A steaming slab of meat with some roast potatoes and lashings of gravy – I think that we can all agree that there’s nothing better than a Sunday roast right – especially when the weather is getting colder. However, it can often be like a needle in a haystack trying to find a good one. Luckily for you dear readers, we’ve taken the time to roundup the best Sunday roasts in London so you can enjoy all the delicious food you could ever want to really stave off that Sunday fear.
1. The Farrier
Located in the old horse hospital in Camden Market, The Farrier boasts high-quality cooking, epic Sunday roasts, and most excitingly (in our view, at least) – a floor-to-ceiling wall of wine.
The roast here is utterly banging, and the team here work with family-run butchers HG Walter to create their melt-in-the-mouth roasts. This Autumn, Head Chef Jake Perry has been tweaking the menu to make them even more indulgent than before; think 12-hour cider braised pork belly, lemon and thyme half chicken and a beetroot, tofu and mushroom wellington. Naturally, they’ll be accompanied by all the trimmings, plus bottomless gravy!
You’ll find The Farrier at Camden Stables Market, 87–88 North Yard, Chalk Farm, London, NW1 8AH. Nearest station is Chalk Farm.
2. Blacklock
Although Blacklock usually specialises in succulent chops, they’re all about roast dinners when it comes to the day of rest. You can choose between beef, lamb or pork, but we suggest you go for all three with the ‘All In’ combo (you’d be stupid not to, but be prepared to share).
The meat is cooked over coals and is obviously accompanied by all of the trimmings: duck fat roasties, crispy pork crackling, giant Yorkshire puds, greens, carrots and bone marrow gravy. You can also add cauliflower cheese and homemade sauces if you’re feeling extra piggy. It’s a British tradition after all.
You’ll find Blacklock at four different locations in London. You can find out more here.
3. The Bull and Last
The bigger the Yorkshire the better, right? The Bull and Last features on many a ‘best Sunday roasts in London’ post, but we couldn’t help including it in ours, too. If it’s proper roast beef you’re after, then you needn’t look any further. The Bull and Last has North Essex shorthorn roast sirloin of beef on the menu, and if that’s not enough of a mouthful to say, it will certainly be enough mouthfuls to eat..
They’ve also got roasted pork belly that comes with fancy things like sauerkraut, pears and purple sprouting… but there’s no Yorkshires with that one so we’re not sure how to feel about that.
You’ll find The Bull and Last at 168 Highgate Road, NW5 1QS. Nearest stations are Gospel Oak and Tufnell Park.
4. The Camberwell Arms
Another worthy addition to this list of the best Sunday roasts in London is The Camberwell Arms, a cosy neighbourhood spot offering the best quality fare and a great wine list too. They run an extended Sunday menu featuring roast lamb, pork belly, chicken and beef – all with crispy roast potatoes. It should be noted however that they don’t come with Yorkshires at this one – but we guarantee the roast is good enough without it!
You’ll find The Camberwell Arms at 65 Camberwell Church Street, London, SE5 8TR. Nearest station is Denmark Hill.
5. Marksman
Slap-bang in the middle of Hackney Road, the Marksman has earned itself the reputation of having one of the best Sunday roasts in London, and for good reason we say. They’ve got a three-course menu option for £40, which includes roast chicken with a tomato salad and a Hereford wing rib with horseradish cream – both come with buttered greens and roast tatties of course. Room for dessert? You can opt for the cheese board or a delectable brown butter and honey tart. Yum, yum.
You’ll find the Marksman at 254 Hackney Road, London, E2 7SJ. Nearest station is Hoxton.
6. Canton Arms
Slap-bang in the heart of Stockwell, the Canton Arms is all about good British grub and excellent beers. Their roast is somewhat legendary south of the river, and their braised rabbit ‘chasseur’ and new season Jersey mids has to be tasted to be believed. Other things on the menu include roast dexter beef, a seven-hour roasted salt marsh lamb shoulder and a duck and smoked ham pie with buttered greens.
You’ll find the Canton Arms at 177 S Lambeth Rd, London SW8 1XP. Nearest station is Stockwell.
7. Hawksmoor
If you’re in the mood for a really good roast beef, then it’s got to be Hawksmoor. This family of restaurants – one of which is in Covent Garden – serves up an homage to the very best British beef, and their slow roast rump is served with beef dripping roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, carrots, greens, roasted shallots and garlic and lashings of bone marrow and onion gravy. Sounds pretty damn good if you ask us.
You’ll find Hawksmoor at various different locations across London. You can find out more here.
8. The Drapers Arms
This neighbourhood favourite is a cute little spot just off Liverpool Road and they rustle up a pretty bloody fantastic roast. A relaxed gastropub, it’s easy to while away the hours at The Drapers Arms, and they’ve got everything from a seven-hour shoulder of lamb to roast duck magret for their Sunday roast. For dessert, go for the Guinness cake drizzled in salted caramel – it’s pretty much to die for.
