The best Sunday roast in London is a much sought-after thing. The meal, also known as Sunday lunch is an an all-encompassing one that covers all the important food groups – juicy meat (or veg, depending on preferences), golden crispy roast potatoes, gigantic Yorkshire puddings and lashings of gravy. The Sunday roast is one of Britain’s most loved food traditions and it’s no wonder it commands fervent loyalty from Londoners, sparking serious debates on where to find the best ones and what should or shouldn’t be included. From pub classics to local neighbourhood gems and chophouses, there’s a Sunday lunch for every taste. Nothing screams British tradition like the Sunday roast, but to be one of the purveyors of the best Sunday roast in London you have to be doing something really special. Here is our pick of where to find these gems.
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The best Sunday roasts in London
William IV
A historic 200-year-old pub on Old Street, William IV is known for its standout Sunday roasts. The kitchen uses heritage meats from Swaledale Butchers, with trimmings sourced from premium suppliers. Expect perfectly pink 28-day dry-aged heritage breed beef top rump with crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and seasonal vegetables, all finished with a rich gravy. Downstairs, the cosy open-fire bar and dining area set the tone, while the upstairs elegant Georgian dining room sets the scene for a serene candle-lit afternoon that slips into evening and birthday lunches quietly turn into dinner. - Angela Hui
What to order: Go straight for the beef (it’s their pride and joy) and add an extra Yorkshire if you’re that way inclined. If you spot any seasonal sides or specials, say yes; they tend to be the sort of simple-but-done-properly dishes that make you wonder why all roasts aren’t like this.
7 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7QE
The Red Lion & Sun
The Red Lion & Sun is an ideal north London destination for a Sunday roast. Its cosy interiors, wooden accents, and inviting beer garden create a relaxed atmosphere as soon as you step inside, but it’s the food that truly makes the visit memorable. The Korean fried chicken wings are well worth trying, perfectly crispy on the outside with a gentle kick of spice, and sweetness lifted by sesame seeds and spring onions. The highlight of our visit was the roast lamb leg for two, served generously on a platter with meat so tender it fell from the bone. It was made even better by the bubbling cauliflower cheese on the side, indulgently rich with real cheese rather than a flat, disappointing sauce. The wine list is well-priced and offers plenty of choice, thoughtfully selected to complement the hearty dishes. With careful attention to flavour, generous portions, and a welcoming setting, The Red Lion & Sun feels like a true escape from the rush of the city. – Diya Pandey
What to order: The Kimchi Bloody Mary is a great twist on the classic, and pairs nicely with the sweet and spicy Korean Chicken Wings.
25 North Road, Highgate Village, N6 4BE
The Hound
Set on Chiswick High Road, The Hound delivers elevated British fare in a space that combines polish with familiar pub comfort. Light pours through the conservatory-style seating area, bringing a laid-back vibrancy to the room, which hums with the buzz of regulars and first-timers alike. We began our visit with a Bloody Mary that was perfectly balanced, offering just the right kick of spice. The acclaimed black pudding Scotch egg followed, its gloriously runny yolk and rich, savoury filling more than living up to its reputation. The roast pork belly was the standout of the afternoon, generously served with crisp crackling and a burnt apple sauce that added a lovely depth of flavour. Another cocktail worth mentioning is the Infante, mezcal based, fresh and citrusy, and a surprisingly good match for the bold flavours on the plate. The Hound is the kind of pub you find yourself wanting to return to, working your way through more of the British classics that it does so well. – Diya Pandey
What to order: The must-try scotch egg, alongside the noteworthy Infante cocktail.
