Sunday feasts in the capital
There’s nothing better than a Sunday roast. Whether you’re nursing a hangover, catching up with friends or refuelling after a long walk, a roast dinner is the perfect way to end the weekend. But not all are made equal, so it’s important to know the best spots. Here we bring you our top picks for a roast in London – from fine dining at The Savoy to tucked away pubs, offering hearty food with all the trimmings. Whether you’re all about the beef sirloin or are after a vegan roast, there’s something for everyone.
The Best Roasts in London 2023
Best Roasts In West London
Smith’s Bar & Grill, Paddington
While Paddington station might be a little bit of a nightmare to navigate (especially come rush hour), 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.
Come nighttime this is the perfect place to grab a cocktail with friends – the warm lighting, copper accents and greenery-clad ceiling creating the perfect atmosphere for chill, post-work drinks – but on Sundays Smith’s is known for serving up a cracking roast. 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 (cooked to your preference), 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. Review 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 Fox and Pheasant, Fulham
Image courtesy of Fox & Pheasant
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.
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. 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) 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
Best Roasts in Central London
The Libertine
The spooky vaults beneath the Royal Exchange have never looked so chic. The Libertine, having opened at the end of 2022, sprawls through the ancient exposed brick arches across a spacious bar, and separate dining space. Sporadic pops of foliage and radius windows keep the subterranean area airy, while an amber glow emanating from sconces and iron sticks topped with globular balls of light keep it suitably moody. Get ready to indulge: befitting its name, this has always been a space of hedonism and revelry, occupying the site where Britain’s first royal alcohol licence was granted. Amid centuries of history, sip on tipples from some of the city’s finest distilleries; in particular, the house’s own ‘The Libertine London Dry Gin’ is showcased best in a humble G&T.
Image by Steven Joyce
This is all before the main event, of course – The Liberatine’s new Sunday roast. Crispy rosemary roast potatoes, plump Yorkshire puddings, roasted maple glazed carrots, moreish confit garlic greens, mellow parsnip puree, and rich Bordeaux red wine gravy are all a given. Simply choose between the 42-day Dry Aged Beef Rump (basted with thyme and garlic beurre noisette), the butcher’s cuts of beef to share (chateaubriand, porterhouse or cote de beouf), the Free-Range Chicken Supreme (a tender, butter-basted, sizeable chicken breast), or vegans are well catered for with the Lincolnshire Squash Pithivier (squash, savoy cabbage, beetroot, wild mushroom duxelle and sage mustard in flaky golden pastry). Douse everything in the indulgent gravy, served in a tiny copper saucepan.
Top it all off with dessert (there’s always space). The comforting Treacle Syrup Sponge Pudding with a flood of vanilla custard is a natural go-to, or the more mature among us can opt for sorbet. The more indecisive, however, are treated with Petit Fours: perfect macarons, delectable salted caramel truffles, satisfying treacle tarts, and luscious fudge brownie bites topped with a sticky layer of caramel. By Olivia Emily
Hero dish: Don’t miss a side of cauliflower cheese: al dente cauliflower immersed in rich cheese with a crispy top and a satisfying cheese pull.
Address: 1 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LL
BOOK: libertinelondon.co.uk
The Audley Public House, Mayfair
Long-standing Mayfair pub The Audley was revamped last year under the helm of Artafrm, the hospitality arm of Hauser & Wirth. The smart new venue features two spaces: a traditional British pub, The Audley Public House, alongside a more formal restaurant upstairs, Mount St. Restaurant. If it’s a roast you’re after, head to the former: a stylish and relaxed space decked out with an impressive collection of art – typical of Artfarm projects. You’ll be served a generous portion of premium quality beef, perfectly crispy and fluffy roasties, seasonal veg and a large Yorkshire pudding filled with some extra pulled beef inside.
Hero dish: The cauliflower cheese side is pure buttery, crispy, cheesy joy.
Address: 41-43 Mount St, London W1K 2RX
BOOK: theaudleypublichouse.com
The Twenty Two
While part of Mayfair hotspot The Twenty Two is members’ only, the restaurant is open to all – and it’s well worth a visit to try the top-notch roast. Executive Chef Alan Christie has crafted a traditional Sunday lunch menu with high-quality ingredients, offering a choice of chicken, lamb or beef served with a Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese and seasonal vegetables. Pair with wines from the impressive list – and be sure to get a snap or two of the gorgeous interiors: think blue walls, velvet banquettes and brass chandeliers.
Hero dish: The beef gets our vote here.
Address: 22 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6LF
BOOK: the22.london
Oblix West, Southwark
When it comes to Sunday lunch with a view, they don’t come much better than Oblix West at the Shard. Check out the open kitchen en route to your table to see what takes your fancy, but be sure to start with your meal with an excellent Bloody Mary. You may want to dive straight into the main (the roast here is pretty sizeable) but if you do want something to start, the burrata is our pick. Book early for a table by the window and settle in for a long and leisurely lunch with all the trimmings.
Hero dish: The rib of beef is perfectly cooked but the surprise hero was the creamy mash, that threw the roast potatoes into the shade.
Address: The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
BOOK: oblixrestaurant.com
The Jones Family Kitchen, Victoria
After a hiatus, the roast has returned to The Jones Family Kitchen, located in Belgravia’s buzzing Eccleston Yards. Sister venue to The Jones Family Project in Shoreditch, it hit the ground running in May last year. If you remember just one thing about The Jones Family Kitchen, it should be that they know how to cook meat that melts in your mouth. Renowned for their Josper grilled steaks – which should be consumed dripping in red wine beef jus and scoffed with truffle macaroni cheese for the full luxurious experience and foodie memories that’ll last for weeks – it’s safe to say that the beef picaña is a roast dinner winner. All their meat is sourced from The Ginger Pig, who farm their contented free-range animals up north in Yorkshire. Plus, each roast is served alongside duck fat roast potatoes, honey roast parsnips, seasonal greens, Yorkshire puddings and gravy. From £25 for two courses, it’s good value too. A special shout out must also go to their lovingly and cleverly curated wine menu – they have incredibly knowledgeable staff and a well recommended red will round your meal off to perfection.
Hero dish: The succulent beef picaña, chosen for its tenderness and rich flavours.
Address: 7-8 Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ
BOOK: jonesfamilykitchen.co.uk
Roast, Borough Market
This restaurant overlooking Borough Market is named after what it does best, a good old-fashioned roast with top-notch ingredients. This is the place to go if you don’t want to wait until Sunday – they have different roast meat and fish specials every day to keep things interesting. But the Sunday menu still reigns, with three courses for £39.50 per person including some of the best beef and Yorkshire puddings we’ve had.
Hero dish: The potatoes are perfectly cooked every time – try the cheese and truffle fries for a treat.
Address: The Floral Hall, Stoney St, London SE1 1TL
BOOK: roast-restaurant.com
Temper Soho
The smell of the leeks and shallots roasting over coals will have you salivating from the moment you walk through the door. Extra bonus points for being the only roast that starts with a round of tacos.
Following the success of the Soho temper has also launched their infamous roasts within their new site in Shoreditch. On offer to guests is a selection of smoked meats such as smoked pork belly with smoked apple sauce and smoked baby chicken with chimichurri served with all the trimmings and a wicked 16-hour gravy. The ever-changing selection of roast meats, plus sharing platters like the Three Beast Feast, which includes smoked and pulled lamb shoulder, roast aged beef and roast pork, a perfect sharer for two people.
Hero dish: This is the best cauliflower cheese in town. Forget tasteless milky mess, this is smoky, cheesy, gloopy goodness.
Address: 25 Broadwick St, London W1F 0DF
BOOK: temperrestaurant.com
Savoy Grill, Strand
If it’s glitz and old-school glamour you seek for your ultimate Sunday roast in London, check into the Savoy Grill for a lunch date to remember. You’ll be presented with the dish of the day on the silver trolley; Sunday means rib of Hereford beef and Yorkshire pudding. Allow the sommelier to recommend the perfect accompaniment to your meal and remember to start with bubbles – after all, this is not your everyday beef dinner.
Hero dish: Nothing polishes off a delicious roast dinner quite like sticky toffee pudding. As you’d expect, the Savoy’s take is absolute perfection.
Address: 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
BOOK: gordonramsayrestaurants.com
Hawksmoor, across London
You already know and love Hawksmoor for their steak, but check out their roast offering when you get the chance and you’ll be suitably impressed. Add an array of their famous sides and don’t forget to try their duck-fat potatoes and tasty onion gravy.
Hero dish: The beef. Obviously.
Address: Various locations
BOOK: thehawksmoor.com
Blacklock Soho
If you’re really hungry, subterranean Soho chop house is sure to satisfy. Nab one of the long sharing tables and go for the All-In option (£20 per person): a hefty sharing platter of beef, lamb, pork and all the trimmings. Sides include massive Yorkshire puddings, cauliflower cheese, crispy roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a large boat of gravy. Not one for the faint-hearted!
Hero dish: Being a chop house, it’s not surprising the succulent, medium-rare chops are the star of the show.
Address: 24 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7LG
BOOK: theblacklock.com
The Royal Oak, Marylebone
With former Duck & Waffle chef Dan Doherty at its helm, it’s no surprise Marylebone pub The Royal Oak serves up a stellar Sunday roast. For meat-eaters, offerings include a succulent seven-hour roast lamb shoulder, Hereford beef and free range chicken, and for veggies there’s a tasty stuffed roast pumpkin served with fig, chestnut and leek stuffing. All roasts come with huge Yorkshire puds, crispy roasties, green vegetables and roasted carrots, and the pub has a friendly, relaxed ambience – perfect for a cozy Sunday afternoon.
Hero dish: The beef.
Address: 74-76 York St, London W1H 1QN
BOOK: theroyaloakmarylebone.co.uk
Best Roasts In East London
The Spread Eagle, Homerton
Those wanting a roast with a less meaty twist can try The Spread Eagle in East London. This is the city’s first 100 per cent vegan pub, and the kitchen maintains a seasonal spin by working directly with foragers and local producers to bring a fresh (and minimal waste) menu to its clientele. Expect plant-based versions of your favourite British classics, like beet wellington and pot roast celeriac and potato crackling, alongside the usual trimmings of potatoes, roasted carrots, seasonal greens, Yorkshire puddings and gravy. Another bonus? Many of the items on the menu are also gluten free.
Hero dish: The walnut and cashew nut roast is a flavourful and tasty main dish that will make you forget your love of meat for one blissful moment.
Address: 224 Homerton High Street E9 6AS
BOOK: thespreadeaglelondon.co.uk
Acme Fire Cult, Dalston
Sunday Menu Meat Platter. (c) Steve Ryan
A family-style, flame-grilled roast never looked (or tasted) so good. Head to 40FT Brewery in Dalston for your next roast and sample the goods of Acme Fire Cult’s first permanent barbecue from chefs Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins. In a brewery, bootyard setting, Acme is far more than just the uber-masculine, meaty front – and there’s no half-hearted burgers and hot dogs to be seen. The seasonal menu is brimming with veggie dishes, elevated by flame cooking and flavourful seasoning, alongside indulgent meat dishes cooked with an unexpected delicacy. Designed to be shared, try a mixture of small and large plates with friends across a long, relaxed and plentiful weekend afternoon. Note that Sunday is meat day for the perfect roast vibe, but there’s still plenty of veggie and vegan options to go around.
With loud music and an undeniably buzzy vibe, in the winter, wrap up and sit surrounded by fur blankets and heat lamps for that idyllic al fresco vibe, cold beer in hand courtesy of 40FT Brewery. Or, sip on one of the many unique cocktails and soft drinks – the chilli lemonade is an exciting flow between sharp and spicy with every sip. By Olivia Emily
Hero dish: The seasonal menu is ever-changing, but make sure you sample a few of the veggie small plates to really experience Clarke and Watkins’ skill. (The Smoked Bone Marrow with sour dough is also a must.)
Address: Abbot St, London E8 2LX
BOOK: acmefirecult.com
The Princess of Shoreditch, Shoreditch
The Princess of Shoreditch is nestled in a quiet side-street a stone’s throw from Old Street Station – allowing it to feel almost as though it were a cosy home county local, versus cosmopolitan gastro-pub set on the busy border separating Shoreditch and the City. The two-floors are light and airy (wall-to-wall windows allow sunshine to stream into this space), whilst the wooden floors, ceilings and features are tasteful echoes of the classic interiors of the traditional British pub. This is a perfect peaceful setting for ultimately a fantastic Sunday roast, both homely and elevated by Ruth Hansom’s impressive expertise as head chef.
The set lunch menu offers two or three courses – of which the roast is obviously the star of the show – but don’t miss out either on delectable starters and dessert. Starters particularly are light, like über-fresh Isle of Wight tomatoes accompanied by a more-ish combination of goats curd, honey and basil, and they won’t distract you from the main course of succulent black chicken, Yorkshire beef sirloins, salt-aged pork, nut-roast, or South Coast cod. Finish with dessert (if you can fit it in, and believe us, you’ll want to). Our choice is the fluffy strawberry soufflé with toast and earl grey ice cream, which is a fluffy delight to dip into.
It’s no wonder that this restaurant-pub boasts an impressive 3 AA Rosettes; it nails the basics by using top-quality and super seasonal local ingredients prepared really, really well. The Sunday menu offers a fresh take on the humble roast.
