Roast dinner, is there anything better on a cosy Sunday afternoon? There's no denying there's nothing quite like the perfect roast, whether you prefer your potatoes dripping in gravy, your Yorkshire pudding as big as your plate or whether you believe a brussel sprout belongs on a Sunday lunch - there's always something comforting about a classic roast.
Luckily for Londoners, there's no shortage of top tier roasts in the city. From homely family-run pubs to fancy gastro delights, we've rounded up our pick of the best roast dinners in London, packed into one handy guide.
Read on to discover HELLO! writers' favourite spots in the city to warm your insides this winter with a wholesome, hearty roast.
Best roast dinners in London
No. Fifty Cheyne
I have the biggest passion for a good roast dinner. In fact, I would even say that it would be my last meal on earth if I had to pick. Finding a really decent, good-quality roast with all the trimmings that doesn't scrimp on one section (great roasties, bad cauliflower cheese for instance) is pretty hard to find. Which is why I truly think I've found the one in No. Fifty Cheyne.
This beautiful restaurant, tucked in the heart of Chelsea, really is a gem. I adored the traditional yet luxe decor; there was a great display of artwork on the walls and the views overlooking the Chelsea Embankment were just stunning.
Onto the main meal. It's easy to see why their much-talked about roast dinner has received rave reviews and awards. To put simply, the food just tastes exquisite. The restaurant works with Lake District Farmers, so the quality of the ingredients is first rate. The mouth-watering menu is seasonal too and the autumnal starters were amazing.
Chef Iain Smith's roast offers roasted herb Cumbrian chicken breast, as well as 36 day-aged sirloin beef and even the jaw dropping 100 day-aged, belted Galloway beef rib. Everything is topped with delicious homemade gravy. I loved the toasted bread sauce, roasted vegetables and the crispiest roast potatoes I've ever had in my life.
If you aren't around on Sundays, the restaurant offers some really decently-priced meals midweek - definitely check out their offers. I can't wait to return.
Reviewed by Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion and Beauty News Editor
Mama Shelter, London Shoreditch
Ultra hip hotel chain Mama Shelter can be discovered all over the globe. Their London Hoxton outpost sits a convenient short stroll from the Overground station and also offers not just boutique bedrooms, but also Karaoke in abundance.
These rooms are conveniently well hidden downstairs so the warblers murdering 'No Scrubs' won't ruin your day unless you want them to. I was here for the Sunday lunch however and the star of the show, The Beef Wellington. It's not normally a lynchpin to a Roast menu, but it really should be as this was a joy to munch. Tender beef, flaky pastry and just the way mama used to make (sorry).
The trimmings were all there and in good quantities, plus the kids also had strong options apart from the usual staple of nuggets and chips (although these are also available).
My only gripe was that as always with a roast, it needed more gravy but that's my personal preference. This was rectified easily by asking for more and you definitely need to add the cauliflower cheese. Ensure you leave room for the buttery and rich Frangelico Tiramisu too. After all that, you'll be glad the train station is only a short walk away
Reviewed by Christian Anderson-Ramshall, Head of Channels
Fountain & Ink, Southwark
I've always been a fan of wandering from the well-beaten path. In any city, it's a prerequisite for me to explore a street or two back from any tourist hotspots. It will undoubtedly lead you to culinary surprises. Case-in-point, The Fountain & Ink, is a literal stone's throw from London's Iconic OXO Tower and the bustling Bankside.
They are doing phenomenal things with the humble Sunday lunch here. Generosity would be the term I would use to describe the experience and the platefuls of joy we were served. Nestling into one of the brasserie-style booths we opted for the 'chef's special', a towering meaty joyfulness of pork, chicken and a fine wedge of beef. With sugar snap peas and an array of delicious trimmings, I was keen to bathe the lot in the sumptuous gravy served alongside.
