With so many venues claiming that their take on the infamous British dish is the greatest of them all, it's difficult to know who's the real deal and who's telling (roast) porkies. That's why we're here to help you find the best Sunday roast in Islington and Angel, where locally-sourced meats, indulgent trimmings and unlimited potatoes take centre stage. We also have a few dog-friendly additions so your pup can join in on the fun.
Last edited by Izzah Kazi
Last updated on 27th September 2024
If there was ever a pub that could do no wrong, it's The Bull. Earning a place in locals' hearts thanks to communal quiz nights, craft beers, sports screenings and a welcoming atmosphere, it's also become a favourite for those seeking a cheap Sunday roast in Islington that's guaranteed to deliver every time. Enjoy a 21 day-aged sirloin, half a chicken or nut roast served with a Yorkshire pudding, thyme potatoes and an array of veg.
This award-winning Irish cocktail bar might be small, but it's serving up big eats – including what may just be the best roast in Islington. Get a warm welcome from the friendly staff before picking your poison – we recommend the Irish coffee, whiskey smash or a good old Guinness (as it claims to pour one of the best in London). The comfort food menu contains a Sunday special featuring thick-cut meat and as much mash, roasties and gravy as you can consume.
If you're wanting a Sunday lunch in Angel Islington this summer, The Castle has one of the prettiest terraces to enjoy one on. Sit among the shrubbery and sweeping views while chowing down on anything from Angus rump to a vegan feta wellington with roasted parsnips, olive oil roasties and ox cheek gravy thrown into the mix. You can also add extra trimmings and get boozy on a pornstar martini cocktail tree while you feast.
Cosy vibes and comfort food are in plentiful supply at The Canonbury Tavern; snag a seat by the fire and peruse their locally-sourced Sunday offerings that certainly aren't for the faint hearted. Starring braised ox cheek, loin of pork with honey glazed ham or half a chicken, and served with all your favourite trimmings, expect a hearty meal that will see you through 'til Monday. Pair it with hand-crafted cocktails, a local beer or something from their list of specially selected wines.
The Highbury Barn has everything you need for a Sunday wind-down that will also cure your hangover. This classic boozer has sports screenings, a roaring fire and a collection of popular world beers and ciders. And to make things that much better, the roast menu features slow cooked pork belly, sirloin and half a chicken, all served with a red wine jus and the typical trimmings done oh-so right.
Crown on Cloudesley Road is an Islington mainstay from Fuller's, promising piled-high Sunday roasts across a traditional space complete with wooden beams, panelling and plenty of character - plus a sunny little streetside garden outside. Think Norfolk chicken, sirloin of Owton's beef, nut roast or loin of south coast pork for the main event, all served alongside Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a luscious red wine gravy.
Where to find the best Sunday roast in Angel Islington? The area's ultimate gastropub may not be a bad place to start your search. The Peacock is an independent haunt full of craft beers, inventive cocktails and furry friends thanks to its dog-friendly policy. As for the food, expect roasts sporting seasonal vegetables and the usual suspects in the way of trimmings, along with an array of meats like pork, chicken and beef (or all three). There's also a two-person serving of lamb to tempt the couples.
Grillshack Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar can be found on Upper Street in Angel, decked out in exposed brick walls, luscious greenery and simple wooden furnishings. While they may be primarily known for their 28 day-aged Aberdeen steaks, these guys also cook up a mean roast dinner - think Scottish sirloin of beef, roast lamb or chicken with fluffy Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables and plenty of gravy, with cracking cocktails to boot.
The Narrow Boat is a hidden gem that also happens to be the only pub that sits right on Regent's Canal. Stop by for relaxed lunches with a view, which you can admire through the wall-to-wall glass doors or directly from the raised terrace. Promising canalside cocktails and a roast to soak them up with, dive into lemon and thyme chicken, pork shoulder with crackling or an Angus rump along with crispy potatoes and maple roasted carrots.
The Angelic is a friendly neighbourhood gastropub with much more to offer beyond its rustic wooden decor. Taking pride in the quality of both its food and drink, this place sources its beers, wines and produce from the very best. With the basics done brilliantly, plus unlimited helpings of potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and gravy, their roasts are a sight to behold – and super affordable. You can even upgrade your plate with the pub's signature cauliflower cheese and giant pig in blanket.
As a contender for the best Sunday roast near Highbury and Islington, there's no reason not to visit The Duchess if you're in the area. Flaunting pops of colour and mismatched furniture, the eclectic look complements the 'best of British with a contemporary twist' theme. They take advantage of local, seasonal produce to create quality dishes, including their roasts featuring everything from paprika marinated chicken to beef rump. Add-on trimmings include mash potato and pork and leek 'pig in a duvet' – plus they serve a killer bloody mary to wash it down with.
Soak up the friendly atmosphere and traditional surroundings of The Baring, a fuss-free Shoreditch watering hole with oodles of old-school charm. In contrast with the laidback interiors, their Sunday menu goes all-out, featuring European meats from Swiss beef steaks to Spanish pork and charcoal grilled chicken from France. Sides are kept simple with the classic mix of roast potatoes, cabbage and gravy, with some plates being served with Yorkshire puddings and a complementary sauce.
The Wilmington is a 19th century pub flaunting modern touches while still maintaining that feel of a traditional boozer. This dog-friendly spot celebrates British ingredients, showcased in its Sunday roast menu featuring beef and confit duck served alongside crispy potatoes, maple glazed carrots, a Yorkshire pudding and pigs in blankets for £2.50 extra. Pull up a comfy seat and make the most of its prime location by visiting Exmouth Market after your meal.
Newington Green food haven Perilla strikes a balance between casual and high-quality, with modern menus championing fresh ingredients and seasonal treats. Their Sunday offering changes weekly and includes just one choice for a set main course, from brisket to chicken, and can be accompanied by their signature warm sourdough with brown butter. They also stock the finest global wines and spirits from the city's best small batch distillers.
Neighbourhood gastropub The Drapers Arms isn't just known for its beautiful beer garden; it also serves some of the best food in the area – including a selection of Sunday roasts. With meaty centrepieces ranging from pork belly and 48 day-aged sirloin to three-person sharers like a whole chicken, lamb shoulder and forerib of beef, prepare for a meal to remember. Complete your lunch with craft pale ales or a carafe of wine.
After the best Sunday roast lunches in and around Islington? Award-winning gastropub Smokehouse promises the most exceptional smoked and grilled food, a wide array of beers and specially sourced wines – best enjoyed among its stripped-back, modern interiors. Tuck into roast turkey, lamb shoulder and porchetta – with the option to level-up your plate with extra trimmings. Rustic sister site The Pig & Butcher is another nearby spot worth visiting; it's the only pub in England to serve the speciality Iron Age pig.
