No trip to London is complete without a hearty Sunday roast. These generous plates of meat and veggies are a cornerstone of British cuisine and a highlight on my London food tours. For hundreds of years, this particular meal has been bringing people together on a weekly basis, an experience no foodie should miss. In this article, I’ll show you where you can find the best Sunday roast in London.
What Is a Sunday Roast, Exactly?
A Sunday roast is a British institution, where families and friends gather for this particular hearty midday meal on a Sunday, either at home or in a pub, often accompanied by a few pints while watching the football. Although each household has its own take, the traditional version includes roast meat (beef, lamb, pork, or chicken), crispy roasted potatoes, rich gravy, pillowy Yorkshire puddings, and fresh seasonal vegetables.
Despite the dish’s heavy focus on meat, vegetarian and vegan versions are now widely available in many restaurants. Typically, you’ll see Sunday roast served between 12 pm and 4 pm, although some people like to have theirs later, depending on their schedule.
Where to Eat the Best Sunday Roast in London
Marquis of Westminster
Photo credit: Marquis of Westminster
If you’re wondering where to eat Sunday roast in London, look no further than the Marquis of Westminster in Pimlico. Six different types of roasts are on offer at this upscale boozer, including dry-aged beef, chicken supreme, pork belly, vegan, and more.
All of their options come with tasty extras like golden-crisp Yorkshire puddings and flavorful beef and red wine gravy to accompany the already substantial spread. Although the pub itself has a few floors, it’s advisable to book in advance as it gets busy on a Sunday.
Marquis Of Westminster – (£19.50–£28) – London SW1V 1RY – Open every Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am, and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
The Pig and Butcher
Photo credit: The Pig and Butcher
Are you staying in north London and have been searching ‘roast dinner near me’ and getting no luck? If so, be sure to check out the Pig and Butcher in Islington, built in a classic old-school British pub that dates back to the 1800s. I was in awe of all the roast options they had here when I visited a few months ago, but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to sample the 45-day salt-aged Aberdeen Angus sirloin.
The way the gravy soaked potatoes, honey-roasted carrots, and parsnips meddled together was divine. Just be aware that those who show up without a booking on Sundays will most likely be seated at the bar area.
The Pig and Butcher – (£21-£25) – London N1 0QD – Open every Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 8:30 am to 11 pm, and every Sunday from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm.
The Harwood Arms
Photo credit: The Harwood Arms
Situated in Fulham’s winding alleyways, the Harwood Arms is London’s only pub that has a Michelin Star, providing visitors with a casual yet refined setting for a Sunday feed.
The menu includes traditional sirloin roast, or you can branch out like me and try something different, like the slow-cooked deer shoulder with smoky bacon and some of the crispiest Yorkshire puddings in London I’ve ever had. Be mindful that this isn’t a vegan-friendly option, so you may want to give this one a miss if you follow this particular diet.
The Harwood Arms – (2 courses £64-3 courses £79) – London SW6 1QJ – Open every Monday to Thursday from 5:30 pm to 9:15 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 2:15 pm and 5:30 pm to 9:15 pm, and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:15 pm.
The Kings Arms
Photo credit: The Kings Arms
The Kings Arms is a family-owned establishment beside Tower Bridge, whipping up hearty British food with locally sourced ingredients. With its cozy atmosphere and Victorian decor, this spot is a favorite among locals for Sunday lunch in London.
This spot is especially famous for its roasts, like the gamey lamb shank so tender that it melts in your mouth or the succulent sirloin beef. Veggies will be happy to know they also serve a spinach and feta pie that comes with a meat-free gravy. If you can manage dessert, round off your meal with a luxurious spongy sticky toffee pudding.
The Kings Arms – (£20-£30) – London SE1 2JX – Open every Monday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.
The Pig’s Head
Photo credit: The Pig’s Head
When it comes to pubs selling Sunday roasts in London, the Pig’s Head in Clapham Old Town is up there with the best. I came here after hearing about their sustainable approach, sourcing whole native-breed animals from regenerative farms and butchering them on-site.
This homey establishment plates up all kinds of roasts, including veggie options like a fermented mushroom Wellington, and meat selections like the juicy Hereford beef rump that I ordered. It came with a side of crunchy roasties, seasonal veggies, and a huge Yorkshire pudding, and they let you order more on the side, which I highly recommend!
The Pig’s Head – (£22.50-£29.50) – London SW4 0DR – Closed every Monday and Tuesday, open every Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Sunday Roast
- While some places allow walk-ins for Sunday roast, it’s better to book ahead, particularly for more popular pubs.
- If you want to get the best seating and tastiest cuts of meat, go earlier rather than later.
- Many will agree that Yorkshire puddings are the best part of a Sunday roast, so make sure you get them and don’t be afraid to ask for more if possible.
- The best drinks to pair with a traditional roast dinner in London are British ale, cider, or red wine.
- Show up hungry, as these are large meals.
- Many restaurants sell roast sharers or ‘roast for two’ platters, which may be a better option if there are two of you eating.
Beyond Meat: Vegetarian & Vegan Roasts Worth Trying
The Fallow Restaurant delivers one of the most delicious vegetarian/vegan roasts I’ve ever had. When I visited, I got to try the maitake mushroom offering. Another great spot is the Old Queen’s Head, where they dish out a delectable mushroom wellington.
Final Thoughts: Sunday Roasts Are a British Classic for a Reason
Whether it’s your first time in London or you just want to have a slow Sunday, the way the Brits do it, you can’t miss a proper roast. This isn’t your typical meal, it’s a centuries-old British tradition and a great reason to meet with people and share some delicious food. From quintessential English pubs with fireplaces to contemporary twists on the original, regardless of your tastes, there’s a type of roast in London for everyone.
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). London food tours. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/london/
The Chapter Collection. (n.d.). The Marquis of Westminster. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.thechaptercollection.co.uk/marquis-of-westminster
The Pig and Butcher. (n.d.). The Pig and Butcher. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://thepigandbutcher.co.uk/
The Harwood Arms. (n.d.). The Harwood Arms. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://harwoodarms.com/
The King’s Arms Tooley Street. (n.d.). The King’s Arms Tooley Street. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.thekingsarmstooley.com/
The Pig’s Head. (n.d.). The Pig’s Head. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.thepigshead.com/
Fallow. (n.d.). Fallow Restaurant. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://fallowrestaurant.com/
The Old Queen’s Head. (n.d.). The Old Queen’s Head. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://theoldqueenshead.com/