Best London Roasts
London takes the Sunday roast more seriously than almost anywhere else in the country. What began as a humble weekly ritual of meat, potatoes, and gravy has evolved into one of the capital’s most competitive dining categories, with chefs, gastropubs, and restaurant groups investing considerable craft into what sits on the plate every Sunday afternoon.
The best London roasts are now genuinely world-class. Whether you are after a casual coal-fired platter in Soho, a Michelin-starred game lunch in Fulham, or a riverside spread overlooking the Thames, the options in 2026 are impressive in both range and quality. This guide covers the top picks across central London and beyond, along with what to order, what to expect to pay, and how to secure a table at the most sought-after spots.
What Makes a Great London Roast?
Before getting into the recommendations, it helps to be clear about the standard we are measuring against.
What makes a good roast comes down to a few fundamentals: a welcoming room, perfect roast potatoes, well-cooked lamb, beef, or pork, and a decent plant-based option. A Sunday roast is more than just lunch: it is self-care.
At its best, a Sunday roast in London is a multi-hour occasion. The great venues understand this and design their Sunday service accordingly, with attentive gravy top-ups, generous pacing, and rooms that invite guests to settle in rather than turn tables at pace.
A typical pub Sunday roast in London costs £18 to £30 per person. At higher-end gastropubs, expect £35 to £55. Sharing roasts can offer better value at £25 to £30 per person including all trimmings.
The Best London Roasts in 2026
Blacklock, Soho (and Multiple London Locations)
Blacklock is the name that comes up most consistently across critics, food writers, and the legions of Londoners who have made it part of their Sunday rhythm. It deserves that reputation.
At Blacklock, the entire kitchen setup changes on Sundays. Whole joints are roasted over open coals and English oak the traditional way and served with Yorkshire pudding, duck fat-roast potatoes, a selection of seasonal vegetables, and an unsparing amount of Blacklock Gravy.
The ‘All In’ sharing platter is the dish to order: a heady mix of beef, lamb, and pork roasts with all the trimmings. The lamb is the standout, incredibly soft, yielding, and deeply flavoured from ageing, while the beef rump arrives pink, juicy, and with that slightly nutty depth that long ageing gives. Staff roam the room with gravy jugs, topping up any boat that dares run low.
The original location on Great Windmill Street in Soho remains the most atmospheric, housed in a basement dining room with white brick walls and a lively buzz. Additional branches operate in the City, Covent Garden, Canary Wharf, and Shoreditch.
Blacklock needs six to eight weeks’ notice for Sunday lunch. Book well in advance. Guide price: around £28 to £35 per person.
The Harwood Arms, Fulham
Nestled in Fulham, the Harwood Arms stands as London’s only Michelin-starred pub. Renowned for its exceptional Sunday roast, it often requires booking weeks in advance due to its popularity.
The gastropub offers a seasonal, game-focused menu. Options include Belted Galloway sirloin, slow cooked deer shoulder, Iberian pork, and chalk stream trout. The three-course set menu comes in at £79 and is considered entirely worth it by those who make the trip.
This is a special-occasion roast rather than a casual Sunday outing. The cooking is precise, the room is charming, and the produce is sourced with genuine care. Book exactly three months ahead for the best chance of a table, or check for cancellations a day or two before your chosen Sunday.
Location: Walham Grove, London SW6. Guide price: £64 for two courses, £79 for three courses.
The Golden Tooth, Green Lanes
Named by Time Out as its new number one roast in June 2026, The Golden Tooth on Green Lanes has earned its place at the top of the capital’s roast rankings heading into summer. It represents the kind of neighbourhood venue that punches well above its weight and rewards those willing to venture beyond Zone 1.
Quality Chop House, Clerkenwell
The Quality Chop House has been feeding the residents of Farringdon and beyond since 1896 and remains one of the most consistently excellent Sunday destinations in central London.
The Quality Chop House is more expensive than a casual pub but a strong choice for a food-led Sunday. Sunday is served as a set lunch at £59 for three courses. The dining room, with its original Victorian booth seating, adds a sense of occasion that newer venues cannot replicate.
The Devonshire, Soho
The Devonshire is one of the most talked-about roast destinations in the capital in 2026. It releases bookings at 10:30am on Thursdays, and tables are snapped up quickly. Those who have eaten both here and at Blacklock note that the roast potatoes and carrots at The Devonshire are among the finest executed in London, with a level of attention to the accompaniments that distinguishes it from venues that focus primarily on the meat.
Barge East, Hackney Wick
Moored on the River Lee in Hackney Wick, Barge East serves up one of the top Sunday lunches in London from a historic Dutch boat-turned-restaurant. Its primarily wooden fixtures, porthole windows, and natural tones give a nod to its nautical past and its commitment to sustainable practices.