Topped off with a deliciously crispy Yorkshire pudding, we were automatically given another jug of the warming brown liquor to smother the goods in should the need arise. I can attest that it did. A side order of creamy delectable cauliflower cheese saw to it that my waistline was satisfyingly expanded and our empty plates at the conclusion displayed how perfectly cooked the meal was.
Fit to burst, we still managed to devour a gloriously sticky toffee pudding too. For me, this is what Sunday lunches are all about, so take that chance and peel yourself from those pesky crowds. You'll be glad that you did.
Reviewed by Christian Anderson-Ramshall, Head of Channels
Boxcar Bar & Grill, Marylebone
Located on the unassuming New Quebec Street in Marylebone, Boxcar is easily found as punters spill out onto the bistro tables lined outside the front, sipping on coffee and diving into homemade sausage rolls. Thanks to a skylight, the back dining room of the restaurant is flooded with natural light even on the greyest of days, and provides a charming setting for Sunday roast.
"Our roast is a little different," the waiter politely warned me before we dined, but there was nothing to fear from this delightful dish of charred hispi, roasted carrots, baby leek gratin, beef fat roast potatoes and a hearty red wine jus in place of traditional gravy. Both the grass fed beef and apricot-stuffed chicken are noteworthy choices.
The puddings are equally imaginative, with light panna cotta and rich chocolate ganache providing the perfect sweet treat to finish off an outstanding main course. Alongside fresh farm produce, premium steaks, butcher’s specials and burgers, Boxcar also serves wine, craft beers and cocktails. Walk ins and dogs are welcome.
Aviary, Finsbury
There is nothing more satisfying than a decent roast on a Sunday and recently, HELLO!'s Fashion & Beauty News Editor, Laura Sutcliffe, took her husband for his birthday to Aviary, a stunning rooftop bar in the city, super close to Moorgate station.
Editor's note: "I gained serious wife points with this one, let me tell you. We were promptly led to our table, which had the most impressive view of London’s skyline. We started off with a selection of sumptuous cocktails to wet our appetite, then dived into the main event. There’s a roast for everyone at Aviary. Red meat eaters will love the Native Breed pork belly or the rib eye of beef, and if, like me, you prefer something a little lighter, the Saxon Free Range chicken is such a delight. All served with duck fat roast potatoes, carrots, cabbage, melt-in-the-mouth Yorkshire puddings and delicious gravy, I was in actual heaven. You can also opt to have bottomless drinks to go with, from Chapel Down English Sparkling wine to Grey Goose cocktails."
Brix, London Bridge
Having lived in SE1 for four years, I can't believe Brix wasn't on my radar sooner. Set in a converted warehouse, which draws inspiration from Manhattan’s Meatpacking District and Brooklyn’s all day dining scene, Brix serves up soulful Sunday roasts in an industrially chic setting.
As soon as I stepped into the main dining space, I was hit by the glow of the open kitchen and atmosphere of several full and buzzy tables - it was clear this was a place that breeds regulars. I kicked off my Sunday roast experience with an 'Up In Smoke' cocktail. Reposado Tequila, Homemade Watermelon Liqueur, Chipotle Chilli, Fresh Lime, Tajin, and Grapefruit Soda. All the good stuff.
As for the main course, I opted for the Roast Pork Belly, which was served with a healthy dose of salty crackling and several golden roast potatoes. The roast is comforting yet playful, bringing together unusual flavours to elevate a typical Sunday roast. The highlights included Fennel and Marmite Glazed Carrots, Grilled Hispi, and a super sweet apple sauce that paired perfectly with the melt-in-the-mouth pork.
We were too full to indulge in desserts, but that didn't stop me from eyeing up the frothy espresso martini the table next to me were sipping on. Two weeks since my last Brix roast, I've already booked to go back.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant, Soho
On a cold autumn Sunday, there's nothing better than a delicious roast dinner – and Sussex in Soho is the perfect place to go.
When you live in central London, it's not always easy to find a restaurant with a cosy country vibe, but this family-run establishment brings the English countryside to Soho. When we walked through the doors, I was immediately struck by the rustic decor, warm atmosphere and music playlist that transported me to the local country pub I used to work at as a teen.