You’ll find The Drapers Arms at 44 Barnsbury St, London, N1 1ER. Nearest stations are Highbury and Islington and Angel.
9. The Laundry
A stone’s throw from Brixton tube station – and Brixton Overground for that matter – you’ll find The Laundry. Once an Edwardian laundry house (hey, it’s in the name), today, it is a Kiwi-run bar-bistro open daily, serving casual all day fare, banging brunches, and on Sundays, some pretty epic roast dinners. And boy what a roast dinner it is.
Options include a succulent and rolled pork belly, a 28-day aged Hereford sirloin, or leek and mushroom pie. Add in some soft a pillowy Yorkshire puddings and lashings of gravy (and red vino) – and you’ve got one hell of a roast here. Enjoy!
You’ll find The Laundry at 374 Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9 8PL. Nearest station is Brixton.
10. Coal Rooms
Another great addition to this ‘best roasts in London’ roundup, the Coal Rooms is housed in the former ticket office of Peckham Rye train station and it has made major waves since opening back in 2018. Along with the stylish and atmospheric vibes, you’ll get to eat some pretty fantastic food here.
Their Sunday roasts – which include seasonal vegetable gratin, miso butter chicken and dry-aged beef wellington – all come with orange and honey-roasted heritage carrots, roast potatoes, a Yorkshire pudding, buttered greens and gravy.
You’ll find Coal Rooms at 11a Station Way, Peckham, London, SE15 4RX. Nearest station is Peckham Rye.
11. The White Horse
Another beloved Peckham pub here, The White Horse is positively jumping on a weekend evening when DJs rev things up, but it also does some pretty great food. This is particularly true on Sundays, when the boys from Mondo Sando whip up a range of delicious roasts, which all feature twists on the classics. Think, rare roast beef, North African rolled lamb shoulder and deep-fried pork belly porchetta; served with naughty sides including pecorino spiked stuffing balls and stilton cauliflower cheese.
There are also vegan roast options – including a pretty mouthwatering vegan oyster mushroom hand pie. They also work their Mondo magic at Camberwell’s Grove House Tavern too.
You’ll find The White Horse at 20-22 Peckham Rye, SE15 4JR. Nearest station is Peckham Rye.
12. Barge East
Moored at Sweetwater in Hackney Wick, the nearly 120-year-old floating Barge East has been transformed into one of London’s finest outdoor bars and kitchens, serving a seasonal British menu and some delightful drinks too. There’s an added garden area which is decked out in twinkling fairy lights – perfect for a romantic date spot – and the food rustled up here is pretty bloody divine.
Head Chef Stefano Camplone brings his sustainable expertise to the British modern seasonal menu, and many of the ingredients used here are actually sourced from the gardens surrounding the barge. When it comes to Sunday roasts, you’ve got British beef topside, lamb shoulder or shallot tart – all served with duck fat or vegan roasted potatoes, honey roasted miso carrots, seasonal greens and a giant Yorkshire pudding too. Stepping up the game for sides, you’ll also have the option of adding hispi cabbage with sesame dressing or leeks drizzled in melted cheese.
You’ll find Barge East at River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Lane, E9 5EN. Nearest station is Hackney Wick.
13. ROAST
This one is definitely a contender for the ‘best Sunday roasts in London’ crown. With six options for Sunday lunch, you are absolutely spoilt for choice at ROAST. From roast beef wellington with rosemary roast potatoes and a red wine and shallot gravy, to pork belly and Bramley apple sauce, this Borough Market icon is an excellent spot for Sunday lunch (as you might expect from a restaurant with the name right?).
You’ll find ROAST at the Floral Hall, Stoney Street, SE1 1TL. Nearest station is London Bridge.
14. Smokehouse
The BBQ brainchild of Neil Rankin (something of a legend in the world of sizzling sensations), Smokehouse in Islington whips up some of the best barbecued meats you’ll find anywhere in town. Their Hereford sirloin and smoked Herdwick lamb shoulder are pretty much melt-in-your-mouth good, and all are accompanied by beef fat roast potatoes, greens, glazed carrots and a Yorkshire pudding. Wash it down with a nice glass of red and you’ve got yourself a pretty dreamy Sunday afternoon. Cheers.
You’ll find Smokehouse at 63-69 Canonbury Road, London, N1 2DG. Nearest station is Highbury and Islington.
15. Lady Mildmay
Set on a beautiful corner of Newington Green near Stoke Newington, the Lady Mildmay whips up rustic fare and some excellent craft beers too. Their roasts are pretty incredible too. Expect fluffy Yorkshires, tender meat, rich gravy and cauliflower cheese along with some pretty delightful desserts to boot too. Dogs are also more than welcome, so bring your four-legged friends along to this one!
You’ll find Lady Mildmay at 92 Mildmay Park, London, N1 4PR. Nearest stations are Canonbury and Dalston Kingsland.
