Ah, the Sunday roast - a feast fit for a king, popularized way back in Henry VIII's heyday and still reigning supreme in our hearts (and stomachs) today. Given the significance this meal holds among Brits, I decided to cave and finally treat myself to the classic English tradition after living in the UK for over five years. And what better place to indulge than where my journey first began as an eager fashion student, right in the heart of Leicester Square at Whitcomb's At The Londoner?

Thinkin' of treating yourself to an evening of indulgence? Whitcomb's At The Londoner's menu is where it's at.

Worth the trip from Nottingham to London, Whitcomb's offers a Sunday roast that feels worlds away from the chaos it's situated in, tucked away snugly in the elegant embrace of the Londoner Hotel. As a day of firsts, I decided to treat my brother to his one and only roast experience as well, a couple months after his 23rd birthday. Family first, ya know? 

As you step inside the swanky central haunt, the mood is instantly set with chic interiors: grey tones, tartan-adorned seating, and black-and-white photography, creating an undeniably sophisticated atmosphere. A whimsical metal sculpture floats above, while marble tables dressed with potted herbs and wine bottles transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Rightly so, as this glamorous haunt promises to bring a taste of the sun-kissed coastlines to the heart of Theatreland.

Upon seating, we decided to begin the evening with none other than a bottle of wine to celebrate this very special occasion. As we pondered on what would pair best with our meal, our lovely waitress recommended the classic red Selvapiana Chianti Rufina 2022 (£42) to complement our feast. As a seasoned Tuscan vino-tour expert, (if I do say so myself) as soon as I heard the words Chianti and Italian, I was so in.

Get roasted smack dab in the heart of London.

Onto the main event; at Whitcomb's, the roasts are carefully crafted by Alden's family butchers in Oxfordshire, vowing to deliver a symphony of French-inspired flavours. Typically, choosing between the garlic and thyme rib of beef (£36) and the hand-carved marinated corn-fed chicken (£22) would be a real dilemma. Fortunately, there were two of us, so we didn't have to miss out on either option.

My pick? The glossy chicken, of course. I was pleasantly surprised with the first bite; the dish was a juicy masterpiece, featuring a sizable on-the-bone cut with crispy skin enveloping the meat. The marination of lemon and butter infused the chicken with a tangy zestiness, perfectly complemented by a red wine gravy that had me licking the plate clean. Meanwhile, on the other side of the table, my dinner date opted for the succulent slab of beef. It was cooked to medium-rare perfection with a flawless char to retain its tenderness. A win-win on both ends of the board.

Oh, and how can I forget the sides - oh man, the sides. For me, the real stars of the show were the supporting acts: a selection of garlic and herb-infused seasonal vegetables, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, sumptuous cauliflower gratin that was pure comfort food heaven (and could rival any plain ol' mac 'n' cheese out there), as well as layered potato chips infused with rosemary, putting the typical roasties to shame. Drooool.

Who says Sundays have to be boring?

Finally, no meal is complete without dessert, and Whitcomb's knows a sweet finale all too well. We capped off our feed with an ultra-decadent chocolate fondant (£11) to share, accompanied by poached kumquats and hazelnut praline ice cream. Post-roast, we lounged on the summer terrace, soaking up the rare London sunshine with the last of our wine and sneaking in a couple sun-kissed shots for the 'Gram to commemorate our experience - a perfect end to a flawless meal.

The DesignMyNight Digest

My experience at Whitcomb's was nothing short of perfection. Their Sunday roast menu delivered precisely what it promised, and given the central location, it was priced quite affordably. The staff deserve a special mention, too; attentive and professional, they ensured our glasses were never less than half-full, and our plates were delivered with slick precision. Will I return? At any given opportunity.

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