A traditional Sunday lunch consists of only a few elements, therefore it should be executed to perfection; a roast piece of meat - beef by far the most popular - Yorkshire pudding swimming in gravy, roast potatoes (which must be crispy), all served alongside an assortment of accompaniments and finished with a moreish pudding. It is often described as a less grand version of a Christmas dinner. At these London institutions, however, Sunday lunch will most likely be superior to any Christmas meal you’ve ever tried before. At Plum Guide, we love doing the hard work for you, so let us share some of our favorites places for the best Sunday roast in London; some traditional, others not so.
The Grill at the Dorchester
The Grill at The Dorchester
After an extensive renovation - not only of the decor but a modernisation of the menu as well - this London institution is back and better than ever. Tom Booton is the youngest head chef this hotel has ever seen and persistently proves he is one to watch, offering arguably the best Sunday roast in London. His food is fine-dining free from formality and we think that this might just be a winning formula. If you don’t fancy a classic roast beef, savour their signature cheesy cheddar tart with thermidor foam and a rich lobster bisque instead. Yes, it might sound a little la-di-da but trust us, you won’t regret it. And if that doesn’t tempt your tastebuds, there is a pudding bar; truly a bar solely dedicated to the most indulgent of desserts. Try the “double decker” - Tom’s irresistible take on the Cadbury’s chocolate bar (think: crispy, chewy, chocolatey).
Chelsea Mill, Plum Guide home in London
The Harwood Arms
Sunday Roast at the Harwood Arms
Gastropubs are having a moment and there’s no surprise why; it is the superb combination of a reliable, comforting meal and a perfect pint. What more could you possibly want? While this may not be the easiest eatery to get a reservation at, the Harwood Arms is certainly worth the wait. And they have a Michelin Star to prove why. As London’s only pub with a star, they serve the very best of British produce with a focus on game and wild food in a stripped back setting. The ‘gastropub’ may be a trend for now, but we assure you, there’s nothing quite like this one; it's certainly here to stay.
Magnetic Futurism, Plum Guide home in London
Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor is described as a meat-eater’s paradise yet it represents so much more than just another ordinary steak house. Despite having six sites in London, the Hawksmoor team successfully maintains consistency in the quality of the food, whilst ensuring that each and every branch is personable and unique. Our favourite is the Knightsbridge establishment. The decor pays homage to its location - low-key glam with leather seats and marble tables. It’s a roaring twenties restaurant that serves a cracking roast. While the meat is definitely the star of the show, this grill serves a selection of the finest seafood. You are in Knightsbridge, after all.
Read Between the Lines, Plum Guide home in London
The Goring
Fancy somewhere fit for a Queen? The Goring is the place for you. Really, it is the one of the very few restaurants that the Queen visits. The dining room is quintessentially British and in a city where classic cuisine is no longer very classic, the Goring’s Sunday lunch is as traditional as it gets. While Her Majesty may not really be a regular on the London restaurant scene (when you have several chefs at your disposal, why would you be?), this historical hotel’s eatery remains a favourite of the royal family. Plus, they deliver potentially the best Sunday roast in London.
Peter the Knight, Plum Guide home in London
The Hero of Maida
Another one on the gastropub guide, previously known as the Truscott Arms famous for its Sunday roasts, the Hero of Maida had big boots to fill when it reopened in 2018, and it does not disappoint. With antique mirrors and timeless works of art adorning the walls of the dining room, this Maida Vale space is elegant and unassuming with a plethora of French flair; certainly not your typical pub. In terms of cuisine, Chef Henry Harris has composed a sophisticated menu that is très franglais, offering everything from fresh smoked salmon rillette to a succulent slow-braised Cotswold lamb shoulder. Their drinks menu is just as diverse; treat yourself to Portobello brew or a bottle of Côtes Catalane.
Min Jiang
So now for a different kind of Sunday lunch in London... As this city is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, we thought it only made sense to include another sort of roast, something not quite as traditionally British, but something every Brit loves: roast duck. Which is exactly what Min Jiang is famous for. The Beijing duck that they carve table-side is our favourite on the menu. London clearly has its fair share of Chinese restaurants, and it's not as easy as you think to stumble across a good one. Luckily you have our expert team at Plum Guide on hand to help; and trust us, Min Jiang is one of the best. It is located on the tenth floor of the Royal Garden Hotel on Kensington High Street, however despite it being in a hotel, its clientele consists more of locals than tourists and its views overlooking Hyde Park are simply unbeatable.
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Written by Plum Guide Destination Expert