We were soon greeted with a cold flute of sparkling wine from Nutbourne - the West Sussex vineyard run by the restaurant's owners, the Gladwin brothers - which was followed by a refreshing glass of the Sussex Reserve.
But it's not just the wine that's homegrown, all of the restaurant's produce is wild, foraged and locally grown at the Gladwin's family farm in West Sussex.
We started our meal with a few small plates: the mushroom marmite éclaire, which was light and flavourful, as well as the uber-fresh shell on prawns with aioli and a delicious bowl of hummus.
For the main event, we shared the 90-day-old Saxon chicken, which was cooked to perfection, and accompanied by crispy roast potatoes, a Yorkshire Pudding, seasonal Sussex vegetables and bread sauce. While there was plenty of food to devour, we couldn't help ordering a side of cauliflower cheese, which was deliciously creamy yet crispy on the top.
To finish off our meal, we ordered a delightful chocolate éclaire. It was rich and creamy but not too heavy after a big meal – a lovely little treat.
Hawksmoor, Borough Market
My first Hawksmoor Sunday roast experience is not one I'll be forgetting anytime soon. Twice has this much-loved London gem been voted Best Sunday Lunch in the UK, with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver amongst the restaurant's devoted revellers - and it's easy to see why. The menus revolve around the best ingredients the restaurants can find – whether it be beef from grass-fed traditionally reared cattle, sustainable seafood from around the British coast, seasonal fruits and vegetables or great British cheeses.
If you can beat the queue out the door and arrive before 4pm, you won't regret your decision to spend your Sunday here. From succulent cuts of beef to creamy celeriac mash and to-die-for homemade stuffing, it's difficult not to delight in the culinary perfection of this indulgent, hearty meal. This is roast dinner with belly and soul, served in the most elegant setting.
The Jugged Hare, Barbican
Stepping into The Jugged Hare was rather like stumbling into a bustling country pub laden with locals and a warm atmosphere. The smell of herby roast potatoes and rich gravy is enough to tempt you inside as you walk underneath the Barbican passage to Chiswell Street. The Jugged Hare is a handsome gastro pub and a game-changing drinking and dining spot in the city - and their roast should be on your must-try list.
Offering only the most incredible seasonal game and produce, on the menu is Longhorn beef, Roast Tamworth pork belly and Half a Castlemead free range chicken from Somerset, all roasted to perfection and accompanied with a proper Yorkshire pudding, duck fat roast potatoes with buttery seasonal vegetables and rotisserie gravy that can’t be beaten.
The restaurant prides itself on full flavours, innovative ideas and perfectly executed dishes at every service. With a focus on both the traditional and the lesser-known (but always seasonal) and working with artisanal, bespoke suppliers, The Jugged Hare is the perfect spot for a roast in London.
Rockwell, Trafalgar Square
Don't fear the tourist hotspot location of this charming Sunday lunch spot. Rockwell's elegant ambience, art deco details and airy light-filled dining room makes for a delightful roast dinner experience.
If you're after a hearty and wholesome roast elevated by eclectic botanical cocktails, this is the place for you. Cocktails remain at the heart of the offering at Rockwell and the bar team are on hand to perfectly pair cocktails to your meal.
For central London, the reasonably-priced menu and generous offerings of maple glazed slow-cooked heritage carrots, charred hispi cabbage, decadent gravy and a crispy Yorkshire pudding won't leave you disappointed.
God's Garden, Marylebone Road
Nestled next to the One Marylebone Church, just opposite Great Portland Street station, this pop-up bar boasts one of the most unique Sunday lunch experiences. Partnering with Cue Point, the Afghan smokehouse, diners can enjoy meats, crispy potatoes, and charcoal grilled vegetables, served alongside traditional trimmings such as Yorkshire puddings, caramelised leek, cabbage, jalapeno jam and flavoursome gravy; with stuffing and cauliflower cheese available on request.
