People reckon Sunday’s a day for rest, but I reckon it’s a day for a roast. Swaying me to go anywhere at any time is an easy job, and Oxbo Bankside's unlimited roast done just that. Running from 12pm to 3.30pm every week, you have a two hour slot to fill your tummy with unlimited starters, desserts and a hearty main course. Is this amazing? Yes. But what makes it more amazing is the fact that you can get all of this for £40 and it includes free-flowing prosecco.
The Venue
Situated under Hilton London Bankside, you have to walk through a decadent lobby to get to Oxbo Bankside. Already in awe with the reception area boasting black marble and slung back seating, I knew this was a sign of great interiors to come; and I wasn’t wrong. Taxidermy (some of which wasn’t actually taxidermy, they were animal heads made from paper mache) adorned the wooden panelled and exposed brick walls, while a wide range of seating enticed me and my companion to settle in for the evening. You might think I’m exaggerating about the seating variety, but I’m not. They had everything from cosy chesterfield sofas to tall leather bound chairs making eyes at me. Making our way past the impressive bar stocked with hundreds of spirits, and the intimate cordoned off spaces, we were shown our table. To my absolute delight we were placed right beside the two towering displays of starters and desserts. We definitely got the best seats in the house where Sunday brunch is concerned. Thanks to floor to ceiling windows the venue was bathed in bright natural light and right behind the glorious Sunday brunch food offering sat the open kitchen, where you could see Oxbo’s busy chefs at work.
Oxbo Bankside's restaurant has plenty of character and style.
Food & Drink
Sunday, bloody Sunday. It’s that time of the week where you have to come to terms with that inevitable 9am start. There aren’t many ways to smoke screen your fear of Monday advancing on you like a madman with a pocket axe; but a Sunday roast is one of ‘em. Being an unlimited spread, I entered Oxbo not expecting much. I’ve been to many events with unlimited food and a lot of the time, they fail to make me lick my lips, never mind blow my mind. But Oxbo’s offering was fresh, enticing and beautifully presented. I won’t mention everything I scooped onto my plate (there's not enough space) but I will tell you my highlights. My go-to dish from the starters section was the smoked chicken, it was served cold and in a light, smooth sauce. It was so moreish I couldn't help going back for more. I was also a big lover of the potted crab and and shrimp. The next stage of Oxbo's roast was the main course. There are four options to choose from, but me and my dining date were both wooed by the jasper grilled corn fed chicken, served with duck fat roast potatoes, gravy and a selection of vegetables. The chicken was perfectly cooked and the carrots, broccoli and cauliflower selection came out piping hot and crunchy. Dessert wise, my heart melted when I first spooned the chocolate mousse into my mouth. It had small balls of chocolate sprinkled on top that were filled with crackling candy. If your waistline can make it to the finish line, there’s a variety of cheese on offer too. Everything from Cornish brie to Capricorn goats cheese were seductively laid out, making it near to impossible to say no.
There are four hearty main courses to choose from at Oxbo Bankside's bottomless Sunday roast.
Atmosphere
Arriving at 1.30pm, Oxbo Bankside was in full swing; relaxing music oozed from the speakers and a hum of chit chat floated from the many occupied tables. Situated under Hilton London Bankside, Oxbo’s threshold welcomed in an eclectic crowd. There were clusters of families, tourists and neighbourhood folk filling the area. The restaurant had that Sunday atmosphere that can only summoned by a hearty roast (you roast potato fans know what I’m talking about). Dining here was a super relaxing affair and from looking around, everyone else had the same experience as we did - people were happily tucking into their unlimited dishes and making the most of the free-flowing bubbles supply.
If you love cheese, you might want to reconsider your Sunday roast plans...for the rest of your life.
Summary
Sunday roasts will never be quite the same after experiencing Oxbo Bankside’s rendition. The food offering was so exceptional that I lost all sense of food limitations (I made my way up to their dessert section at least ten times). The fizz generously flowed for our entire two hour sitting too. So, if you want a relaxed Sunday affair with quality dishes, Southwark's your place.
