If there’s one meal that defines British comfort food, it’s the Sunday roast. A tradition that dates back centuries, it’s more than just a plate of meat and potatoes—it’s a ritual, a gathering, and a national obsession.
Ask any Brit where to find the best roast, and you’ll get heated opinions, pub recommendations whispered like state secrets, and at least one argument over Yorkshire pudding size.
So, what makes the perfect Sunday roast? And where can you find London’s finest? Let’s dig in.
1. The Anatomy of a Perfect Sunday Roast
A proper Sunday roast isn’t just thrown together—it’s an art form. Here’s what separates an unforgettable roast from a forgettable one:
🔸 The Meat (or Meat Alternative)
- Roast Beef – The king of the Sunday roast, best served pink with a rich, peppery gravy.
- Lamb – Perfectly herb-crusted, served with mint sauce for that fresh kick.
- Pork Belly – The secret weapon of a good roast, with crackling that shatters like glass.
- Chicken – Tender, juicy, and best enjoyed with sage and onion stuffing.
- Nut Roast – Because vegetarians deserve a roast that’s just as decadent.
🔸 Yorkshire Pudding
- Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside—a proper Yorkie should be massive, golden, and hollow enough to hold half the gravy boat.
🔸 The Roast Potatoes
- Crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, these must be triple-cooked in goose fat for peak perfection.
🔸 Vegetables & Sides
- Carrots glazed in honey – Because balance.
- Butter-soft cabbage or braised leeks – The underappreciated heroes of the plate.
- Cauliflower cheese – Creamy, cheesy, slightly crispy on top. Essential.
🔸 Gravy & Sauces
- Rich, homemade, and never watery—gravy should be so good, you’d drink it.
- Mint sauce, horseradish, or apple sauce, depending on your meat.
2. The Best Places for a Sunday Roast in London
📍 Where to Experience Roast Perfection:
🔥 The Harwood Arms (Fulham) – The Michelin-Starred Roast
🔸 Why It’s Special:
- The only Michelin-starred pub in London, serving gastropub perfection.
- Their venison roast is legendary, served with bone marrow gravy and Yorkshire pudding the size of your head.
🔸 Must-Try: Roast sirloin of beef with dripping potatoes.
🍻 Blacklock (Soho, Shoreditch, City) – The Meat Lover’s Paradise
🔸 Why It’s Special:
- All-you-can-eat roast trays, piled high with beef, pork, lamb, potatoes, and dripping-soaked Yorkies.
- Meat is charcoal-grilled, adding extra depth and smokiness.
🔸 Must-Try: The ‘All-In’ Roast – A mix of beef, pork, and lamb on one plate.
🏡 The Marksman (Hackney) – The East London Favorite
🔸 Why It’s Special:
- Their roast chicken with sourdough stuffing is the stuff of legend.
- They rotate seasonal sides, meaning every visit feels unique.
🔸 Must-Try: Roast pork with apple and mustard sauce.
🍷 The Camberwell Arms (Camberwell) – The Best Roast for Sharing
🔸 Why It’s Special:
- Roasts are served family-style, making it perfect for a proper Sunday gathering.
- Their lamb shoulder, slow-cooked for hours, melts in your mouth.
🔸 Must-Try: Slow-roasted lamb with salsa verde.
3. The Secret to a Proper Home-Cooked Sunday Roast
Want to try making your own roast without ruining the potatoes? Here’s how:
✅ Let the meat rest – The key to juicy, tender roast beef? Let it sit for at least 20 minutes after cooking.
✅ Boil, rough up, then roast your potatoes – For that golden crispy crunch, parboil, shake them in a colander to rough the edges, then roast in hot oil or goose fat.
✅ Make your gravy from scratch – No cubes. No shortcuts. A good gravy is worth the effort.
Final Thoughts: The Tradition That Never Fades
The Sunday roast isn’t just a meal—it’s a British institution. It’s about family, indulgence, and the simple joy of good food done right.
Whether you’re hunting down the best roast in London or attempting to master it in your own kitchen, one thing’s for sure—there’s nothing quite like it.
So go forth, grab a fork, and make your Sunday count.