What Makes a Great Sunday Roast?

Before diving into where to find the best Sunday roast in London, it’s important to understand what makes this meal so special. A classic Sunday roast traditionally includes roasted meat (typically beef, chicken, lamb, or pork), served with roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy. Some variations may include stuffing, cauliflower cheese, and even pigs in blankets. However, a few key components must stand out for a roast to be exceptional:

• Perfectly cooked meat: Whether you prefer beef that’s rare in the middle or chicken that’s succulent and tender, the meat must be of high quality and cooked to perfection.
• Crispy roast potatoes: A hallmark of a great roast is crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside roast potatoes.
• Yorkshire pudding: This traditional accompaniment should be light, fluffy, and crispy.
• Rich, flavorful gravy: No Sunday roast is complete without a deep, savory gravy that ties the dish together.

Now that we’ve established what makes a standout roast, let’s explore where you can find the best Sunday roast in London.

1. Blacklock Soho – Meat Lover’s Paradise

If you’re in search of the best Sunday roast in London, Blacklock Soho must be high on your list. Famous for its dedication to high-quality meats, this popular restaurant delivers a Sunday roast experience that is second to none.

• The roast: Blacklock offers a mix of beef, pork, and lamb served on a single platter, ideal for sharing. Each meat is slow-roasted to perfection, maintaining its juices and tenderness. Their beef, in particular, has earned rave reviews for its succulent texture and rich flavor.
• Sides: Their roast is accompanied by all the essential sides, including golden roast potatoes, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and a large, fluffy Yorkshire pudding.
• Ambience: Located in a basement with an intimate, rustic feel, Blacklock’s setting adds to the overall cozy Sunday experience.

Pro tip: Arrive early or book in advance, as this spot is a local favorite and fills up quickly.

2. The Jugged Hare – A Roast with a Gourmet Twist

For those who want a more upscale take on the best Sunday roast in London, The Jugged Hare offers a gourmet version that’s hard to beat. Known for its game meats, this establishment brings a unique twist to traditional Sunday fare.

• The roast: Their roasted venison is a standout, providing a rich, gamey flavor that’s perfect for the colder months. For those who prefer more traditional options, the beef rib and pork belly are equally delectable.
• Sides: What sets The Jugged Hare apart is their attention to detail with the sides. The vegetables are seasonal and cooked to perfection, while their roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding reach crispy, golden standards.
• Ambience: The restaurant’s grand dining room, complete with mounted game heads, adds a touch of old-world luxury to your meal.

For a Sunday roast with a gourmet touch, The Jugged Hare won’t disappoint.

3. The Marksman – Traditional with a Modern Edge

The Marksman in Hackney is a gastropub that has gained quite a reputation, thanks to its creative spin on British classics, including what many argue is one of the best Sunday roasts in London.

• The roast: The roast at The Marksman offers options like roast beef and pork, both cooked to perfection and served with innovative twists on traditional sides. They also serve a vegetarian option, making it a great choice for groups with diverse preferences.

• Sides: Expect Yorkshire puddings that are light as air, and roast potatoes that are wonderfully crispy. Their inventive vegetable dishes, like charred greens with lemon and garlic, add a fresh take on the usual roast sides.
• Ambience: Set in a beautifully restored Victorian pub, The Marksman blends old-world charm with a modern edge, making it a cozy yet stylish spot to enjoy your meal.

Their roast has been so well-received that it won the Michelin Pub of the Year Award, a testament to their focus on quality and innovation.

4. Hawksmoor – For Beef Lovers

When it comes to steak, Hawksmoor is already a London institution, but it also serves one of the best Sunday roasts in London. If you’re a beef lover, this is the place to go for a truly indulgent Sunday meal.

• The roast: Their roast beef is sourced from grass-fed British cattle and roasted to medium-rare perfection. Served with a bone marrow gravy that’s packed with flavor, Hawksmoor takes the classic roast to another level.
• Sides: Roast potatoes, cooked in beef dripping, are crisp on the outside and soft inside, while the Yorkshire puddings are huge and satisfyingly crunchy. Seasonal vegetables round out the meal, providing balance to the rich flavors.
• Ambience: The Hawksmoor dining rooms have a classic, comfortable feel that’s ideal for a long, leisurely Sunday lunch. It’s a place to sit back and enjoy one of London’s finest roasts.

For a no-frills, high-quality Sunday roast focused on exceptional beef, Hawksmoor is hard to beat.

5. The Harwood Arms – Michelin-Starred Excellence

The Harwood Arms in Fulham is the only Michelin-starred pub in London, and it more than lives up to its reputation, offering what many consider the best Sunday roast in London.

• The roast: The Harwood Arms’ roast showcases premium British meats like venison and beef, each cooked with the precision you’d expect from a Michelin-starred kitchen. Their meat is tender and flavorful, served with a variety of elevated sides that turn a simple roast into a fine dining experience.
• Sides: The accompaniments at Harwood Arms are a cut above the usual. Think perfectly cooked roast potatoes, innovative takes on root vegetables, and rich gravies that bring everything together.
• Ambience: The atmosphere is more relaxed than your typical Michelin-starred restaurant, with a warm, inviting pub feel. It’s an ideal spot for those who want a top-tier meal without any pretension.

Dining at The Harwood Arms is a must for those seeking to experience a refined take on the classic Sunday roast.

6. The Guinea Grill – Quintessential British Pub Vibes

For those seeking a traditional British pub experience with an outstanding roast, The Guinea Grill in Mayfair is a prime candidate for the best Sunday roast in London. Established in 1952, this pub is renowned for its steaks and roasts.

• The roast: They serve a mouthwatering roast sirloin of beef, which is cooked to perfection and carved right at the table. It’s a rustic, hearty experience that doesn’t skimp on quality.
• Sides: Expect large Yorkshire puddings, buttery roast potatoes, and generous helpings of seasonal vegetables. Their gravy is thick and rich, tying all the elements together beautifully.
• Ambience: With its wood-paneled interior and classic pub decor, The Guinea Grill exudes an old-fashioned British charm that enhances the Sunday roast experience.

For a cozy, quintessential British pub meal, The Guinea Grill delivers on all fronts.