210 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, London W4 1PD
The Draper's Arms
Tucked down a quiet Islington street, this powder-blue Georgian pub is one of worst-kept secrets for some of the city’s best roasts. It fills from midday and rarely lets up, so book ahead if you want a seat at the bright green bar or one of the well-worn wooden tables. Inside, it feels homely with scuffed floors and a log burner that keeps the room glowing. Come summer, everyone drifts into the leafy back garden, umbrellas up, whatever the weather. The cooking is confident and generous, with starters including smoked mackerel, beetroot and horseradish to baked camembert, bone marrow and toast. Mains stick to the classics: 48-day aged sirloin, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, roast pork belly or a sharing whole roast chicken with all the trimmings. There’s always a clever vegetarian option, maybe roast squash and Jerusalem artichokes with sage and chestnut dressing. Puddings change often but stay firmly in the comfort camp, from sticky toffee to chocolate beer cake. And if you’re still grazing after all that, the cheese plate and Nick Gibson’s sharp little wine list make it very easy to order another glass. Downstairs is the boisterous pub heart, all battered chairs and easy-drinking beers; upstairs is calmer, with high ceilings and a smart chequerboard floor, plus a private room if you need it. One of London’s finest Sunday roasts, no question. - Angela Hui
What to order: The roast pork belly with all the trimmings will live in your mind rent-free
44 Barnsbury St, London N1 1ER
The Baring
The Baring is a polished Islington pub and restaurant that gets the classic formula right. Warm brown wood? Check. White-painted brick? Check. Simple, smart cooking that never feels stuffy? Triple check. Chef-owner Rob Tecwyn’s Sunday menu is tightly put together, mixing favourites like the quail shish with pul biber with well-executed roasts such as dry-aged Highland beef rump, Swaledale pork neck and a sharing Highland sirloin, all served with crisp roast potatoes, hispi cabbage and gravy. It’s no surprise tables book up fast, especially with enough wine and decadent puddings to carry you through a slow Sunday afternoon. - Angela Hui
What to order: The quail shish with garlic yoghurt and pul biber chilli is a must, and when biting into that crispy skin, guarantee you’ll hear angels singing.
55 Baring St, London N1 3DS
The Camberwell Arms
This effortlessly chic south London gem takes the classic Sunday roast to the next level with starters like scotch bonnet on toast, pickled mackerel with horseradish cream, and mussels in spicy pork fat. Opt for one of the five shareable roasts, featuring spit-roasted chicken, roast pork belly, braised lamb shoulder, roast lamb rack, or dry-aged Hereford beef. Not a roast fan? Indulge in bubbling sharing pies, seafood, or pasta. The casual dining room has a 1940s brasserie aesthetic, complete with scrubbed wooden floors and reclaimed tables and chairs that complement its dark interior. Wash down your meal with no-nonsense service, daily ales, and a well-priced, diverse wine list.
What to order: The half spit-roast chicken for two served with creamed cavolo nero and roast potatoes is a thing of beauty.
65 Camberwell Church St, London SE5 8TR
The Canton Arms
The Canton Arms on Lambeth Road is the sister to The Camberwell Arms and combines the high level of gastropub cooking with the nostalgic ambiance of an old-school boozer, featuring a warm brown and wooden interior. You’ll find superb rustic English cooking that comes in more than generous portions, like the rare roast Dexter beef or the must-try seven-hour-cooked salt marsh lamb shoulder that falls off the bone. If you’re feeling more adventurous than a roast, explore the specials on the blackboard, and don't miss the renowned sharing pie with a flaky crust that’s worth the journey alone. Wrap up your meal with old-school desserts like custard crumble tart and sticky toffee pudding. This is one of those meals that will definitely require a nap afterwards.
What to order: Choose between the Dexter short rib or the Salt Marsh lamb shoulder, and you're guaranteed a good time.
177 S Lambeth Rd, London SW8 1XP
Rake at Compton Arms
Simple wooden touches, cosy interiors, and a tucked-away location, the main Islington roundabout gives Rake at Compton Arms a quiet, inviting feel in a leafy side street. Sundays are all about the roasts, with a menu that changes seasonally but always delivers generous, well-executed portions. Choose from spring lamb leg, roast Cornish red chicken, marinated beef rump, or a mushroom and vegetable turnover, each served with crisp roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and plenty of rich gravy. The dining room feels like a snug nook away from the main bar, a perfect place to let the pints, wine and puddings flow for the ultimate lazy Sunday. Rake’s roasts approach is simple but thoughtful, letting top-quality ingredients and classic techniques shine. - Angela Hui
What to order: Start with the fresh, sharp tomato and raw beetroot salad to wake up the appetite, and don’t miss the roasted cauliflower cheese side, which is truly irresistible.
Compton Arms, 4 Compton Ave, London N1 2XD
Blacklock
Blacklock is the epitome of the trendy British chophouse and they’re masters of the Sunday roast game with a nostalgic touch that they claim is almost as good as your mum’s. There are various locations in the City and Covent Garden, but the seductive Soho spot is the place to be as it used to be a former lap dancing club and brothel. Meat with a side of meat is the aim of the game here. Think: slow-roasted whole joints over open coals with a choice of three meats – beef, pork, lamb, or a veggie option. Expect generous portions, from golden Yorkshire puddings to duck fat roast potatoes and accompanied by a flavour-bomb rich gravy. Enhance the experience with a hangover-busting Bloody Mary or Breakfast Martini before indulging in the hearty offerings, including bubbling cauliflower cheese and parmesan-covered roasted pumpkin.