Price: £21 to £31, with a two or three course set menu available. This is an excellent choice for a roast with genuine character and a location unlike anywhere else on this list.
Elliot’s, Borough Market
Borough Market and Hackney darling Elliot’s launched its first roast only recently in 2026. Famed for its wood-fired cooking, chef-owner Brett Redman applies that same philosophy to the Sunday menu. The corn-fed chicken with porcini sauce and chives is a comforting update on a classic, but the sirloin and bone marrow with Yorkshire puddings and horseradish is the one that reigns supreme. Start with the Cantabrian anchovy toast or Isle of Mull cheese puffs before the main event.
Skylon, South Bank
Few spots can compete with Skylon for a roast with a view. Overlooking the Thames, this is a quintessentially British experience that consistently ranks among the best Sunday lunches in London for its atmosphere. The menu features dry-aged Hereford rib and Gloucester Old Spot pork, and the riverside scenery makes it a truly special destination.
This is the pick for visitors to London who want to combine a world-class roast with an iconic London panorama.
The Marksman, Hackney
The Marksman has the look and feel of a traditional London boozer with a commitment to exceptional produce. The roast Hereford wing rib is served with Yorkshire pudding, crispy roasted potatoes, horseradish cream, and gravy. The three-course menu at £42 offers exceptional value compared with equivalent quality elsewhere in the capital.
Order the Maldon oysters from nearby Essex to start if you want to do it properly.
Charlie’s at Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair
For those who want theatre alongside their Sunday lunch, Charlie’s at Brown’s Hotel delivers it in abundance.
Set within London’s oldest hotel, harking back to 1837, there is nothing dusty about this Mayfair establishment. Expect everything from eccentric floral wallpaper and ornate crockery to roasts arriving on gleaming trolleys to be carved tableside. British chef Adam Byatt heads up the oven, with contemporary takes on classics including Fosse Meadow chicken or steamed Cornish brill, alongside flaky Yorkshires and duck-fat-roasted potatoes.
The Great Exhibition, East Dulwich
The Great Exhibition is a laid-back Victorian pub where vintage rugs, detailed ceilings, and quirky knick-knacks make up its bones, while beautifully prepared Sunday roasts run through its veins. The 21-day-aged beef rump is juicy and tender, the lemon and thyme half-roast chicken is beautifully succulent, and the slow-roasted shoulder of lamb is the standout: falling apart and rich with herbaceous flavour. The goose fat roast potatoes and generous pour of lovingly made gravy complete the picture.
This is the best pick for readers in South London who want serious quality without a special occasion price tag.
London Roasts by Budget: A Quick Comparison
| Venue | Location | Price Per Head | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacklock | Soho, multiple | £28 to £35 | Groups, sharing, coal-fired meat |
| The Marksman | Hackney | £38 to £42 | Value, quality produce |
| Barge East | Hackney Wick | £21 to £31 | Atmosphere, sustainability |
| The Great Exhibition | East Dulwich | Around £25 | South London, casual quality |
| Quality Chop House | Clerkenwell | £59 set menu | Food-led, historical setting |
| Harwood Arms | Fulham | £64 to £79 | Special occasions, game, Michelin |
| Charlie’s at Brown’s | Mayfair | Premium | Theatre, hotel grandeur |
| Skylon | South Bank | Premium | Views, visiting guests |
Practical Tips for Booking a London Sunday Roast
Getting a table at the best spots requires planning. A few practical points to keep in mind:
- Book as early as possible. The most popular venues fill up weeks or months ahead, and Blacklock typically needs six to eight weeks’ notice for Sunday lunch.
- Aim for an early sitting. Earlier sittings between 12:00 and 1:00pm tend to get the freshest food and the most relaxed atmosphere. Late sittings after 3:00pm may have limited meat choices.
- Most London pubs and restaurants serve Sunday roasts between 12:00pm and 4:00pm or 5:00pm.
- Check the menu on the venue’s own site before you go. Sunday menus are seasonal, and some pubs change meat cuts, vegetarian dishes, and prices weekly.
- For larger groups, contact the venue directly rather than relying only on online booking, since group menus or advance sharing dish orders are often required.
The Rise of Creative and Non-Traditional London Roasts
One of the more interesting developments in London’s Sunday roast scene in 2025 and 2026 has been the expansion of what a roast can be.
The Macbeth in Hoxton offers a Portuguese-style Sunday session, with roast chicken served with flavourful rice and house-made piri-piri sauce alongside a generously dressed salad. Buster Mantis in Deptford serves a Jamaican-inspired roast that has earned significant praise. At Ekstedt at the Yard near Westminster, there is a Nordic roast for those who want a Scandi-chic take on the Sunday institution.