Our recommendation is the mouth-watering brisket steak that is cooked to perfection, but for vegetarians and vegans a hearty nut roast is also available.
The intimate setting makes it the perfect place for a catch-up and to sink some cocktails while enjoying the heartiest of Sunday dinners.
Laurel's on the Roof, Shoreditch
If there's one thing we Londoners lust over, it's a rooftop. Pair that with a cracking Sunday roast and you've got a dreamy weekend plan. Inspired by 1970s LA and fabulous pool parties in the Hollywood Hills, Laurel's On The Roof is a glamorous, high-spirited and glittering rooftop restaurant that has recently launched a mouthwatering roast menu.
Laurel's roast offers all the classics, perfected to a deliciously high standard. From mouthwatering cheesy cauliflower to herby roasted lamb cutlets served with the crispiest of potatoes, you won't be dissatisfied with your Sunday dinner here. Most tempting are the comforting Yorkshire puddings when drenched in the restaurant's signature gravy.
If you've room for dessert, the bread and butter pudding is worth writing home about. Crafted from buttery layers of croissant enveloped in a rich creme anglais, we devoured every mouthful... and we're sure you will too.
CUT at 45 Park Lane, Mayfair
We never expected to describe a roast dinner as 'luxurious', but CUT at 45 Park Lane's have perfected the art of making classic British comfort cuisine the pinnacle of fine dining. Everything from the heady interiors to the elevated Champagne glasses, immaculate presentation and accomodating staff make dining at this glamorous Mayfair spot a delight for the senses.
This is Sunday lunch at its finest. The restaurant, designed by famous chef Wolfgang Puck, is famous for quality beef. Enjoy tender beef sirloin served just the way you like it, accompanied by perfectly fluffy truffle-roasted potatoes, Wagyu dripping Yorkshire puddings, all the trimmings, and a glass of Rathfinny sparkling wine. Sublime.
CoqBull, Soho
A first glance at CoqBull's Sunday roast menu might appear simple with just one option on the menu. Yet we're here to tell you it's simply delicious. Gone are the days of dry and drab chicken with your roast dinner. CoqBull's mouthwatering British chicken soaked in tea brine is steamed for succulent juiciness before being rubbed with CoqBull award-winning Coq Rub and fire-roasted to perfection. Teamed with fluffy Yorkshire puddings, the crispiest chicken-fat roasted potatoes, tender stem broccoli and hearty, thick gravy, this is simple Sunday dining at its absolute finest. (And trust us when we say the herb stuffing is divine - you'll wish you had more!)
Equally tempting are the restaurant's 'Coqtails', with twists on all the classics and eclectic spins on British favourite desserts, these funky and fabulous drinks make a surprisingly perfect pairing for your roast dinner.
Fallow, Mayfair
You'll find Fallow tucked on the corner of St James's Market, just a stone's throw from Picadilly Circus. As soon as you walk in you'll be struck by the welcoming ambience, the heady glow of pendant lighting and heat of the open kitchen - you know you're in for a treat before you've even seen the menu.
If you're due to spend your Sunday at Fallow, expect buttery dairy-cow rump, monster Yorkshire puddings, zingy red cabbage, roasted piccolino parsnips from Fallow's plots and perfectly crisp roasted potatoes. Curated with innovation at their core, founding chefs Will Murray and Jack Croft have ensured every inch of the menu is crafted with sustainably sourced British produce. From using local vegetables to whipping the leftover Guinness from unused hops into a decadent Pump Street Chocolate soft serve, it's hard not to love the wholesome indulgence of Fallow's menu.
Don't miss the unforgettable caramelised cauliflower cheese topped with shavings of truffle - a real celebration of sustainably sourced British produce.
The Laundry, Brixton
South Londoners don't need to be told twice about this charming all-day bistro with a bustling vibe and welcoming atmosphere. It was packed to the brim with punters inside and outside when we visited on a chilly Sunday evening, a comforting foreshadowing to an excellent roast, I'd say.
