Best places for roast dinner in London - the ultimate Sunday lunch guide
Roast dinner, is there anything better on a cosy Sunday afternoon? There's no denying there's nothing quite like the perfect roast, whether you prefer your potatoes dripping in gravy, your Yorkshire pudding as big as your plate or whether you believe a brussel sprout belongs on a Sunday lunch - there's always something comforting about a classic roast.
Luckily for Londoners, there's no shortage of top tier roasts in the city. From homely family-run pubs to fancy gastro delights, we've rounded up our pick of the best roast dinners in London, packed into one handy guide. Read on to discover HELLO! writers' favourite spots in the city to warm your insides this winter with a wholesome, hearty roast.
Best roast dinners in London
Hawksmoor, Borough Market
My first Hawksmoor Sunday roast experience is not one I'll be forgetting anytime soon. Twice has this much-loved London gem been voted Best Sunday Lunch in the UK, with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver amongst the restaurant's devoted revellers - and it's easy to see why. The menus revolve around the best ingredients the restaurants can find – whether it be beef from grass-fed traditionally reared cattle, sustainable seafood from around the British coast, seasonal fruits and vegetables or great British cheeses.
If you can beat the queue out the door and arrive before 4pm, you won't regret your decision to spend your Sunday here. From succulent cuts of beef to creamy celeriac mash and to-die-for homemade stuffing, it's difficult not to delight in the culinary perfection of this indulgent, hearty meal. This is roast dinner with belly and soul, served in the most elegant setting.
The Jugged Hare, Barbican
Stepping into The Jugged Hare was rather like stumbling into a bustling country pub laden with locals and a warm atmosphere. The smell of herby roast potatoes and rich gravy is enough to tempt you inside as you walk underneath the Barbican passage to Chiswell Street. The Jugged Hare is a handsome gastro pub and a game-changing drinking and dining spot in the city - and their roast should be on your must-try list.
Offering only the most incredible seasonal game and produce, on the menu is Longhorn beef, Roast Tamworth pork belly and Half a Castlemead free range chicken from Somerset, all roasted to perfection and accompanied with a proper Yorkshire pudding, duck fat roast potatoes with buttery seasonal vegetables and rotisserie gravy that can’t be beaten.
The restaurant prides itself on full flavours, innovative ideas and perfectly executed dishes at every service. With a focus on both the traditional and the lesser-known (but always seasonal) and working with artisanal, bespoke suppliers, The Jugged Hare is the perfect spot for a roast in London.
Rockwell, Trafalgar Square
Don't fear the tourist hotspot location of this charming Sunday lunch spot. Rockwell's elegant ambience, art deco details and airy light-filled dining room makes for a delightful roast dinner experience.
If you're after a hearty and wholesome roast elevated by eclectic botanical cocktails, this is the place for you. Cocktails remain at the heart of the offering at Rockwell and the bar team are on hand to perfectly pair cocktails to your meal.
For central London, the reasonably-priced menu and generous offerings of maple glazed slow-cooked heritage carrots, charred hispi cabbage, decadent gravy and a crispy Yorkshire pudding won't leave you disappointed.
God's Garden, Marylebone Road
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Nestled next to the One Marylebone Church, just opposite Great Portland Street station, this pop-up bar boasts one of the most unique Sunday lunch experiences. Partnering with Cue Point, the Afghan smokehouse, diners can enjoy meats, crispy potatoes, and charcoal grilled vegetables, served alongside traditional trimmings such as Yorkshire puddings, caramelised leek, cabbage, jalapeno jam and flavoursome gravy; with stuffing and cauliflower cheese available on request.
Our recommendation is the mouth-watering brisket steak that is cooked to perfection, but for vegetarians and vegans a hearty nut roast is also available.
The intimate setting makes it the perfect place for a catch-up and to sink some cocktails while enjoying the heartiest of Sunday dinners.
Laurel's on the Roof, Shoreditch
If there's one thing we Londoners lust over, it's a rooftop. Pair that with a cracking Sunday roast and you've got a dreamy weekend plan. Inspired by 1970s LA and fabulous pool parties in the Hollywood Hills, Laurel's On The Roof is a glamorous, high-spirited and glittering rooftop restaurant that has recently launched a mouthwatering roast menu.
Laurel's roast offers all the classics, perfected to a deliciously high standard. From mouthwatering cheesy cauliflower to herby roasted lamb cutlets served with the crispiest of potatoes, you won't be dissatisfied with your Sunday dinner here. Most tempting are the comforting Yorkshire puddings when drenched in the restaurant's signature gravy.
If you've room for dessert, the bread and butter pudding is worth writing home about. Crafted from buttery layers of croissant enveloped in a rich creme anglais, we devoured every mouthful... and we're sure you will too.
CUT at 45 Park Lane, Mayfair
We never expected to describe a roast dinner as 'luxurious', but CUT at 45 Park Lane's have perfected the art of making classic British comfort cuisine the pinnacle of fine dining. Everything from the heady interiors to the elevated Champagne glasses, immaculate presentation and accomodating staff make dining at this glamorous Mayfair spot a delight for the senses.
This is Sunday lunch at its finest. The restaurant, designed by famous chef Wolfgang Puck, is famous for quality beef. Enjoy tender beef sirloin served just the way you like it, accompanied by perfectly fluffy truffle-roasted potatoes, Wagyu dripping Yorkshire puddings, all the trimmings, and a glass of Rathfinny sparkling wine. Sublime.
CoqBull, Soho
A first glance at CoqBull's Sunday roast menu might appear simple with just one option on the menu. Yet we're here to tell you it's simply delicious. Gone are the days of dry and drab chicken with your roast dinner. CoqBull's mouthwatering British chicken soaked in tea brine is steamed for succulent juiciness before being rubbed with CoqBull award-winning Coq Rub and fire-roasted to perfection. Teamed with fluffy Yorkshire puddings, the crispiest chicken-fat roasted potatoes, tender stem broccoli and hearty, thick gravy, this is simple Sunday dining at its absolute finest. (And trust us when we say the herb stuffing is divine - you'll wish you had more!)
Equally tempting are the restaurant's 'Coqtails', with twists on all the classics and eclectic spins on British favourite desserts, these funky and fabulous drinks make a surprisingly perfect pairing for your roast dinner.
Fallow, Mayfair
You'll find Fallow tucked on the corner of St James's Market, just a stone's throw from Picadilly Circus. As soon as you walk in you'll be struck by the welcoming ambience, the heady glow of pendant lighting and heat of the open kitchen - you know you're in for a treat before you've even seen the menu.
If you're due to spend your Sunday at Fallow, expect buttery dairy-cow rump, monster Yorkshire puddings, zingy red cabbage, roasted piccolino parsnips from Fallow's plots and perfectly crisp roasted potatoes. Curated with innovation at their core, founding chefs Will Murray and Jack Croft have ensured every inch of the menu is crafted with sustainably sourced British produce. From using local vegetables to whipping the leftover Guinness from unused hops into a decadent Pump Street Chocolate soft serve, it's hard not to love the wholesome indulgence of Fallow's menu.
Don't miss the unforgettable caramelised cauliflower cheese topped with shavings of truffle - a real celebration of sustainably sourced British produce.
The Laundry, Brixton
South Londoners don't need to be told twice about this charming all-day bistro with a bustling vibe and welcoming atmosphere. It was packed to the brim with punters inside and outside when we visited on a chilly Sunday evening, a comforting foreshadowing to an excellent roast, I'd say.
The Laundry's Sunday menu is both timeless and tasty, with alternative options available for those who don't fancy diving into a bowl of their indulgent truffle cauliflower gratin (which trust us, is a must). The mushroom and leek pie is a divinely tempting vegan option, and their signature roasted butternut squash makes for a unique and satisfying roast dinner "with a Kiwi twist."
Set in a now-defunct Edwardian laundry, the space clings on to the charming characteristics that make it a truly special setting - ideal for brunch, dinner, date night or even just for a taste of their delicious cocktails.
New Street Grill, Liverpool Street
You've heard of bottomless brunch, but how about bottomless sides on your roast dinner? New Street Grill is changing the capital's roast dinner game with its eclectic seasonal menu - and all the sides are bottomless so you can keep asking for more to your heart's content. We're all familiar with the dilemma of deciding which meat to go for at a Sunday roast. Luckily, New Street Grill has put an end to the indecisiveness with their new 'Return of the Roast' menu this season. For £28 per person, diners can feast on a gargantuan plate of three expertly cooked cuts of meat – beef, lamb and chicken which is served alongside seasonal vegetables, a Yorkshire pudding overflowing with roasties and an extra jug of gravy.
As expected from a grill restaurant, the meat was prepared and roasted to perfection, in particular the succulent beef. Make sure you try some of the special brunch cocktails; the elderflower bellini is an excellent pick-me-up.
Blacklock: London Chophouse, Various Locations
There's a reason Blacklock's roast dinner reservations on a Sunday come with a near two-month waitlist. With melt in the mouth cuts of beef, lamb and pork cooked over a charcoal grill, Yorkshire puddings the size of your plate and glazed, seasonal vegetables aplenty, dining at this London Chophouse is better than your average Sunday lunch.
This popular spot is a hit with Londoners and tourists alike, with the most five star TripAdvisor reviews for any roast dinner in the city.
The Alma Pub, Wandsworth
This traditional British Victorian pub stands proudly in the heart of Wandsworth. Boasting relaxed, homely dining and delicious food, Sunday lunch goes down a treat at The Alma. With a selection of meats, crisp roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and thick homemade gravy, South West Londoners won't be disappointed with their roast dinner here - not the mention the giant Yorkshire puddings!
A seasonal veggie option can be enjoyed with all the same trimmings to keep your Sunday full and delicious, just how it should be!
The Grange, Bermondsey
In our opinion, The Grange's roast dinners are easily one of Bermondsey's best-kept secrets. The perfect place to escape London's drizzly weather, independent local pub The Grange provides many a cosy corner to ride out your Sunday blues. Famed for their superb offer of modern British comfort cooking and roast dinners starting at just £14, you'd be hard pushed to find a better value Sunday lunch on the South side of the river- and trust us when we say the Cauliflower and blue cheese bake is to die for.
The Grange is also dog-friendly, ably led by the pub's maitre d’, Meryl the Irish Terrier. She’s usually on hand to greet other four-legged guests!
MORE ROAST INSPIRATION:
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