10 of the best Sunday roasts in London

The Sunday roast is a British institution and there’s nothing quite like it. Expect roast chicken or classic roast beef served alongside Yorkshire pudding, gravy and root vegetables.

Traditionally, Roman Catholics and Anglicans abstained from eating meat on certain days of the week; the Sunday roast was considered a celebration because all meat and dairy could be consumed on Sundays after church. Today, it has evolved into a Sunday activity for many, although at some places, you can get a Sunday roast every day.

Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best Sunday roasts in London for you—whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or a die-hard carnivore.

Price: $$-$$$$

It’s no surprise that London’s only Michelin-starred pub made its way to the list of top roasts. Tucked away in the back streets of Fulham, The Harwood Arms is a comfortable and unpretentious spot that serves up highly accomplished cooking, yet still retaining the essence of pub food.

Their most popular roast is definitely the beef, and what stands out is their meticulous cooking. Every part of the dish from the meat to the vegetables is well-seasoned, and tastes like an explosion of flavors in your mouth. This is a popular spot on weekends and weekday nights, so booking ahead is advised.

Price:$$-$$$

Cristina’s may appear unassuming from the outside, but don’t judge a book by its cover. A popular choice in East London, Cristina’s serves up halal Sunday roasts from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays at only GBD12 ($15). There’s a choice of beef, lamb, or chicken (or even veg-patty for your vegetarian friends), with a giant Yorkshire pudding, homemade gravy and a medley of vegetables. All the meats are certified halal, but alcohol is served.

If you’re a beef eater, go for it—their steaks are known to be well-seasoned, juicy and perfectly cooked. With affordable pricing and an inclusive menu, the restaurant can get really busy on Sundays, so book in advance.

Price: $$ - $$$

Located within The Orange Hotel is a bustling bar that serves up delectable food with fine ales and cocktails. The Orange pub has been awarded a Three Star Sustainability Rating (which is the highest possible rating) and we can’t imagine anywhere better for a true farm-to-table experience. In line with their sustainability motto, their menus are ever-changing to ensure that only the best of the season is served. There’s an excellent selection of Sunday roast, from perfectly done beef to nicely prepared pork or lamb. The menu is ample and includes pizzas and seafood as well. Give their luscious desserts a try—you can thank us later.

Price: $$ - $$$

Managed by the team behind The Princess of Shoreditch and The Lady Ottoline in Bloomsbury, The Pig and Butcher doesn’t disappoint. The menu changes daily, but as its name suggests, it’s always heavy on the meat. Their roast beef and lamb are served pink, and if that scares you a little, you have to trust them. They do their meat faultlessly—it's tender and cooked to perfection.

This restaurant is bustling on Sundays. We recommend booking at least four weeks in advance.

Price: $$ - $$$

Here’s a little secret—the Prince of Wales is the perfect place for a slow Sunday. Located near the Imperial War Museum, this family-run pub serves food that’s out of the world. When you wander in, you’ll get the warm and cozy vibe of a traditional pub—there are some stunning paintings on the wall. The menu consists of a variety of roasts: the 28-day aged roast beef sirloin is a crowd favorite but the slow roasted pork belly with applesauce also deserves a mention.

Price: $$ - $$$

The Spread Eagle holds the title of being London’s first 100% vegan pub. Expect a vegan twist to your British classics, such as their beet Wellington and pot roast celeriac and potato crackling, served alongside an assortment of vegetables. Of course, it also comes with Yorkshire pudding and gravy. If you think that vegan food is dull, the walnut and cashew roast will change your mind. Whether you’re a vegan or just curious, The Spread Eagle is bound to give you a delightful experience. Another bonus? Pets are welcome here.

Price: $$ - $$$

A traditional Victorian pub in north-west London named after a famous British general, The Hero of Maida is light and airy, with attractive wooden flooring and gorgeous tiles. Upstairs, the dining room is a little more lavish but it only opens in the evenings. The menu offers ample choices of mouth-watering French dishes with some very English twists, and their Sunday roast is no exception.

The roasts are served with roast potatoes, seasonal cabbage, turnip and carrot mash, leek gratin and Yorkshire pudding and gravy. The Yorkshire pudding is crispy and delicious, and the 40-day aged beef is incredibly tender and juicy. After your meal, take a walk at the nearby Little Venice if the sky is still bright.

Price: $$$$

The clue is in the name… Roast is serious about delivering the best Sunday roast in London. Located in the heart of Borough Market, Roast is known for promoting UK producers and using only the freshest ingredients available. The Sunday roast menu offers plenty of choices, from meats to seafood and even vegan roasts that are bound to satisfy even the pickiest eater. While items are on the pricier side, you can be assured of the quality and precision of cooking.

Named after the 19th-century French courtesan and exuding Parisian glamor, Cora Pearl is situated in a Covent Garden townhouse. Sunday lunch is served from 12 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. The menu features many “back to basic” items like fish stew, roast lamb and beef, and ham and cheese toasties, but the dishes are executed extraordinarily well. Beyond just sensational food, they also have an impressive wine and dessert list to wash down your meal. Everything is extraordinary but the chips have been labeled as the dish of the decade—we’ll leave you to decide.

Manna London has a reputation stretching back to 1967, and is one of the pioneering restaurants to offer fully plant-based dining options. Manna prides themselves with offering a natural, organic and seasonal menu, with everything made in-house, including the sauces, breads and pastries. Try their infamous vegan Sunday roast—the sausage and mash comes highly recommended and the nut roast is moist and delicious. Manna is an ideal stopover when exploring Camden, London Zoo or Regent’s Canal.

More like this: