Best Roasts In West London

From the ever-buzzing Portobello Road to the pretty streets surrounding Holland Park, the capital’s western boroughs are jam-packed with great pubs. So, if you’re looking for a roast in West London, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here’s where to go for a spectacular Sunday lunch across areas like Kensington, Chelsea and Paddington, plus what to order when you get there. 

Best Roasts In West London

Smith’s Bar & Grill, Paddington

While Paddington station might be a little bit of a nightmare to navigate, a trip out the back exit via the taxi drop-off proves to be well worth the visit for Sunday roast chasers. Conveniently nestled in the Paddington Arm, the area’s famed canal and basin, the station gives way to a buzzing thoroughfare adorned with colourful boats, swanky restaurants and wide-eyed tourists taking it all in. Those that have yet to gain their sea legs can rest assured that one of the best roasts in town is just a stone’s throw away, at modern British eatery Smith’s Bar & Grill. Menus are dedicated to seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on British classics and flavourful dishes. The roast follows the same principles: at this time of year, expect juicy cuts of chicken, pork, lamb and beef, alongside servings of golden parsnips, carrots and tenderstem broccoli as well as gigantic Yorkshire puds and uber-crispy potatoes. If you’re heading over with friends or family and have a preference for the same cut of meat, then make sure to order the sharing roast for two, which comes with all of the above plus the chance to opt into 90 minutes of bottomless red wine for £15 per person. There’s nothing tastier than a bargain, after all. By Charlie Colville

Hero dish: The duck fat roasted potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and perfectly seasoned.

Address: 25 Sheldon Square, Paddington, London W2 6EY

BOOK: smithsbarandgrill.co.uk

The Mitre, Holland Park

Long-standing Holland Park pub The Mitre has just reopened following a big revamp, and is looking more stylish than ever, with a new fireplace, timber and furniture. It’s not all about the look though: the venue’s original head chef Pat Lynch has been brought back to spruce up the food side of things too. The pub has always been known for its speciality cuts of meat, but roasts are set to be bigger and better at The Mitre 2.0, with the menu currently offering either roast chicken, beef, pork or pumpkin served with all the trimmings (roast potatoes, maple glazed carrots, seasonal veggies and Yorkshire puddings). Beforehand, work up at an appetite at the picturesque park nearby.

Hero dish: The pumpkin roast, served with a mushroom and spinach roulade, is a great option for veggies.

Address: 40 Holland Park Ave, London W11 3QY

BOOK: themitrew11.co.uk

The Fox and Pheasant, Fulham

Famously owned by James Blunt, the Fox & Pheasant, nestled in Fulham off a quiet pretty pastel house coloured lane (just away from the Chelsea Football fanfare), is a Sunday roast must. Set in quintessentially British traditional interiors, expect a similar vibe for the grub: roast pork belly and apple sauce, roast beef sirloin, and horseradish sauce, the cult classics. The best part? The roast is served all day (although many argue the best pub roasts are served earlier on).

Hero dish: The Yorkshire puds are top-notch.

Address: 1 Billing Rd, London SW10 9UJ

BOOK: thefoxandpheasant.com

The Colton Arms, West Kensington

Tucked away behind Queens Tennis Club, this cosy West London pub is the perfect choice if you prefer the comfort of a home-cooked roast, without actually turning on the oven. As you’d expect from any decent London watering hole, the accompanying tipples are worth trying; if you’ve had a heavy night try the Bailey’s Iced White Flat on for size. Choose from the rump of beef, half roast chicken or roast pork belly.

Hero dish: The Yorkshire pudding is just as good as mum’s. (Although obviously you won’t tell her this.)

Address: 187 Greyhound Rd, London W14 9SD

BOOK: redcatpubcompany.com

The Chelsea Pig, Chelsea

Classic gastropub goodness is the order of the day in this lovely pub in the heart of Chelsea, which serves one of the best roasts in West London. Keep things simple with an all-the-trimmings roast and a hearty sticky toffee pudding to finish. Oh, and a pint on the side, please.

Hero dish: If pork is your favourite roast, get down to The Chelsea Pig ASAP.

Address: 5 Old Church St, London SW3 5BS

BOOK: thechelseapig.co.uk

Harwood Arms, Fulham

London’s first and only Michelin-starred pub, Fulham’s Harwood Arms knows quality. Big portions of perfectly cooked meat are the star of the show here: sumptuous seasonal specials like roast red legged partridge, beef rump with bone marrow and honeyed venison. But it’s not all about the meat – sides are lavish and cooked with flair. Think crispy beef-fat roasted potatoes, glazed parsnips and cauliflower cheese croquette, topped off with tasty bone marrow gravy. It’s a pricier option (£65 for three courses) but definitely worth it.

Hero dish: It’s got to be the sirloin steak, with many, many trimmings.

Address: Walham Grove, London SW6 1QP

BOOK: harwoodarms.com

Launceston Place, Kensington

For an alternative to the standard meat and two veg, fine dining restaurant Launceston Place turns the traditional roast dinner on its head. Instead of meat and two veg, expect to dine on the likes of burnt leek with eel, cod with cauliflower and lemongrass, and veal cheek with BBQ aubergine and dates.

Hero dish: The pork belly, served with artichoke, smoked apple and tarragon is an interesting – and delicious – mix of flavours.

Address: 1A Launceston Pl, London W8 5RL

BOOK: launcestonplace-restaurant.co.uk

The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

Bringing country pub vibes to the King’s Road is The Cadogan Arms, renowned for its sizeable and top-quality roast. Settle down by the fireplace and tuck into a hearty Sunday lunch cooked up by head chef Alex Harper and his team. Choose between a selection of cuts of meat, such as Cumbrian rump of beef, shoulder of lamb or herb-fed chicken, and enjoy alongside a feast of roasties, Yorkshire puds and butter glazed veggies. Feeling extra hungry? The Sunday sharer board features an array of different meats, designed for two people or more.

Hero dish: The chicken is cooked to perfection – just be warned portions are huge.

Address: 298 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UG

BOOK: thecadoganarms.london