What to order: The ‘All In’ sharing platter is perfect for big groups and comes with a heady mix of beef, lamb and pork roasts with all the trimmings for £25 per person.
24 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7LG
The Parakeet Pub, Kentish Town
Just a short walk from Kentish Town station, The Parakeet’s a delicious and stylish option for Sunday roast. Walking in, you're welcomed by a striking, wood-panelled bar illuminated by colourful glass lamps. Bright, colourful artwork and a stained-glass window fill the space with a vibrant energy and warm light. The Sunday menu is straightforward, making decisions easy - especially with dishes like tender lamb, hay-smoked roast chicken, sea bream, and an obligatory side of cauliflower cheese. The portions on our visit were generous, especially the accompanying sides of spring greens, roasted potatoes, seasonal root vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and a rich carrot and swede mash. Be sure to keep room for their decadent chocolate mousse and sticky toffee pudding, the perfect post-roast indulgence. After our meal, we went downstairs to unwind a bit longer on the comfy sofas, savouring the meal we had with one of their masterfully crafted cocktails. – Diya Pandey
What to order: You can't go wrong with the roast lamb, followed by the must-try sticky toffee pudding.
256 Kentish Town Rd, London NW5 2AA
Old Nun's Head
This charming and quirky 1930s boozer feels like walking into a friend’s living room, where all is welcome. It’s dog-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly and proudly home to a Britney Spears shrine behind the bar. Sundays are all about its legendary Fit Roasts, which turn out a solid lineup of rolled lamb shoulder, rolled pork belly, quarter chicken and topside of beef. Plant-based eaters get real care too with veggie and vegan haggis. Everything arrives with the full spread: crisp roast potatoes, maple carrots, parsnip purée, cauliflower cheese, greens and Yorkshire puddings, including vegan versions. If your idea of a perfect Sunday roast begins and ends with the gravy, the Old Nun’s Head will speak directly to your soul. It is glossy, savoury, and so thick that you can cut it with a knife and fork. Don’t be afraid to ask for more and it’ll arrive by the boatload. - Angela Hui
What to order: The veggie or vegan haggis is a thing of beauty, but whatever you do, don’t skimp out on the gravy. Ask for extra. Thank us later.
15 Nunhead Grn, London SE15 3QQ
Harwood Arms
This Michelin-starred Fulham gastropub’s Sunday roast is one of the most highly regarded in the city and it's a good reason why there’s often a month-long wait for Sunday lunch bookings. The Harwood Arms has all the rustic touches of a country pub with forest green wood panelling and a cosy fireplace. Roasts here are refreshingly traditional, but the standard goes above and beyond your usual pub grub. Led by head chef Josh Cutress, the renowned £65 three-course menu (or £50 for two courses) features starters like warm onion tart and fallow deer pâté en croûte. For mains, indulge in sharing sizes of roast Cornish monkfish, Iberico pork loin, and Belted Galloway beef sirloin—all accompanied by Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, baked carrots, cauliflower cheese, and greens. Save room for meticulously crafted desserts, such as apple parfait with shortbread, hazelnuts, and sherry, and a delicate custard flan with fig and crème fraîche. Snacks are extra, but treat yourself to the venison or Glamorgan vegetarian Scotch egg for that cherry on top.
What to order: You only live once. Go all out and get the three-courses.
Walham Grove, London SW6 1QJ
Holborn Dining Room
If you believe more is more and want a full-throttle masterclass in British comfort, Holborn Dining Room is your place. It suits the maximalists: red leather booths, a grand marble-pillared room, servers in uniforms and a brasserie style that feels both opulent and reassuringly old school. You are looked after here and your Sunday roast is treated with just as much care. The pies might steal the headlines, but the roasts are on another level. Expect Suffolk pork belly with perfect crackling, Norfolk dry-aged sirloin cooked just right and a hearty vegetable wellington for non-meat eaters. Everything comes with all the trimmings: Yorkshire pudding, buttered greens, duck fat roast potatoes, maple-glazed carrots, braised red cabbage and as much gravy as you can happily soak up, but the pièce de résistance? The whole roasted chicken that’s theatrically served tableside. - Angela Hui
What to order: The whole roasted corn-fed chicken that’s carved tableside is a treat for the eyes and stomach. It says recommended for two, but can easily feed three.
