There’s something magical about a Sunday in London. The city slows down, the streets feel calmer, and the comforting aroma of roasted meat, sizzling potatoes, and rich gravy wafts from pubs and restaurants across the capital. The Sunday roast isn’t just a meal here—it’s a cultural ritual, a weekly reset, and for many Londoners, an almost sacred tradition. Its roots stretch back centuries, gaining popularity during Henry VIII’s reign, when the idea of enjoying a hearty roast after church became a national staple.
Today, London has turned this humble tradition into an art form. From Michelin-starred pubs and modern gastropubs to cosy Victorian taverns and rooftop restaurants with skyline views, the city serves some of the best roasts in the UK. In this guide, you’ll discover exactly where to find the best Sunday roast in London, sorted by category, neighbourhood, budget, and special requirements.
What Makes a True Traditional Sunday Roast?
A proper Sunday roast is a masterpiece of comforting British flavours. At its heart, you’ll usually find one of the following roasted meats:
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Beef (often served medium-rare with horseradish and English mustard)
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Lamb (paired traditionally with mint sauce)
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Pork (with crisp crackling and apple sauce)
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Chicken (accompanied by stuffing and sometimes cranberry sauce)
But the meat is only the beginning. The supporting cast is just as important:
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Roast potatoes – crispy, golden, fluffy inside
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Seasonal vegetables – carrots, parsnips, peas, cabbage, Brussels sprouts
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Yorkshire pudding – once reserved for beef, now served with all roasts
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Rich gravy – made from meat juices and often simmered for hours
Modern London restaurants have pushed the roast even further with additions like cauliflower cheese, caramelised shallots, and beautifully layered vegetarian and vegan centrepieces—think butternut wellingtons, mushroom roasts, and whole roasted cauliflowers dripping in herb butter.
Top Sunday Roasts in London by Category
A. Best Overall / Michelin-Starred Experience
The Harwood Arms (Fulham)
London’s only Michelin-starred pub is a pilgrimage site for roast lovers. Expect immaculate presentation, seasonal British ingredients, and flawless execution. Their Sunday menu—typically £64–£79 for 2–3 courses—features perfectly roasted venison, beef, or game, all served with glossy gravy and beautifully prepared sides. It’s refined yet reassuringly comforting.
B. Best Value for Money
Blacklock (Soho, Shoreditch, City, Canary Wharf)
Blacklock has become legendary for its exceptional value. Their “All-In” roast arrives as a generous sharing platter piled with beef, pork, and lamb, plus mountains of roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, roots, and gravy. At £20–£35 per person, it’s unbeatable for both quality and portion size.
Other great budget-friendly roasts (£16–£25):
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The Marquis of Westminster
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The Prince (West Brompton)
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The Clifton (St John’s Wood)
C. Best for Traditional Pub Atmosphere
These pubs offer the kind of cosy, wood-panelled charm that makes Sunday roasts feel extra special.
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The Spaniards Inn (Hampstead) – A historic 16th-century coaching inn, full of character and near Hampstead Heath.
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The Marksman (Hackney) – Known for superb roasts and traditional East London charm.
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The Bull & Last (Highgate) – Smart but warm, serving top-tier seasonal roasts.
D. Best for Meat Lovers
For carnivores, these restaurants take roasting to another level:
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Hawksmoor – Famous for prime British beef and extraordinary gravy.
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Temper (Soho & Covent Garden) – Their “Three Beast Feast” includes pork, beef, and lamb roasted over open fire.
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Smokehouse (Islington) – Focused on smoked meats, with deep flavours and rich sauces.
E. Best Vegetarian & Vegan Options
London’s plant-based roast scene is booming. Expect creative veg-led centrepieces instead of boring nut roasts.
Top picks include:
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The Gate (Hammersmith/Islington) – Butternut and mushroom wellingtons
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Manna (Primrose Hill) – Fully vegan comfort roasts
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Mildreds (multiple locations) – Colourful, flavourful plant-forward Sunday plates
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The Spread Eagle (Homerton) – London’s first fully vegan pub with hearty roasts
F. Best Sunday Roast with a View
Enjoy your roast with the London skyline or famous landmarks in sight.
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Roast Restaurant (Borough Market) – Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the market.
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Boundary Rooftop (Shoreditch) – A beautiful, light-filled rooftop restaurant.
