A British institution that even the least patriotic person will defend, the humble roast dinner is thought to date back to the 15th century, when it was eaten by King Henry VII's royal guards. Today, you can still stick to the traditional roast beef and Yorkshire puddings, though there are plenty of more adventurous options out there too.
And luckily for us, some of the UK's top Sunday lunches can be found in Bath. This historic city knows how to do the classics right, with so many different pubs and restaurants offering up a sumptuous spread. Wondering where to find them? Read on to discover the very best Sunday roasts Bath has to offer, from the affordable to the high-end.
Where To Find Bath's Best Sunday Lunches
1. Browns Brasserie & Bar
- Address: Old Police Station, BA1 1LP
- Prices from: £19.95
Serving up what is quite possibly the best Sunday roast in Bath city centre, Browns Brasserie & Bar is ideal if you're after a bit more of an upmarket vibe. The sophisticated restaurant is found inside what was once a magistrate’s court and a police station, flaunting high ceilings, large windows and elegant, colourful furnishings.
From a garlic, lemon and thyme-coated chicken breast to the root vegetable nut roast, there's plenty to indulge in on their Sunday menu. Can't decide what you fancy? Then try the trio of roasts for two, featuring three different meats, crackling, stuffing and horseradish crème fraîche. The drinks are pretty excellent too, with a focus on fine wines and Champagne.
Sip Champagne alongside your dinner at Browns.
2. The Huntsman
- Address: 1 Terrace Walk, BA1 1LY
- Prices from: £19.95
A charming, Grade II-listed boozer in the heart of the city, The Huntsman is where you want to be for a classic roast dinner in Bath. Expect traditional decor, a roaring fireplace and a welcoming atmosphere, with a cracking selection of local ales to sip on while you're perusing the menu.
There are five different options for Sunday lunch here, from pork belly porchetta to lamb shoulder. Devour pumpkin and swede mash, maple parsnips and Yorkshire puddings on the side, before ending with an apple and blackberry crumble.
Local ales and multiple dinner options make The Huntsman a top choice for Sunday feasting.
3. Hall & Woodhouse
- Address: 1 Old King Street, BA1 2JW
- Prices from: £19
Hall & Woodhouse is a gorgeous venue that spans across four floors, in what was once an auction house. From the rustic main bar that's decked out in exposed brick walls and decadent chandeliers to the sunny rooftop terrace, you won't find a much prettier place for a Sunday lunch in Bath city centre.
Take your pick from pork, beef, chicken or a vegetable loaf, plated up with gluten-free stuffing and fluffy roast potatoes. They also offer a Sunday sides platter for only £10, which includes cauliflower cheese, pigs in blankets, Yorkshire puddings and even more potatoes.
A rooftop terrace and hearty roast dinners make this a great choice for all seasons.
4. The Pig & Fiddle
- Address: 2 Saracen Street, BA1 5BR
- Prices from: £18.50
The Pig & Fiddle is made up of two old Victorian shops, both Grade II-listed buildings. It maintains many original features throughout the venue, which is filled with wooden flooring, rustic furniture and pretty plants. Plus, there are multiple screens showing live sports, and a spacious garden if you fancy eating outside.
Choose between beef sirloin, pork loin, chicken or a seasonal vegetable Wellington, all made using high-quality, British produce. These come slathered in a rich red wine gravy, with roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and vegetables that change with the seasons. Thirsty? There are award-winning Butcombe beers, ales and wines behind the bar.
This rustic space is perfect for a traditional Sunday roast made with seasonal produce.
5. The Marlborough Tavern
- Address: 35 Marlborough Buildings, BA1 2LY
- Prices from: £20
Having held two AA rosettes for more than a decade, you know you can count on The Marlborough Tavern for a stellar Sunday dinner in Bath. Their focus is on seasonal, locally sourced food, which they transform into scrumptious plates full of roasted corn fed chicken, beef rump or spinach and mushroom Wellington, accompanied by all the trimmings and red wine gravy.
This charming pub is moments away from the Royal Crescent, and has been standing for more than 200 years. Soak up the history as you dine here, either in their traditional, wooden bar area or out on the beautiful courtyard.
This charming, rustic pub holds two AA rosettes for its excellent cooking.
6. The Architect
- Address: The Empire, Orange Grove, BA1 1LP
- Prices from: £17.50
Making up part of the ground floor and basement of The Empire Hotel, The Architect is found inside a stunning Grade II-listed building on Orange Grove. This was designed by Bath City Architect Major Charles Edward Davis, built in 1901, and remains one of the most striking venues in the city to this day.
Take a seat in the high-ceilinged dining room to enjoy premium wines, spirits and local ales, before digging into your Sunday dinner. Despite the imposing destination, you can nab a Sunday lunch for as little as £17.50 here, including lamb shoulder, nut roast, chicken or a mix of beef and porchetta.
Sink your teeth into fully loaded roasts at The Architect.
7. Green Park Brasserie
- Address: 6 Green Park Road, BA1 1JB
- Prices from: £19.50
Head down to Green Park Brasserie between 12 and 4pm for their legendary Sunday lunches. Whether you're in the mood for beef, free-range chicken or a nut roast, you'll be able to chow down on everything from garlic hispi cabbage to cauliflower cheese on the side - with kid-sized portions available too.
Housed in a former 1870s railway station booking hall, the all-day bar and kitchen features spacious indoor dining areas and a picturesque outdoor terrace, and they host live music performances on a regular basis. Even better? You can secure two cocktails for £17 between 12 and 5pm every single day.
From live music to cocktail deals, there's more than just a great roast to Green Park Brasserie.
8. The Bear Inn
- Address: 8 Wellsway, BA2 3AQ
- Prices from: £19
Dating back to the 1770s, The Bear Inn promises a side of history with your meal. This boutique pub and hotel features traditional decor, from the patterned floors to the dark wooden furnishings, with a warm, friendly atmosphere guaranteed when you dine with them.
There are a whopping six different roast dinner choices here, including a vegan wild mushroom and spinach strudel. We recommend the dark chocolate mousse bombe for afterwards, all alongside a refreshing pint or glass of wine from the bar.
This historic pub has got plenty of roasts to choose from.
9. Brasserie Beau
- Address: 2-8 South Parade, BA2 4AB
- Prices from: £25
Nestled within the beautiful Hotel Indigo Bath, a grand Grade I-listed Georgian building, Brasserie Beau is a stylish, modern restaurant. They're all about celebrating the best of Britain, sourcing only the finest ingredients to be used by Chef Liam Goldstone and his talented team.
The sophisticated spot fronts plush red booths and a selection of quirky pictures hanging from the walls. Kick back here and enjoy their top-notch Sunday offerings, from free-range chicken with pigs in blankets to slow-roasted sirloin of beef. Make sure to save room though, as the hibiscus jam doughnuts are divine.
Sample sumptuous Sunday dinners in this modern brasserie.
10. Chequers
- Address: 50 Rivers Street, BA1 2QA
- Prices from: £19.50
Having been a firm favourite on Rivers Street for quite some time, Chequers is a laid-back pub that's popular with locals and tourists alike. They offer traditional ales, an extensive wine list and refreshing cocktails aplenty, and they've been awarded both an AA rosette and a Bib Gourmand in recent years.
Their roasts come loaded up with duck fat potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, honey mustard carrots and more - with a choice of three different meats or a veggie option. Indulge in a salted chocolate mousse to finish, if you can manage it after one of their huge portions.
Get ready for a hearty portion at Chequers.
Looking for something a little earlier in the day? Take a look at our guide to the best brunches in the city.