252 High Holborn Rosewood, London WC1V 7EN
The Marksman
As one of Shoreditch's premier gastropubs that was once voted Michelin's pub of the year, the Marksman lives up to its reputation with a stellar Sunday lunch. Choose between the downstairs bar's polished oak ambiance with green leather banquettes or head to the first floor for the minimalist chic dining room. It’s a smart and well-thought out menu, with solid three-courses for £40. Diners can mix and match from a choice of starters like the crab soup with aioli, whipped goats curd on toast and pigeon and tamworth terrine. For mains, the roast Hereford rump and chicken and girolle pie are strong centrepieces, but for an extra tenner more you can upgrade to a decadent sharing roast with a choice of roast mallard or whole roast chicken. Add extra roasties and buttered greens, and top it off with a brown butter and honey tart or a cheese feast for dessert. After all that feasting, head to the terrace for some fresh air and a couple of pints.
What to order: Bring a big group to divide and conquer the menu. Order the beef and barley bun snack to line the stomach and the whole roast chicken with roast potatoes and greens.
254 Hackney Rd, London E2 7SB
Leyton Engineer
Set inside E10’s old town hall, this recently revamped pub has kept its historic bones while getting a modern, craft-beer cool facelift. It is a big, handsome space that pulls you through the lofty atrium, past a nostalgia-inducing jukebox and into the lush, plant-filled Palm Room. Its Sunday roasts have steadily earned a loyal following, and rightfully so. Each plate come fully loaded with seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, vegan-friendly stuffing, plenty of gravy and a giant Yorkshire pudding. Gluten-free roasts are available too. The standout is the pork belly with unbelievably crispy crackling, though the cauliflower cheese roast gives it serious competition. If you can’t decide, opt for the mixed meat roast, which brings sirloin beef, chicken supreme, and pork belly with crackling on one plate. There is even a baby roast option if you want something smaller. What ties everything together is the gravy that’s rich, dark and savoury; it’d be a crime if you didn’t mop up every last bit. - Angela Hui
What to order: The mixed meat roast for the compilation of all the roasts, but be sure to save space for the sticky toffee pudding
265 High Rd. Leyton, London E10 5QN
Quality Chop House
If you look up 'perfection' in a dictionary, guess what you'll find? Quality Chop House's Sunday roasts. Immerse yourself in the stunning 150-year-old Victorian dining room with a meaty set roast menu. It's three courses for £55, plus some bonus snacks. Choose from starters like Tamworth shoulder croquettes and smoked cod’s roe with cured egg yolk before diving into the main event. Expect centrepieces such as the Lincoln Red rump and brisket, herb and butter-roasted celeriac, or apple sauce Suffolk lamb shoulder, accompanied by roast potatoes (or add on Quality Chop House's legendary confit potatoes for an extra £8), Yorkshire pudding, honey-roasted carrots, buttered sprout tops, and cauliflower cheese. And don't skip the banoffee pie for dessert. Quality Chop House proudly claims its spot as the creator of one of the city's finest roasts.
What to order: The Lincoln Red bone-in ribeye for two, complete with all the trimmings will be one for the memory books.
92-94 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3EA
Smokehouse Islington
On Sundays, brace yourself for a carnivorous feast at this beloved Islington meat haven. This unpretentious rustic-chic pub and restaurant have nailed their Sunday roasts. Feast on carefully sourced from local suppliers and in-house smoked dishes like the 50-day aged Dexter beef sirloin, whole Cotswold white chicken, and Tamworth pork belly. While meat unquestionably takes the spotlight, vegetarians won’t be disappointed with a thoughtful selection of dishes, featuring highlights like salt-baked beetroot and a veggie Wellington with sweet potato, vegan feta, and porcini. Glistening roast potatoes, seasonal greens, honey-glazed carrots, and Yorkshire puddings all come as standard fare, so don’t fret about dish envy. Wash it all down with an extensive selection of beers on draught and by the bottle, including some stellar options from London.
What to order: As the name suggests, everything gets the smoke treatment and the 50-day aged Dexter beef sirloin is seriously fire.
63-69 Canonbury Rd, London N1 2DG
The Tamil Crown, Angel
From the people behind the brilliant Tamil Prince, The Tamil Crown is a relaxed neighbourhood boozer serving a selection of South Indian sharing plates in the heart of Angel. It especially comes alive on Sundays, when they dish out their roast menu, starting with okra fries, onion bhajis or chicken lollipops, things get even better with mains such as roasted masala chicken complete with potato and peas masala, coconut stir fried cabbage, mixed veg avial, gobi 65, roast potatoes, roti, gravy. Veggies get a sambar, potato and peas masala and there's also a lamb shank or sea bream option.
What to order: You can't go wrong with any Sunday roast option here – and thankfully its a perfectly short and curated menu. The splashiest dish being the lamb shank roast.
16 Elia Street London, N1 8DE, London, N1 8DE
