The Top 10 Places for a Spectacular Sunday Roast in London
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Where Tradition Meets Culinary Excellence in the Heart of the Capital
London’s food scene is a kaleidoscope of diverse flavors, from street food markets to Michelin-starred dining. Yet, amidst this variety, few meals hold the same revered status as the classic Sunday roast. Rooted in British tradition, the Sunday roast is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of comfort, indulgence, and often, nostalgia. Whether you’re craving crispy roast potatoes, succulent cuts of beef or lamb, and rich gravy, or exploring contemporary twists on this old favorite, London’s dining landscape offers countless variations that keep this tradition thriving.
In this guide, we explore the top 10 places for a Sunday roast in London, taking you through both time-honored classics and modern innovations. With each selection, we dive deep into what makes these venues stand out, offering you not just a list but an in-depth exploration of the capital’s finest Sunday feasts.
1. The Quality Chop House (Farringdon)
Where: 88-94 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3EA
Few places in London encapsulate both history and modern culinary flair quite like The Quality Chop House. Established in 1869, this Farringdon institution has managed to stay relevant through the centuries by maintaining its core identity while continuously evolving. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a piece of living history where the rustic charm of the old world meets contemporary fine dining.
On Sundays, The Quality Chop House delivers one of the most memorable roast dinners in the city. The menu showcases a masterful respect for British ingredients, with the kind of attention to detail that elevates the humble Sunday roast to an art form. The restaurant’s dedication to ethical sourcing shines through in every bite, with the meats carefully selected from the finest farms around the UK.
Their Sunday roast features a rotating selection of meats, from dry-aged Hereford beef to slow-roasted Tamworth pork, but what remains consistent is the expert preparation. The beef is typically served medium-rare, exuding a succulent tenderness that’s hard to rival. The Tamworth pork, with its perfectly crisp crackling, is equally divine.
One of the hallmarks of The Quality Chop House’s roast is the exceptional quality of its sides. Roast potatoes, cooked in beef dripping, are perfectly golden and satisfyingly crispy, while the Yorkshire puddings are delicate and airy, providing the ideal vehicle for their rich, flavorful gravy. Sides like honey-glazed carrots and parsnips or seasonal greens round out the feast, ensuring that every element of the meal is executed to perfection.
For those who truly want to indulge, the starters and desserts are not to be missed. Begin with house-made charcuterie or a terrine, and end your meal with their famous chocolate mousse—a decadent way to finish off the experience.
The ambiance at The Quality Chop House is as much a part of the experience as the food. With its original Victorian wooden booths, minimalist decor, and soft lighting, it evokes a sense of timelessness. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, stepping into this restaurant feels like entering a part of London’s culinary history, but with all the excitement of modern-day innovation.
For those who appreciate tradition with a modern twist, The Quality Chop House provides an unforgettable Sunday roast experience that celebrates the best of British food, culture, and craftsmanship.
2. Blacklock (Soho)
Where: 24 Great Windmill Street, W1D 7LG
If your idea of a Sunday roast includes generous portions of expertly charred meat and convivial communal dining, Blacklock Soho should be at the top of your list. Famous for its “all-in” roast platter, this spot offers a carnivorous feast of beef, lamb, and pork belly—each perfectly cooked over charcoal and served with all the usual suspects: crunchy roasties, heritage carrots, gravy-soaked Yorkshire puds, and a comforting cauliflower cheese on the side.
What truly elevates Blacklock, however, is the sheer joy that comes from the shared dining experience, echoing the sense of community that a great roast dinner should embody. The restaurant’s lively, no-fuss atmosphere combined with its affordable prices make it a winner for those seeking substance over pomp.
3. Simpson’s in the Strand (Covent Garden)
Where: 100 Strand, WC2R 0EW
Simpson’s in the Strand is a veritable institution in London’s dining scene, known for its stately atmosphere and dedication to traditional British cuisine. For over 170 years, this establishment has been serving some of the finest roast beef in the city, carved tableside from silver trolleys—a theatrical and nostalgic touch that transports diners to another era.
Everything about the Sunday roast at Simpson’s feels like a luxurious nod to history, from the tender aged beef to the impeccable service. While it’s a more formal affair, this is the place to go when you want to truly indulge in a traditional British roast with all the grandeur and grace of old-world London.