16. The Cadogan Arms
Reopened last year after a long period of being closed, The Cadogan Arms has been very much restored back to it’s former glory – and that goes for the food too. Tuck into delectable longhorn rump served with bone marrow sauce and horseradish cream, or the popular half herb-fed chicken served with brioche and truffle stuffing.
Sides come in the form of butter-glazed vegetables, roast potatoes, and Yorkshire puddings, and you could do worse than finishing up with a mouth-watering chocolate fondant served with banana ice cream and drizzled in a morello cherry glaze. They’ve also got roaring log fires and cosy snugs – what more could you want when the weather begins to turn?
You’ll find The Cadogan Arms at 298 King’s Road, London, SW3 5UG. Nearest station is Sloane Square.
17. The Chelsea Pig
Another Cheslea-based spot here (oh darling!), The Chelsea Pig is an upmarket and stylish bolthole which has recently been renovated by acclaimed designer Timothy Oulton, who marks his first foray into the world of hospitality.
A strong contender for having the best roasts in London, you can expect a menu from chef Fionnan Flood which champions all the classic British dishes with a twist, with options including Gloucestershire pork belly with toffee apple sauce; Hereford beef rib-eye and horseradish cream; Sutton Hoo free-range chicken with spiced bread sauce and cauliflower steak in a red wine sauce. Washed down with a glass of red vino and what more could you want?
You’ll find The Chelsea Pig at 35 Old Church Street, London, SW3 5BS. Nearest station is Sloane Square.
18. Paternoster Chop House
Famous for being the ‘First Dates’ restaurant, the Paternoster Chop House knows a thing or two about romance, which is a good thing as you’re pretty much guaranteed to fall in love with their roasts. Choose from roasted pork loin, Norfolk horn leg of lamb, roast pork belly or Aberdeen beef sirloin feat. all the trimmings, and you can also opt for a sharing roast too. Post-meal, wander across the Millenium Bridge to get one of the best views in London.
You’ll find Paternoster Chop House at 35 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AU. Nearest station is Blackfriars.
19. 12:51 by James Cochran
Upper Street in Islington is no stranger to great food it has to be said, but if you’re really looking for somewhere which is out-of-this-world, then make a beeline for 12:51 by James Cochran. The restaurant holds two AA rosettes and is featured as a Michelin Guide restaurant, and Cochran himself won BBC’s prestigious Great British Menu back in 2018 – so it’s not exactly short of celebration. And for good reason – the food here is bloody delicious.
While you can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu, we’d highly recommend the Sunday roast. There’s only beef on the menu here – sorry veggies and vegans – but it’s the sides where this roast really makes it’s mark. Dishes rotate depending on seasonality and availability, so you could end up with chargrilled hispi cabbage, braised and grilled onions, broccolini, or carrot puree, along with shredded beef and gooey cauliflower cheese. Winner, winner.
You’ll find 12:51 by James Cochran at 107 Upper Street, London, N1 1QN. Nearest station is Angel.
20. Townsend
Another contender for one of the best roasts in London here, Townsend is a modern British dining room by Nick Gilkinson, set within the celebrated Whitechapel Gallery (and named after the gallery’s architect Charles Townsend). All the food here is designed ‘to celebrate the best ingredients from our soils‘, and that includes the Sunday roasts.
With a weekly-changing menu, you’ll get to choose from ham hock terrine and oysters to start with gravy, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, bavette steaks and the odd cauliflower cheese for main. Vegetarians won’t be missed out either – fried celeriac with brown butter and capers will definitely tick that box!
You’ll find Townsend at 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 7QX. Nearest station is Aldgate East.
21. The Mitre
The penultimate entry on this list of the best roasts in London is a real winner. Based at the northern end of Holland Park, The Mitre is all about ‘fresh seasonal food, cask-conditioned real ales and carefully chosen wines’. Their roasts all come with roast potatoes, grilled hispi cabbage, maple-roasted carrots, a Yorkshire pudding and lashings of gravy. Vegans will be chuffed to bits with the vegan wellington, and they’ve also got some pretty banging starters too. Best thing of all? The price – all the roasts here are under twenty quid, which is quite frankly a steal in Central London.
You’ll find The Mitre at 40 Holland Park Avenue, London, W11 3QY. Nearest station is Notting Hill Gate.
22. Pig and Butcher
The Pig and Butcher is a laid-back country style pub serving a daily menu of meats straight from the farm to your table. But the roast? Now that’s another one altogether. All of them are served with Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, greens, carrots and cauliflower cheese, and you’ll have your pick of Label Anglais chicken crown with a brioche stuffing and a Lavington lamb shoulder glazed in balsamic vinegar. They also do a mean celeriac nut roast.
You’ll find Pig and Butcher at 80 Liverpool Road, London, N1 0QD. Nearest station is Angel.
So there you have it – a roundup of 22 of the best roasts in London. Now that the weather’s beginning to turn and we’re almost at Halloween, roast season really is back, so why not start making your way through this list?
Also published on Medium.