‘Traditional’ may not be the first word that springs to mind when describing London Cheapo but, when it comes to traditions as delicious as a Sunday roast lunch, I think we can agree we’re all in. Get involved with British culture at its finest with the best Sunday roasts in Islington.
The Albion
Picturesque Georgian pub with French windows which open onto a seriously beautiful beer garden and traditional log fires for those wintry days.
- Meats: Yorkshire free-range chicken breast; 21-day dry-aged sirloin of beef; Gloucester Old Spot slow-cooked pork shoulder, crackling & Bramley apple sauce; leg of lamb
- Sides: Roast meats are served ‘properly garnished’, which should include roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy – potentially a Yorkshire pudding if you’re lucky.
- Vegetarian option: Yes
- Price: Depending upon your choice, the price ranges from £19.00 for the veggie option to £23.00 for the beef.
- Website: the-albion.co.uk
12:51
This is one for the foodies. 12:51 is the signature restaurant of ex-Ledbury & Harwood Arms chef and Great British Menu winner James Cochran; you can even pick up a jar of his legendary Scotch bonnet chilli jam on the way out.
- Meats: Varies; at time of writing, it was 42-day aged sirloin of belted Galloway beef
- Sides: Beef dripping roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, chargrilled hispi cabbage, carrot puree, horseradish cream, smoked bone marrow gravy
- Vegetarian option: No
- Price: £28.00
- Website: 1251.co.uk
Perilla
This modern European restaurant has a relaxed vibe, a stylish, light-filled dining room and some really inventive food. Your roast here may not be as traditional as some, but it will be delicious.
- Meats: Varies; at time of writing, it was slow-roasted shoulder of lamb
- Sides: The lamb was served with borlotti beans, crisp root vegetables & rocket pesto
- Vegetarian option: Yes
- Price: Two courses for £38.00, three courses for £45.00 – but remember this is actually cheaper than it looks, as the service charge is included.
- Website: perilladining.co.uk
Drapers Arms
A lovely pub with a loyal following amongst Islington locals, so be sure to book ahead. It is also famous for its spectacular sharing roasts for 2-3 people: roast Landais duck magret, whole chicken, seven hour shoulder of lamb and roast forerib of beef. Oh, and it has one of the best wine lists around.
- Meats: Rare 48-day aged sirloin; pork belly
- Sides: Roast potatoes, carrots, greens & gravy
- Vegetarian option: Yes
- Price: £18.50 for the pork belly, £23.00 for the sirloin and £42.00 to £80.00 for the sharing roasts
- Website: thedrapersarms.com
Duke of Cambridge
Britain’s first organic pub, the Duke of Cambridge has been certified by the Soil Association for almost 25 years. Expect the best of seasonal British produce, cooked with care.
- Meats: Varies seasonally; at time of writing, it was dry-aged rump and Rhug Estate chicken
- Sides: Roast potatoes, greens, red cabbage, cauliflower, squash and carrot puree; gravy, extra roasties and red cabbage are available to order as sides
- Vegetarian option: Yes
- Price: From £18.00 for the veggie dish, to £24.00 for the beef
- Website: dukeorganic.co.uk
The Old Queen’s Head
Loveably eccentric local with a spectacularly tiled bar and ornate fireplaces. This is also the home of Lucky Chip burgers, so be prepared to swerve lunch choices at the last minute.
- Meats: Whaddon Grove Farm 32-day aged Longhorn beef; Aycote Farm leg of lamb; corn fed chicken;
- Sides: Roast potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, parsnips, seasonal greens, Yorkshire pudding, gravy
- Vegetarian option: Yes
- Price: From £13.50 for the veggie dish, to £15.95 for the beef
- Website: theoldqueenshead.com
Looking for roasts further afield? Check out our guide to the Best Sunday Roasts in Shoreditch.
