Sunday lunch used to be an institution and it’s well pas time that it came back strongly. Pack in the pasta, bin the burgers and for the Lord’s sake refuse to eat a risotto on this sacred day. Here are some places to grab a bit of heaven on earth.
Opera Tavern and Salt Yard have introduced a Sunday menu with dishes such as: hay roasted suckling pig with salt roasted celeriac, fennel and girolles; whole charcoal grilled Cornish mackerel with beetroot, radish and watercress; and roasted milk fed lamb leg with fresh borlotti beans, courgettes and salsa verde.
To complement the menu, there is a diverse selection of wine, including the’Cellar Collection’ – a list of carefully selected wines from Spain and Italy. Alternatively, both restaurants offer a range of sherries, brandies, grappa, beers, ciders and other drinks, including a selection of cocktail classics such as the Bellini, Cosmopolitan and Martini. Open from midday until 10pm. http://www.saltyardgroup.co.uk/
The Florence pub, Herne Hill
Located next to Brockwell Park, The Florence has recently re-opened after an extensive refurbishment with a new menu of small plates to share, daily brunch and a Sunday lunch roasts list including Roast Hampshire pork belly, Roast rump of beef and Suffolk chicken, all served with roasted potatoes, roast carrots, swede, seasonal greens and Yorkshire puddings.
The pub’s own microbrewery is on full display and the pub champions an extensive range of British beers as well as natural, biodynamic wines making this urban country pub the ideal retreat for anyone looking for a relaxing bolthole away from the hubbub of the city!
Sundays at Tom’s Kitchen
Tom’s Kitchen restaurants serve British favourites and comfort food classics in a relaxed and informal environment, making them the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Sunday roast with family or friends. Available every Sunday, the Roast of the Day is served with fresh, seasonal vegetables as well as roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings (£19).
For those looking for something a little different, the signature Seven Hour Confit Lamb served with mashed potato and balsamic onions is designed to share (£50 for 2) and makes the perfect alternative to a traditional roast. Desserts include Pear and Blackberry Crumble with clotted cream (£7), or guests can continue to share, with the Baked Alaska with panettone and vanilla ice cream (£12 for 2).
Tom’s Kitchen has restaurants in Chelsea, St Katharine Docks, Canary Wharf and Somerset House. www.tomskitchen.co.uk
Sunday lunch at OXBO Bankside
The recently launched Hilton London Bankside hotel are now serving a traditional Sunday lunch from 12-5pm with live acoustic music at its OXBO Bankside restaurant. Executive Chef Paul Bates has created a mouth-watering menu including Smoked salmon with capers and lemon; Roast sirloin of Gloucestershire beef with Yorkshire pudding, duck fat roasted potatoes with seasonal vegetables and Almond Bakewell Tart.
Alternatively, for something different, try the Smoked duck breast and lychee salsa or Newhaven and South coast fish casserole. The dessert menu offers a selection of tarts, trifles and pies, including all-time favourite English sherry trifle and a board of fine British cheese and homemade chutneys.
Nestled in the heart of London’s Bankside, OXBO Bankside serves innovative British cuisine with a global twist using supplies from specialist producers and local traders at Borough Market. To reserve a table, visit the website here to book a table.
Café Royal’s Ten Room restaurant
Having just been awarded 2 AA Rosettes this Autumn, The Ten Room at Café Royal is serving a Sunday roast of Sirloin of beef with Yorkshire pudding, goose fat potatoes and a selection of seasonal vegetables alongside other main dishes as seared Cornish cod, crushed potatoes and samphire or Corn fed chicken breast, spinach and caponata.
Desserts include cinnamon brulee with poached pears and toffee sauce, Pecan nut parfair, blackberries and yogurt sorbet or a selection of seasonal artisanal cheeses. Situated in the heart of one of London’s most iconic hotels, Ten Room offers classic British dining from chef de cuisine, Armand Sablon, combining traditional and contemporary flavours and styles.
Le brunch chez Pont
The new bar at Le Pont de la Tour has just launched Le Brunch chez Pont, a’sans fond’ (bottomless) brunch. With fabulous lighting, cosy banquettes and exceptional views of Tower Bridge, this is surely the most glamourous new brunch in town.
Priced at £15 for two courses and £20 for three (plus unlimited prosecco for £15) the new menu will include a selection of fresh juices and smoothies, breakfast classics such as Eggs Benedict, French toast and pancakes, and more substantial dishes such as the Brunch Burger with gruyère and bacon. The bottomless brunch menu will be available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm. www.lepontdelatour.co.uk
Sunday lunch at Coq d’Argent
Priced at £26 for two courses and £29 for three, City favourite Coq d’Argent serves a delicious Sunday lunch menu.
Guests will be treated to dishes such as Roasted leg of lamb, Yorkshire pudding, roasted vegetable, rosemary and garlic sauce; Corn-fed chicken supreme, Gruyere cheese and black truffles, artichoke and celeriac puree and Cep risotto, artichoke, mascarpone and parmesan crisp. The Sunday menu is available from 12pm to 2.45pm only. www.coqdargent.co.u
Plum + Spilt Milk at the Great Northern Hotel
Whether or not you’ve a train to catch, make the most of Sundays in one of the capital’s most beautiful dining rooms. Three metre high floor to ceiling sash windows allow natural light to flood in, and 120 hand blown glass pendant lights will ward off the darkest of days. An excellent value Sunday menu includes a choice of three roasts served with goose fat potatoes, and is priced at just £26.50/£32.50 for two/three courses.
Outside of London
The Pointer, Brill (Buckinghamshire)
The Pointer is excited to introduce Suckling Pig as a brand new special to its menu. From their very own Pointer Farm, the pig will be available as a dish to share for up to 10 people or on an individual basis, priced at £25 per person.
Accompanied by creamed potatoes, apple sauce and farm greens, this special dish is slow cooked overnight and served on platters in the middle of the table – and is sure to become a signature for The Pointer.
Based in Brill, chef Mini Patel and his team serve fantastic, seasonal British food and where possible utilise local produce from The Pointer’s own farm and butchery. The pub was recently awarded County Dining Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide 2016.
Sunday lunch in the Surrey countryside at The Black Swan
Nestled in the idyllic Surrey countryside, The Black Swan, Ockham is the perfect place to while away a Sunday. Guests are welcomed into a snug lounge with an open fire, ideal for kicking off those muddy wellies with a pint of local ale or glass of red. For those after more hearty fare, a comforting Sunday Roast menu is served alongside the A la Carte, with the choice of free-range top rump of Scottish beef; Slow roast pork loin with stuffing and crackling; or Rotisserie Suffolk chicken with stuffing and bread sauce www.blackswanockham.com