Roast Dinners Special
/I don’t know about you but my latest obsession when the weather gets this wintery in London is to find a pub with a cozy setting, or even better, a real fire burning.
You may think that in a country where pubs are found left right and center, it would be easy to find the combination of good food, good drinks, good ambiance and a decent bill at the end of the day. Well, think twice. As I started doing some research to find exactly that a couple of weeks back, it proved more difficult than not to find exactly what I was after, hence why I am writing to you today.
After a lot of trial and error, here we have our absolute favourite pubs for a good roast and a cozy time with friends and lovers. Chin chin, amigos!
NORTH LONDON
The Holly Bush in Hampstead is everything one would wish for when thinking about quintessential British pubs. A small, traditional 18th-century wood-panelled pub with both a fireplace and outdoor space. You have to climb a bit of a road hill to get there, but when you turn the corner on Holly Mount and see this place for the first time, you can only be in awe. A step inside and you will be travelling back in time, where cask ales and Sunday roasts were everything one could wish for. Excellent food matches an excellent pub.
The Londesborough was literally the pub next door when I lived in Stoke Newington a couple of years back and I absolutely loved it. Their roasts are exquisite and generous and they are also known for catering weddings pretty much every Saturday of the year. Needless to say that gets the seal of approval for many in terms of set up and service. There’s an old school jukebox I love and it has a small patio with fairy lights that works a treat for a bit of fresh air.
The Albion in Islington is a staple for the neighbours in the area, but a hidden gem to many based out of the area. Tucked away on Thronhill Road (on the way from Islington to Kings Cross), this fabulous pub also counts with a gorgeous beer garden and a private dining area that caters for up to 22 guests (p.s.: No deposit is required and there isn’t even a minimum spend!). Every time I come here, I feel like a queen from a different era. The decor is fantastic, there’s a real fire in the main dining area and the food and drinks selection is decent. Beware, this is slightly more on the pricey side, but still affordable for the area.
Now, if you are a self declared foodie and are close by The Albion, then I would suggest only getting a drink there and having dinner at The Draper Arms. This is one of our favourite gastropubs in the area. Food, service and bill, all a pleasure.
EAST LONDON
The Prince George is our favourite local in Dalston. It has all the elements for a perfect cozy pub. A wooden frame and wooden interior, local beers and excellent and very generous roast. Every body is super friendly here and there is even a playroom at the back to play some pool.
Marksman Public House is probably our second favourite, and the perfect spot after shopping at Columbia Road Market. Given its prime location, only about 3 minutes away from the flower market, a reservation is encouraged. It is quite a small and cozy venue and their roasts are worth a michelin star. Definitely worth a visit.
Madame Pigg deserves a small mention here despite not being a pub, like all of our other recommendations. A family run business in the heart of Kingsland Road, the guys here like to do things proper. Fresh oysters on offer, great quality meat (hello, pork belly!), and literally the delicious flavours of each single dish here makes it our top 3 spot in East London. Also the green decor is a plus.
Last but not least, The Empress on Victoria Park Village was a little gem we found one cold Sunday a couple of years back and remains a great spot if you are in the area. Friendly service and a yummy roast in.
WEST LONDON
The Champion in Notting Hill is definitely one of the cosiest yet elegant pubs on Bayswater Road. Lots of ales on offer and a great Sunday roast to indulge either next to their fireplace or on its beer garden on a sunny day!
The White Horse is a blast from the past for me but for those living in Fulham, this is a place not to be missed, especially if you like to wine and dine outdoors. Surprisingly, they have managed to keep their outdoor area rather cosy and every time I pass by their garden is full. Good food, good wine selection and a rather friendly crowd. Worth a stop!
The Cadogan Arms is were all Chelsea peeps hang out and no wonder, it has excellent service, great drinks selection and also a fabulous food menu. Sunday roasts are a must and encouraged.
The Chelsea Pig, the poshest pub in town, deserves a feature here. Not necessarily one we would normally go for, but on the right occasion, everybody deserves a treat.
Enjoy careless readers! xx