The Laundry's Sunday menu is both timeless and tasty, with alternative options available for those who don't fancy diving into a bowl of their indulgent truffle cauliflower gratin (which trust us, is a must). The mushroom and leek pie is a divinely tempting vegan option, and their signature roasted butternut squash makes for a unique and satisfying roast dinner "with a Kiwi twist."
Set in a now-defunct Edwardian laundry, the space clings on to the charming characteristics that make it a truly special setting - ideal for brunch, dinner, date night or even just for a taste of their delicious cocktails.
New Street Grill, Liverpool Street
You've heard of bottomless brunch, but how about bottomless sides on your roast dinner? New Street Grill is changing the capital's roast dinner game with its eclectic seasonal menu - and all the sides are bottomless so you can keep asking for more to your heart's content. We're all familiar with the dilemma of deciding which meat to go for at a Sunday roast. Luckily, New Street Grill has put an end to the indecisiveness with their new 'Return of the Roast' menu this season. For £28 per person, diners can feast on a gargantuan plate of three expertly cooked cuts of meat – beef, lamb and chicken which is served alongside seasonal vegetables, a Yorkshire pudding overflowing with roasties and an extra jug of gravy.
As expected from a grill restaurant, the meat was prepared and roasted to perfection, in particular the succulent beef. Make sure you try some of the special brunch cocktails; the elderflower bellini is an excellent pick-me-up.
Blacklock: London Chophouse, Various Locations
There's a reason Blacklock's roast dinner reservations on a Sunday come with a near two-month waitlist. With melt in the mouth cuts of beef, lamb and pork cooked over a charcoal grill, Yorkshire puddings the size of your plate and glazed, seasonal vegetables aplenty, dining at this London Chophouse is better than your average Sunday lunch.
This popular spot is a hit with Londoners and tourists alike, with the most five star TripAdvisor reviews for any roast dinner in the city.
Piccolino, Heddon Street
It's not often you can order a luxury, first-rate roast dinner with children in mind, but Piccolino has the answer! Pick from their two London locations - Broadwick or Mayfair - and treat yourself to a roast platter with all the trimmings.
I took my family to the Heddon Street branch and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm always quite dubious about sharing plates as we all have pretty big appetites, but I shouldn't have worried, because it was huge! Fit for a King and beautifully presented.
There was a choice of herb-infused chicken, succulent slow-roasted pork belly, tender slow-cooked beef, or a mixed nut roast option. Once your main dish is selected, tuck into accompanying garlic and rosemary roast potatoes, roasted butternut squash, cavolo nero, topped with rich roasting gravy and of course, a perfectly golden Yorkshire pudding.
Divine!
Kricket, Canary Wharf
There's nothing better than tucking into a Sunday roast in the colder months we are looking ahead to, well bar the new menu at Kricket that is.
Kricket in Canary Wharf is a modern Indian restaurant with a perfectly central location that has introduced a new Sunday lunch menu with a twist. Sampling the new menu, I enjoyed a roast like I had never tasted before and I will definitely be going back.
The set menu features a charcoal grilled tandoor chicken laid on the most incredible creamy Musallam sauce. It is served with a flavourful rice dish, the chicken berry pulao, as well as a laccha paratha for dipping.
Also included in the set menu are chicken seekh kebabs, a black garlic and dried chilli raita dip, and laccha onion, cucumber and tomato kachumber for an extra touch of freshness.
The meal was absolutely delicious. A refreshing take on the meal we all know and love that was packed full of flavour and generous in size.
When washed down with a glass (or two) of sparkling wine, a Sunday lunch at Kricket is perfect for those who love to share dishes and try new flavours. The warm reception we received and the riverside views rounded off the trip nicely.
Reviewed by Katie Daly, Junior Lifestyle Writer
MORE ROAST INSPIRATION:
Planning a roast dinner? MasterChef's John Torode shares his genius tips
This lamb roast recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a Sunday roast any day of week
Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.