4. The Marksman (Hackney)
Where: 254 Hackney Road, E2 7SJ
The Marksman is a gastropub that has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its inventive takes on British classics, but its Sunday roast is nothing short of a love letter to tradition. Set in a charming 19th-century pub, The Marksman’s kitchen is helmed by celebrated chefs Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram, whose experience at St. John shines through in their simple yet exacting preparation of roast meats. Their dexterity with flavors is exemplified in their roast beef sirloin with tangy horseradish cream, paired with dripping-fat roast potatoes, and gravy that’s dark and deeply flavoured.
For something a little different, try the roast chicken, stuffed with wild garlic, or the standout mutton shoulder that’s slow-cooked to melting perfection.
5. The Harwood Arms (Fulham)
Where: Walham Grove, SW6 1QP
As London’s only Michelin-starred pub, The Harwood Arms blends refined dining with the down-to-earth charm of a proper pub atmosphere. This establishment prides itself on using game and seasonal British ingredients sourced from its partner farm. For a truly exceptional Sunday roast, look no further than the venison wellington, which often steals the show. Wrapped in pastry, the tender venison is complemented by roasted vegetables and potatoes that boast a perfect balance of crispness and fluffiness.
The Harwood Arms brings a modern finesse to every aspect of the Sunday roast while still maintaining a sense of tradition, offering diners an elegant yet accessible way to enjoy one of Britain’s most beloved meals.
6. The Camberwell Arms (Camberwell)
Where: 65 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR
If you’re after a Sunday roast that feels like a hug on a plate, The Camberwell Arms delivers just that, with an emphasis on big, bold flavors and seasonal ingredients. The pub offers a communal dining experience with platters of meat meant for sharing—think whole shoulders of lamb, roast pork belly, and succulent beef with all the indulgent accompaniments.
What sets this venue apart is its vibrant, often Mediterranean-inspired sides, such as the preserved lemon-spiked salads or the occasional Middle Eastern touch with tahini sauces and pickled vegetables. It’s a roast for those who appreciate a bit of creative flair without compromising on comfort.
7. Roast (Borough Market)
Where: The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, SE1 1TL
Located in the historic Borough Market, Roast has built its reputation on serving quintessential British cuisine, and its Sunday roast is a near-perfect expression of that philosophy. A prime spot for those who want to soak up the market’s lively atmosphere while dining on classic dishes, Roast offers everything from tender beef and crisp crackling to free-range chicken that’s juicy and flavorful. Their roast potatoes are crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and generously doused in savory gravy.
Roast excels at bringing a polished touch to traditional fare, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate a more sophisticated approach to this time-honored meal.
8. The Guinea Grill (Mayfair)
Where: 30 Bruton Place, W1J 6NL
This stalwart of London dining, tucked away in a charming side street in Mayfair, has been serving up classic British roasts for decades. The Guinea Grill is renowned for its expertly aged beef, sourced from the award-winning butchers, Aubrey Allen. On Sundays, the restaurant transforms into a haven for roast lovers, offering thick slices of beef rump, lamb, or pork served with all the traditional trimmings, including buttery mashed potatoes and vibrant seasonal greens.
A touch more formal than some of the other venues on this list, The Guinea Grill is perfect for those looking for a classic, no-frills Sunday roast executed with time-honored precision.
9. The Coach (Clerkenwell)
Where: 26-28 Ray Street, EC1R 3DJ
The Coach is an understated gem that marries the charm of a local pub with the culinary prowess of an upscale bistro. The Sunday roasts here are refined yet comforting, with meats sourced from top-notch British suppliers. Choose from roast beef with a robust peppercorn crust, pork belly with irresistibly crispy crackling, or slow-roasted lamb shoulder.
This pub has a reputation for its expertly balanced flavors—each plate is well-thought-out, from the caramelized roasted vegetables to the perfectly cooked Yorkshire puddings. The wine list here is equally impressive, offering the perfect pairings for each roast.
10. The Princess of Shoreditch (Shoreditch)
Where: 76-78 Paul Street, EC2A 4NE
Nestled in the heart of one of London’s trendiest neighborhoods, The Princess of Shoreditch is a gastropub that offers an elevated Sunday roast in a cozy, unpretentious setting. The menu is seasonal and changes regularly, but the quality remains consistently high. Expect expertly roasted meats, such as beef or lamb, alongside creative sides that elevate the meal beyond the traditional. From truffled cauliflower cheese to caramelized carrots with a hint of thyme, the attention to detail here is second to none.
The Princess’ charm lies in its ability to feel both like a local favorite and a hidden culinary treasure—perfect for those who want to enjoy a first-class roast without the pomp.