Hero dish: The date and pecan nut roast – which would turn the heads of even the most voracious omnivore with its sweet tang. Accompany with Yorkshire puddings roughly the size of your face.
Address: 76-78 Paul St, London EC2A 4NE
BOOK: theprincessofshoreditch.com
The Gun, Canary Wharf
Off-the-beaten-track gastropub The Gun is a bit of a walk from Canary Wharf, but it’s well worth going slightly out of your way for. Perched right on the Thames, the stylish pub boasts lovely views of the 02 and Greenwich – particularly from its waterside terrace, which fills up quickly during the summer months. Despite undergoing a lengthy refurbishment last year, The Gun maintains its history and heritage, with long-cherished features such as open fires and wooden panelling. Most importantly, the food is great: succulent meats are paired with whole grain mustard cabbage, garlic roast carrots, buttered kale, roast potatoes and roasted cauliflower gratin.
Hero dish: The whole sharing Suffolk free range chicken, which comes with pigs in blankets and Yorkshire puddings.
Address: Docklands, 27 Coldharbour, London E14 9NS
BOOK: thegundocklands.com
Best Roasts In South London
The Laundry
The Laundry is a modern neighbourhood bistro and wine shop in the heart of Brixton with a menu that focuses on classical dishes, techniques and understated new-world flair applied to the very best British produce that regularly evolves with the seasons. Sunday roasts at The Laundry feature classic cuts, all served with roast potatoes, seasonal squash, minted peas, glazed carrots and gravy. The best part? You can get a free top-up of vegetables and gravy if you please. An array of sides are also available, including sautéed greens, little gem, pea and parmesan salad and cauliflower cheese with sage and truffle gratin. Enjoy the hearty meal all cosy on the covered and heated al fresco terrace, alongside espresso martinis and glasses of wine.
Hero dish: The free veg and gravy top up was a standout feature for us.
Address: 374 Coldharbour Lane Brixton, SW98PL
BOOK: thelaundrybrixton.com
Prince of Wales, Kennington
Arguably we don’t want to share this one as it’s such a hidden gem, but the Prince of Wales is how you’ll want to spend a slow Sunday. The pub is perched in the corner of the charming Cleaver Square, where you’ll find people passing the time playing petanque (the French game in which you roll heavy metal balls). As you’ll amble in, the interiors will give you a casual traditional pub, but with specks of some quite remarkable art: some stunning anonymous portrait paintings and Vienna’s turn of the century Egon Schiele prints. You won’t be disappointed with the roasts either: a 28-day aged roast beef sirloin (served with horseradish cream), and a personal favourite: slow-roasted pork belly, with apple sauce.
Hero dish: Say yes to the warm chocolate brownie.
Address: Cleaver Square, London SE11 4EA
BOOK: princeofwaleskennington.co.uk
The Fat Badger, Richmond
Set just away from Richmond’s bustling centre and positioned overlooking the River Thames, The Fat Badger offers the chance to escape to the countryside, without leaving London. Its interiors are fresh and characterful, with warm lighting, midnight blue walls and eclectic framed artwork positioned throughout. The Sunday Roast is the real piece-de-resistance here, and will make you come back again and again. Each roast is sourced from the family farm in Sussex, and you can tell. There’s a choice between beef, chicken, lamb – all of which are tender, juicy and perfectly cooked – or a nut roast for veggies. Each comes with seasonal and succulent veg, fluffy potatoes and a huge Yorkshire pudding. The portions are generous yet not too much, and you might just have room to squeeze in dessert; our pick is the salted caramel chocolate torte. A special mention also goes to the mushroom marmite eclairs infused with truffle, a perfect light and delicious starter. You’ll leave feeling satisfied and comfortably full, and thanks to its riverside setting, you can walk it off after for a Sunday afternoon stroll along the river. Full review here
Hero dish: The roast beef is cooked to perfection – medium rare, and make sure to ask for horseradish and mustard.
Address: 15-17 Hill Rise, Richmond TW10 6UQ
BOOK: thefatbadger-restaurant.com
Fiume, Battersea
Enjoy beautiful views of the River Thames as you tuck into an Italian-style roast at Battersea’s Fiume, headed up by Francesca Mazzei. An ever-changing menu puts meat centre stage: think succulent whole roast guinea fowl with spicy Calabrian ‘nduja; tender leg of lamb cooked with salty anchovies; and rare roast beef served with yoghurt and horseradish sauce, paired with sides like pale-pink wilted radicchio, oven roasted swede and cavolo nero.
