallow since it’s opening and I must say it’s been well worth the wait! From the moment I called to make a reservation to the moment we walked away, everything was spot on. The staff are friendly and very welcoming, the food is beyond delicious, there are great drink options, and they are very dog friendly”.
The Princess Victoria
217 Uxbridge Rd, London W12 9DH
Inside The Princess Royal, plush seats and colourful artwork mingle with moody paint tones for an artsy vibe. Beyond the sleek horseshoe bar lies a bright garden oasis. This gastropub masterfully fuses quaint tradition and contemporary flair. The Princess Royal interweaves old and new with plush seats, vivid art, and a moodily lit bar alongside a verdant Mediterranean courtyard. This gastropub embodies both heritage charm and modern elegance.
“We was on a quest for the ultimate Sunday roast and this is a lovely addition to Notting Hill. The venue has been well-designed to be a cosy yet elegant pub. The service is usually efficient and attentive and there are a few key front of house members whose pleasant conversation and care really make the guest experience. Food is great and whispering angel was delicious. Presentation of both food and drinks is spot on.”
The Harwood Arms
Walham Grove, London SW6 1QJ
It’s an open secret – this incredible Fulham gastropub requires booking Sunday lunch months out. But the slow cooked meats like fallow deer and succulent Cumbrian pork are so flavourful, they’re worth the wait. Booking weeks early is necessary at this cherished Fulham gastropub.
“The Harwood Arms has been London’s only Michelin-starred pub for nearly a decade, somehow remaining both a local watering hole and high-end dining destination. It’s an impressive balancing act, one that has been made possible by chefs like Stephen Williams, Sally Abé and now, Jake Leach“.
The Cow
89 Westbourne Park Rd, London W2 5QH
The Cow is a long-standing gastropub with a beefy theme, run by Tom Conran. Although the name suggests a meaty menu, the star of the show here is the seafood (many locals come for the oysters and Guinness in the bar downstairs). The upstairs dining room, decorated with vibrant colours, offers a proper Sunday roast for those who prefer a sit-down meal.
“A weekend in London is not complete without the renowned Sunday roast dinner and this is a classic spot to enjoy such a feast. The restaurant and bar create a very cozy atmosphere. Food and dessert options were marvellous even beyond the roast dinner, with favourites including the flavourful fish stew and rich Guinness pie. To crown it all, our dessert choice of a warm rhubarb crumble with a creamy custard drizzle did not disappoint.”
Camberwell Arms
65 Camberwell Church St, London SE5 8TR
Sunday lunch at this pared-back, effortlessly cool south London gem is a tale of two halves. First, you have a delicious drink followed by, ever-changing small plates to choose from, such as the spiced celeriac with smoked pollock hummus and walnuts, or the Lombardy ragu on toast with parmesan. Then comes the main event: spit-roasted chicken with spinach and chilli yoghurt; aged Dexter steak with wild garlic butter and watercress; lamb with Italian greens; or rolled pork belly with Savoy cabbage and mustard, all of which are designed to be shared but so good you won’t want to.
Blacklock
24 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7LG
Blacklock is located in a former lap dancing club and brothel, but has been transformed into a modern and stylish chophouse. Blacklock Soho specialises in roasting whole joints of meat over open coals, giving them a smoky and succulent flavour.
You can choose from beef rump, lamb leg, pork loin or a vegetarian celeriac roast, and enjoy them with crispy Yorkshire puddings, parsnips, tenderstem broccoli and duck fat roast potatoes, all covered in a rich gravy. To spice things up, you can also add some apple ketchup or indulge in some of the decadent sides, such as the creamy cauliflower cheese or the roasted pumpkin with parmesan. To start your meal, you can also treat yourself to a refreshing Bloody Mary or a Breakfast Martini with orange marmalade, perfect for curing a hangover or boosting your mood – Blacklock Soho is the ultimate destination for a Sunday roast in London.
Lore Of The Land
4 Conway St, London W1T 6BB
Lore of the Land is a unique pub that reflects the vision of the British film director Guy Ritchie. It celebrates the rich history and culture of England through its three floors of pub experience. The main bar offers Gritchie beer from Guy’s own brewery in Wiltshire, as well as a curated wine list. The restaurant on the second floor serves dishes that highlight the best of British seasonal produce, with the Sunday roasts being especially popular.
“Without doubt, one of my new favourite places for Sunday roast in London. My boyfriend took me yesterday, and we ordered the roast beef (pink) which was incredible. I can’t complain about anything, but I would recommend that you try the bone marrow with the roast potatoes (which were also out of this world)”.
The Pig’s Head
87 Rectory Grove, London SW4 0DR
The dining room takes inspiration from the farmhouses that line the British countryside, treating diners to a wonderfully warm atmosphere thanks to the wooden and wicker textures, the plentiful shelves packed with homemade pickles and preserves and the forest of potted plants and ferns.
“Oh my God, I don’t even know where to begin. The BEST Sunday roast in London I’ve ever had. Everything, from the meat to the gravy and roasted veggies was fantastic. The sticky toffee pudding is the perfect way to end a perfect meal. Cannot wait to go back!!”
The Fox & Pheasant
1 Billing Rd, London SW10 9UJ
Some people may dislike James Blunt, a former army officer who became a singer, but he is popular with the wealthy crowd of Chelsea. He has saved one of the most charming old pubs in the area, The Fox & Pheasant. The pub is located in The Billings, a secluded spot of lovely cottages near Stamford Bridge, and has a friendly and warm atmosphere despite its expensive location. It is especially snug in winter when its three fireplaces are lit up.
