From cosy pubs to refined dining rooms, discover London’s best Sunday roasts worth planning your weekend around. (Left image by @hawksmoorrestaurants. Right image by @roast_restaurant.)
There’s nothing quite like a Sunday roast in London; it’s a time‑honoured tradition rooted in British culture that brings together tender meat, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire puddings and rich gravy, all enjoyed slowly over good company.
And it really doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a pub experience or one that’s a little more posh than your average. London’s selection offers plenty of spots that allow you to really sink your teeth into this beloved feast.
From historic inns tucked away in charming neighbourhoods to iconic city restaurants with a modern twist on tradition, here are some of the best places to enjoy a Sunday roast in the capital.
Classic & Traditional Roast Spots
The Devonshire
In the heart of Soho, The Devonshire has earned its reputation as one of London’s go-to spots for Sunday roasts. Run by celebrated chefs, it’s the kind of place where locals have their usual table, and newcomers get what the fuss is all about.
The roast here is proper British cooking done right. The prime rib comes out pink and tender, the Yorkshire puddings arrive tall enough to impress, and the roast potatoes have that satisfying crunch that makes you reach for seconds (or thirds).
They’re not reinventing anything, but they are paying homage to this much-loved dish, and their version makes a Sunday roast worth leaving the house for. Tables go quickly, so book in advance unless you fancy your chances at the bar. It’s busy because it’s good, and it’s good because they know exactly what they’re doing.
Blacklock Soho & Blacklock Shoreditch
Blacklock has built a loyal following among Londoners who take their Sunday roast seriously. With spots in Soho and Shoreditch, among others, they’ve carved out their own approach: everything’s cooked over charcoal, which gives the meat a smoky edge you won’t find elsewhere.
The setup is straightforward: choose your beef, pork or lamb, and it arrives with duck-fat roast potatoes that live up to the hype, seasonal vegetables, and gravy that actually tastes like something. Portions are hefty, which makes it a solid choice if you’re coming with a group and don’t mind passing plates around.
The atmosphere is more casual steakhouse than traditional pub, but that works in its favour.
Hawksmoor Borough
Hawksmoor is best known for its steaks, but the Sunday roast deserves equal attention. They slow-roast the beef before finishing it over charcoal, which adds depth without overshadowing the meat itself. It’s a technique meeting tradition in a way that actually makes a difference on the plate.
The bone marrow and onion gravy is where things get interesting — rich, savoury, the kind that makes you want to soak up every last bit with your final piece of Yorkie. This isn’t a roast trying to be clever or contemporary. It’s a solid, no-nonsense version done with the same care they put into their steaks.
Roast
Roast sits above Borough Market with views stretching towards The Shard, giving the whole experience a sense of occasion without feeling stuffy. The Sunday lunch here leans into British ingredients in a way that feels intentional. They’re clearly sourcing well and letting the quality speak for itself.
The meat arrives properly cooked and tender, paired with seasonal vegetables that change based on what’s actually good at the time. Presentation is thoughtful without being fussy, and while it looks the part, you’re not afraid to tuck in.
It’s the kind of place that works whether you’re celebrating something or simply want a roast that feels a notch above your local. Being perched over the market means you’re surrounded by the same food culture the kitchen draws from, which only adds to the appeal.
Pub Roasts with Character
📝 London’s pub scene is full of neighbourhood gems where the Sunday roast feels like coming home. These places are beloved not just for the food, but for the warm atmosphere, friendly service and, often, open fireplaces that make Sundays feel special.
The Harwood Arms
The Harwood Arms in Fulham is London’s only Michelin-starred pub, which sounds like it might be far too posh, but the roast proves otherwise. They’re working with the same framework as any great pub — British classics, seasonal ingredients, locally sourced meat — but the execution is where that star really earns its place.
There’s a level of refinement here that doesn’t get in the way of the food being hearty and satisfying. The technique is evident without being showy: meat cooked to perfection, vegetables treated with care, and flavours that feel both familiar and considered.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between pub and restaurant, meaning you can settle in with a pint or treat it like a proper meal out.
The Drapers Arms
This Islington pub has quietly built a reputation among locals as serving one of the better roasts in London — the kind of place people recommend to friends rather than shout about online. The approach is classic: slow-roasted meat, proper trimmings, nothing overcomplicated.
The atmosphere sets it apart. Relaxed in a way that feels genuine rather than styled, it’s the sort of pub where you can settle in for the afternoon without feeling rushed or like you’re part of a performance. Sundays here feel properly London with locals catching up over pints, the comfortable hum of conversation, and no tourist crowds fighting for tables.
The food delivers because it’s not trying to be the fanciest roast in the city, just a satisfying one.
The Pig and Butcher
The Pig and Butcher in Islington has made a name for itself by doing British cooking properly without getting stuck in the past. The Sunday roast follows that same logic — traditional foundations with enough nous to keep things interesting.
The menu centres on comforting food cooked by people who care about the details, which makes all the difference with something as straightforward as a roast. The atmosphere is lively without being chaotic, and it’s clearly a neighbourhood spot where regulars mix easily with newcomers.
The Camberwell Arms
The Camberwell Arms has become one of those South London spots where the roast is good enough that people make it a weekly ritual. The cooking is careful — meat given proper attention, accompaniments that complement rather than simply fill the plate. You’ll want to slow down and enjoy every bite.
What keeps people coming back is as much the atmosphere as the food. This is a pub where lingering is expected, not merely tolerated. Tables stay full well into the afternoon, conversations stretch out, and nobody’s rushing you to finish your pint and move on.
The roast delivers consistently, the space feels right, and Sundays here have that easy rhythm that reminds you why this tradition still matters.
Tips for enjoying a Sunday roast in London
(with insights summarised from Visit London)
- Book ahead: The best Sunday roast spots, especially chef-led restaurants, often book out weeks in advance.
- Go early: Most pubs and restaurants serve roasts from midday until mid-afternoon, and arriving early helps avoid peak crowds.
- Expect variety: From traditional beef to pork belly, roast chicken or vegetarian options, menus vary widely; check online beforehand.
- Sides matter: Perfect roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables and gravy are what elevate a good roast to a great one.
