There was a time when, for me, the only Sunday food ritual was Brunch: Eggs Benny. Bloodies. Stuffed French Toast.
And then, in 2013, I lived in London for a few months where I discovered a different kind of Sunday tradition: the Roast.
At first, the idea of eating something so hearty; so filling and not-at-all breakfast-like so early in the day—roast chicken, pork or beef with tons of sides—felt off-putting. But then a handful of British girls, who also worked in media, indoctrinated me to the weekend routine of getting all the Sunday papers and taking up residence in a pub to eat and drink and unbutton and read and then roll home sometime in the afternoon.
Ever since that first Roast at the Holly Bush in Hampstead, each time I come to London, I plan my visit around trying a new pub for a Sunday Roast in a different part of the city. Some have been posh and even Michelin-starred (The Harwood Arms), while others were more homey and traditional (The Spaniard’s Inn). But I’ve never left disappointed. (Just feeling utterly gluttonous and like I’ll never eat again—at least, until the next Roast.) Here are six London pubs I’d recommend for a Roast.
The Albion, N1
10 Thornhill Rd, Islington
My British friend Rachel, who I now visit in LA, recommended this place to me because it was near her home in Islington. I suspect many Londoners choose their Roast destination based on proximity to their couches—and for good reason: It’s a doozy of a meal. But what I remember most about this spot was the buzzy vibe and friendly local atmo. There was a nice mix of families and groups of friends, yet we were able to linger without being nudged to give up the table. Also, the roasts themselves are very reasonably priced—£17-19 including all the trimmings, which include “roast potatoes” (but not “crispy potatoes,” which the aforementioned Rachel politely schooled me on recently) as well as honey-roasted veggies, Yorkshire pudding (which is definitely not like regular “pudding” aka dessert, but rather a giant puff pastry) and buttered greens.