Hero dish: The lamb is cooked to perfection – and be sure to save some space for the Fiume house classic: a deliciously indulgent chocolate and pistachio doughnut.
Address: Battersea Power Station, Circus West Village, London SW8 5BN
BOOK: fiume-restaurant.co.uk
The Florence, Herne Hill
Found opposite The Lido in Herne Hill, The Florence is perfectly placed for a big roast after a long walk round Brockwell Park. It’s a lovely pub – spacious and airy, with wooden floors, exposed brick walls and a garden, the kind of place you’d want to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon. Their roast is traditional done really well: generous portions of meat (or vegetarian alternatives) served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, honey glazed roots and seasonal greens. If you can manage it, the sticky toffee pudding is heavenly.
Hero dish: The pork belly.
Address: 131 Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0NG
BOOK: florencehernehill.com
Kricket, Brixton
Spice up your Sunday with an Indian-style roast at small plates restaurant Kricket, available at their Brixton branch. The menu changes on a weekly basis, but sample dishes include large joints of meat roasted with spices such as Keralan Beef Rump Cap, tandoori Afghani Poussin or Kori Spiced Mushrooms as a vegetarian alternative. Trimmings are also given a Kricket twist: think roast potatoes flavoured with curry leaves, glazed parsnips, tandoori cabbage, and hung yoghurt with mustard oil instead of gravy, or a spiced bread sauce. Spare yourself the hangover and swap the red wine for a Mango Lassi or a soothing Chai tea.
Hero dish: Order lots of the spicy roasties.
Address: 41-43 Atlantic Rd, London SW9 8JL
BOOK: kricket.co.uk
Best Roasts in North London
Bull & Gate, Kentish Town
Roasts are funny, aren’t they? While most dishes in a good restaurant are infinitely better than anything you could make at home, one always suspects with a roast that your mother might have done it better. Not here. At the Bull & Gate, the potatoes are fabulous, the Yorkshire puddings are tall and proud, the Limousin X beef (what a name!) is lovely, deathly rare in the middle, yet roughly charred on the outside.
Hero dish: The aforementioned beef is finished perfectly with homemade horseradish sauce.
Address: 389 Kentish Town Rd, London NW5 2TJ
BOOK: bullandgatenw5.co.uk
The Pig and Butcher, Islington
The Pig & Butcher is a well-kept secret of Islington locals, and it’s held its spot since the mid-1800s (but renovated much more recently than that with its handsome facade). Wondering where the name comes from? The fields surrounding the pub in days-long-past used to be occupied by farmers for their livestock, later to be sent to Smithfield’s Meat Market for sale – and with that heritage in mind, it today specialises in fantastic farm-to-table fare with an in-house butcher. For its Sunday roast, you can expect succulent cuts of rare breeds (from White Park cattle to Hebridean Lamb), locally sourced game, or a celeriac nut roast, all served with Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, greens, carrots and cauliflower cheese.
Hero dish: You can’t go wrong with the salt-aged Yorkshire sirloin.
Address: 80 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0QD
BOOK: thepigandbutcher.co.uk
1251, Islington
Chef James Cochran earned his stripes working at top establishments like The Ledbury and The Harwood Arms before setting up his own restaurant, 1251. Opened in Islington in 2018 – the same year Cochran won Great British Menu – 1251 is a reflection of its founder’s unique heritage: his parents are from the Caribbean and Glasgow, and he grew up by the sea in Kent. On Sundays the restaurant serves a sizeable roast which changes often, but could look something like: beef sirloin, beef dripping roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, chargrilled hispi cabbage and carrot puree.
Hero dish: The beef dripping roast potatoes are to die for.
Address: 107 Upper St, London N1 1QN
BOOK: 1251.co.uk
The Red Lion & Sun, Highgate
The much-loved Red Lion & Sun was recently named the best gastropub in London, coming tenth in Estrella Damn’s 2023 top 50 list. A pub has sat on the site since the 16th century, though it has earned its food reputation more recently, offering rustic, modern British food. On Sundays there’s a sharing roast on offer, with meats sourced from Highgate Butchers – currently you can choose from steak, lamb, goose, suckling pig or Norfolk chicken. All are served with a hefty portion of trimmings for everyone to enjoy – just note you need to pre-order.
Hero dish: We’re going with the lamb, which is braised for seven hours.
Address: 25 North Rd, London N6 4BE
BOOK: theredlionandsun.com
Featured image: The Twenty Two
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