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The Swan (Shakespeare’s Globe) – Thames and Globe views with classic British fare.
G. Best for Groups & Sharing
Perfect for celebrations, big families, or food-loving friends.
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The Camberwell Arms – Their roasts for two (or more) are legendary.
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The Drapers Arms (Islington) – Known for whole joints served for sharing.
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The Jugged Hare – Game roasts and large platters.
Best Sunday Roasts by London Neighborhood
Central London
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Soho: Blacklock, The Devonshire
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Covent Garden: Cora Pearl, Story Cellar
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Fitzrovia: The George
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Mayfair: Ganymede
East London
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Shoreditch: The Marksman, Boundary
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Hackney: Clapton Country Club, Barge East
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Spitalfields: Hawksmoor
North London
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Islington: The Pig and Butcher, The Drapers Arms
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Highgate: The Bull & Last, The Spaniards Inn
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Hampstead: The Spaniards Inn
South London
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Borough Market: Roast
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Peckham: The Victoria Inn
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Camberwell: The Camberwell Arms
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Brixton: The Laundry
West London
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Fulham: The Harwood Arms, The Hunter’s Moon
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Chelsea: The Cadogan Arms
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Barnes: The Waterman’s Arms
Pricing Guide: What Should You Expect to Pay?
London’s roast prices vary widely:
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Budget-friendly: £15–£20
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Mid-range: £20–£30
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Premium: £30–£80+
Prices rise based on:
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Quality of meat
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Location (Mayfair vs. Peckham!)
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Whether the venue is Michelin-starred or award-winning
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Sharing platters vs. individual plates
Tips for Booking & Visiting
Booking
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Popular places book 2–3 months in advance.
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The Harwood Arms releases tables 90 days ahead—set a reminder.
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For walk-ins, arrive before 12pm or after 4pm.
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Check OpenTable or Resy for last-minute cancellations.
Timing
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Most roasts run 12pm–3pm, though some pubs serve until 6pm–8pm.
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Arrive before 3pm for the best cuts.
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Set aside 1–3 hours—Sunday roast is meant to be enjoyed slowly.
What to Expect
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Generous portions, especially at pubs.
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Dress code: casual to smart-casual.
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Starters aren’t essential, but leave room for dessert.
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Try classic puddings like sticky toffee pudding, trifle, or bread & butter pudding.
Drinks Pairing
Popular pairings include:
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British ales and stouts
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Cider (perfect with pork)
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Red wine: Malbec, Rioja, Côtes du Rhône
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A classic Bloody Mary
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Guinness for a hearty match
Some restaurants also run bottomless roast offers with Prosecco or cocktails.
Special Dietary Requirements
London is incredibly inclusive:
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Most venues offer vegetarian roasts.
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Many now feature dedicated vegan versions.
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Pescatarians may get roast fish or seafood.
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Gluten-free gravies and puddings are increasingly common.
Always check ahead and mention any allergies.
Insider Tips & Hacks
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Book near attractions and make a day of it—pair a roast with a Hampstead Heath walk or a Borough Market visit.
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Always ask for extra gravy and an extra Yorkshire pudding—most places happily oblige.
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Arrive hungry! Portions are big.
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If Sundays are fully booked, look for Saturday roasts—several pubs now offer them.
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Winter roasts tend to be richer; summer versions include lighter veg and fresher herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Sunday roast served?
Usually 12pm–3pm, sometimes until early evening.
Do I need to book?
Almost always—especially for well-known pubs.
Average cost?
£20–£35 for most good-quality roasts.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, and many restaurants now excel at them.
What should I wear?
Casual for pubs, smart-casual for restaurants.
Is roast served on other days?
Some venues offer Saturday roasts or weekday specials.
What makes a good Sunday roast?
Quality meat, crispy potatoes, flavourful gravy, fresh veg, and perfectly risen Yorkshire puddings.
Related: DWP Cost of Living Payments 2025: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Dates & Support
Conclusion
London’s Sunday roast scene is incredibly diverse—from Michelin-star precision to rustic pub charm, from traditional beef roasts to adventurous vegan reinterpretations. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal with friends, a cosy date, or a family-friendly feast, there’s a roast in this city with your name on it. Try a few, find your favourites, and savour this timeless British tradition.