These non-traditional options reflect London’s broader dining confidence in 2026: a city comfortable enough in its culinary identity to reinvent even its most sacred meal without losing sight of what makes it special.
Key Takeaways
- London’s Sunday roast scene in 2026 covers everything from casual £25 gastropub meals to £79 Michelin-starred three-course experiences, with genuine quality available across all price points.
- Blacklock remains the most consistently praised roast destination in London, with multiple locations, coal-fired cooking, and the famous ‘All In’ sharing platter.
- The Harwood Arms in Fulham is London’s only Michelin-starred pub and the top special-occasion roast choice, requiring advance booking up to three months ahead.
- Time Out’s current number one roast is The Golden Tooth on Green Lanes, as of June 2026.
- The best value options for serious quality include The Marksman in Hackney, Barge East in Hackney Wick, and The Great Exhibition in East Dulwich.
- Book early. The most popular venues fill weeks or months in advance and an early sitting between 12:00 and 1:00pm gives the best food and the most relaxed atmosphere.
- Creative non-traditional roasts, including Portuguese, Jamaican, and Nordic interpretations, have become a genuine part of the London Sunday lunch offer in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Sunday roast restaurant in London in 2026?
Time Out named The Golden Tooth on Green Lanes as its number one roast in June 2026. Blacklock remains the most consistently praised overall, while the Harwood Arms in Fulham is the top choice for a special-occasion or Michelin-quality experience. The best choice depends on your budget, location, and the kind of atmosphere you want.
How much does a Sunday roast cost in London?
A typical pub roast costs £18 to £30 per person. Higher-end gastropubs like the Harwood Arms charge £64 to £79 for a set menu. Sharing roasts at venues like Blacklock come in at around £28 to £35 per person including all trimmings.
How far in advance do I need to book a London roast?
For the most popular venues, book as early as possible. Blacklock typically requires six to eight weeks’ notice for Sunday lunch. The Harwood Arms is best booked exactly three months ahead. Some venues release tables week by week and require checking regularly for availability.
What time is Sunday roast served in London?
Most pubs and restaurants serve Sunday roast between 12:00pm and 4:00pm or 5:00pm. An early sitting between 12:00 and 1:00pm is recommended for the freshest food and widest meat selection.
Which London roast is best for vegetarians?
Blacklock offers a barbecued cauliflower chop roast with all vegetarian trimmings and vegetarian gravy. The Camberwell Arms and Quality Chop House also cater thoughtfully to non-meat eaters, with seasonal vegetable options that go beyond a token plant-based dish.
What is the best London roast for a special occasion?
The Harwood Arms in Fulham is the standout special-occasion choice, as London’s only Michelin-starred pub with a seasonal, game-focused menu. Charlie’s at Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair is the pick for those who want tableside theatre and historical grandeur alongside excellent cooking.
Which areas of London are best for Sunday roasts?
Soho and central London offer the most concentrated options including Blacklock and The Devonshire. Fulham is home to the Harwood Arms. Hackney has Barge East and The Marksman. South London has The Great Exhibition and Buster Mantis. North London, particularly Islington and Highgate, also has a strong concentration of reliable gastropubs.
Are there non-traditional Sunday roasts worth trying in London?
Yes. The Macbeth in Hoxton serves a Portuguese-style Sunday menu. Buster Mantis in Deptford offers a Jamaican-inspired roast. Ekstedt at the Yard near Westminster takes a Nordic approach. These venues attract strong word-of-mouth precisely because they bring genuine culinary identity to the Sunday lunch format.
Conclusion
London’s Sunday roast landscape in 2026 is richer, more varied, and more confidently ambitious than at any previous point. The traditional elements that define a great roast remain non-negotiable: properly cooked potatoes with genuine crispness, well-rested meat from traceable sources, billowing Yorkshire puddings, and gravy worth fighting over. What has changed is the ambition surrounding those fundamentals.
Coal-fired cooking at Blacklock, game-focused tasting menus at the Harwood Arms, wood-fired innovation at Elliot’s, and Caribbean and Nordic interpretations across the capital have expanded what Sunday lunch can be without abandoning what makes it worth protecting.
The practical advice is simple. Book early, aim for an early sitting, check the current menu before you go, and do not underestimate the value of venues outside the obvious central postcodes. Some of the most rewarding London roasts in 2026 are found in neighbourhood pubs rather than destination restaurants, and often for considerably less than the premium spots charge.
Whatever your budget, your borough, or your appetite, the best London roasts offer something that no other meal format quite replicates: a long, unhurried Sunday afternoon built around genuinely good food, good company, and the quiet satisfaction of a plate done properly.
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