London is one of the most visited cities in the world and is renowned for its historical sites, architecture, friendly faces, and cosmopolitan feel. Additionally, as more and more travelers choose destinations and plan itineraries around food, London has also become immensely popular for its diverse culinary scene.
While British food has often been the subject of jokes in the past, today’s British cuisine is an entirely different story. While London’s incredibly diverse population means a visitor can eat expertly prepared dishes from around the world, the traditional food that the locals eat has taken a back seat as of late.
However, one British food legacy that can’t be ignored is the traditional Sunday roast. This meal and variations of it has been a staple in Great Britain and Ireland for hundreds of years, and has its roots in the meal that families would share after church services on Sunday. While that still holds true today, chefs throughout London and across the country have taken this humble meal and elevated it into something extraordinary, and it’s definitely one that any visitor to London can’t miss.
Try one of these four restaurants the next time you’re in London to experience a bit of British tradition and culture, and let this savory meal of roasted meat, vegetables, potatoes, and gravy speak for itself. You’ll be delighted with what’s available. If you find yourself traveling alone and want some friendly company, you can visit this URL. Eating alone just isn’t as fun, but being accompanied by a London friend makes for a much more memorable experience.
Rules Restaurant
A London institution, Rules Restaurant has been owned by only three families over the last 200 years, and claims wild game and traditional British cuisine as its specialties. The restaurant maintains its own farm and preserve, so the meats they serve are as fresh and sustainable as they could possibly be.
Sunday roast at Rules Restaurant is definitely something to experience, as it’s incredibly popular with London’s elite and visiting celebrities, although the prices are surprisingly affordable. Make your reservation well in advance though; with food and ambience as good as it is at Rules it can be difficult to get a table on short notice.
The Harwood Arms
As London’s only Michelin-starred pub, the Harwood Arms has a lot going for it, including its highly sought after Sunday roast. The menu changes daily and features only the finest seasonal ingredients and impeccable cuts of meat.
Their Sunday roast consists of the classic roasted cuts of meat and all the trimmings, prepared with the care and expertise you’d expect from a Michelin-starred eatery. As such, you can also expect the prices to be a bit higher, but if you truly want to see how the traditional Sunday roast has evolved this is the place to be.
Merchant’s Tavern
Merchant’s Tavern is a favorite among locals for Sunday roast, but London area chefs recommend it as well. Their Sunday menu changes weekly depending on the season, so you might find succulent roast lamb one week, a perfectly seared sirloin roast the next, or roasted goose in the late fall and winter months.
Located in a converted warehouse, the space is large but cozy, and their fireplace adds a very nice homey touch and is the perfect place to relax with a mulled cider or glass of wine while you’re waiting for your table. It’s a popular place so be sure to make a reservation in advance.
The Truscott Arms
Considered by many Londoners to be the best Sunday roast in the city, the Truscott Arms goes out of their way to maintain the tradition of this British classic while considering the palate of the modern foodie.
The roast is served family style so you can easily share the platter with family and friends, and you can order a variety of meats so everyone can try something different. In addition to the standard beef choice, their smoked shoulder and leg of lamb are highly praised, as is their beer and wine list.
Visiting the historic sites, museums, parks, and monuments in London is always popular, but every traveler also has to eat. Any of these restaurants would be the perfect way to experience London’s tradition of Sunday roast and to get a glimpse into the rich history of this meal. Be sure to take some time out of your busy London itinerary and make your reservations early, and consider a nap afterward. You just might need it.
