Great Spots For Sunday Lunch In Kent, Sussex & London
Looking for a local venue for a delicious roast? Well we’ve found our pick of some top places in the area – and some of them have a quirky twist!
Top & Homepage Image Finbar's of West Bay, © Fleur Challis Photography
Pearson’s Arms, Whitstable, Kent
Carving out "their own little slice of Whitstable", you will find Pearson’s Arms close to the water’s edge in this lovely town. This seaside pub offers real ales, fine wines and great food, including their delicious Sunday Lunch. With a cosy and friendly atmosphere, Pearson’s Arms serves delicious seasonal fare showcasing the best of fresh local produce, working closely with local farmers and fishermen. The sample Sunday Lunch menu features beef, chicken, lamb and pork – or a mixture of the four! – plus there is also a veg roast option. Take advantage of the deal for two or three courses and try the likes of prawns, whipped feta, chocolate torte or apple crumble as well.
• Visit https://www.pearsonsarmswhitstable.co.uk
The Cock Inn, Ringmer, Sussex
A family-run pub in Ringmer, East Sussex, The Cock Inn offers home cooked food, using the best, high quality local producers, as well as cask conditioned real ales and a good choice of lagers, ciders and wines. For Sunday lunch enjoy topside of beef, leg of lamb, stuffed chicken wrapped in bacon, a Full Monty (offering all three!) or a vegetarian nut roast. All come with roast potatoes, gravy, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese and vegetables. There are also a range of other mains to choose from.
• Visit https://cockpub.co.uk
The Chequers Inn, Lamberhurst, Kent
One of the oldest pubs in Kent, The Chequers Inn, in Lamberhurst is surrounded by beautiful countryside, located not far from Scotney Castle. Recently re-opened, the aim of the team at this beautiful 15th centre village inn is to offer a traditional and family-friendly pub that serves fresh homemade food as well as popular beers, ales and wine. After a hearty meal, relax outdoors in the lovely beer garden overlooking the River Teise.
• Visit https://www.chequersinnlamberhurst.co.uk
The Pullman, Folkestone, Kent
Showcasing the best of the Folkestone Food Market, The Pullman was L&B’s first venue, opening in 2014, with their aim to bring a Kentish Country pub to Folkestone's busy town centre. Relax in its rustic setting as you enjoy pub classics in a welcoming environment – and during the colder months you can cosy up by the roaring fire. Its menu through the week offers a selection of pies, steaks and more, which are all made in-house.
• Visit https://www.landb-restaurants.co.uk/the-pullman
Finbar's of West Bay, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent (pictured)
Independently-owned Finbar's has made an impressive name for itself with exceptional dining offering fresh, locally-sourced, innovative cuisine and stunning panoramic coastal views across the beautiful West Bay. There you can enjoy daily fresh fish or prime, tasty cuts and the menus change with the seasons, bringing a fantastic selection of weekly and daily specials. Head chef Dwayne Richmond has always had a real passion for cooking and worked for Marco Pierre White in Sussex, Gordon Ramsey in London and at the Abode working for Michelin starred Michael Caines. The Sunday roast changes weekely, but you can expect the likes of Aged Sirloin of Beef, Roast Chicken Supreme or Slow Roasted Belly of Pork, with starters such as Ramsgate Crab Croquettes or Big Bang Cauliflower and desserts of Milk Chocolate Ganache or Pear and Apple Crumble.
• Visit https://www.finbarswestgate.co.uk
The Gallipot Inn, Hartfield, Sussex
A stone’s throw from Ashdown Forest, The Gallipot Inn in Hartfield is a family-run free house offering modern British cuisine seven days a week, and is popular for its Sunday roast. Run by Leo, a former chef, and Kerry, they say they are “passionate about serving great food in keeping with preserving a true traditional pub feel for locals and new customers alike”. When the weather allows there is also a lovely garden to relax in behind the 16th century inn. Throughout the week their menu offers a choice of fresh fish, poultry, game and vegan dishes, as well as traditional classics.
• Visit https://www.the-gallipot-inn.co.uk/about/
The Tiger Inn, Stowting, Kent
Set in a picturesque village, The Tiger Inn offers a mix of contemporary and classic where you can relax in a beautifully designed setting with both original features and quirky additions. Using the most local and seasonal produce, they offer freshly prepared gastro food with a twist – with both interesting premium dishes and classic pub food on the menu. On a Sunday they offer roasts of chicken, pork and beef as well as roast butternut squash, and some classic pub dishes.
• Visit https://tigerinn.co.uk
The Kentish Rifleman, Tonbridge, Kent
Located in the beautiful Kent countryside close to Plaxtol and Shipbourne, The Kentish Rifleman is a charming and traditional family-run pub offering homemade food that is freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Its charm can be seen as soon as you enter with inviting open fireplaces and low oak beamed ceilings giving a feeling of calm and intimacy. A choice of Sunday roasts are available – roast leg of Kentish lamb, thyme roasted topside of beef and pork loin, plus the KR Roast offering a mixture of beef, pork and chicken. All are served with a Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, roast potatoes and veg. For those looking for something different they also serve burgers, pie of the day, fish and chip and more.
• Visit https://www.thekentishrifleman.co.uk
The Coach and Horses, Danehill, Sussex
The Coach and Horses is a family-run, traditional, free house on the edge of The Ashdown Forest with gardens boasting stunning views of the Sussex Downs – and the ‘adults only’ terrace is very popular for its peaceful qualities. The Coach and Horses prides itself on retaining that cosy, comfortable pub atmosphere whilst offering a dynamic, seasonal menu of locally sourced produce. As a free house it prides itself on the quality of its real ale and concentrates on local brewery’s such as Harvey’s of Sussex, 360 Degree Brewery and Long Man, stocks a local farmhouse cider from The Black Pig Orchard in Danehill as well as offering award-winning English sparkling wines from the Bluebell vineyard just up the road. It has a daily changing specials board apart from on a Sunday when it runs a larger, more traditional menu.
• Visit https://www.coachandhorses.co
The Bull, Wrotham, Kent
The Bull in Wrotham offers the chance to enjoy a hearty Sunday Roast while also making the most of the great outdoors as its Glasshouse makes it a great weather-proof destination, thanks to its retractable arched roof, sliding doors and sleek glass, allowing diners to choose from booking a table in the cosy restaurant or having a spot for an alfresco dine in the suntrap courtyard. Every other Sunday they offer a great musical vibe as guitarist Paul Malsom plays at the bar. Their traditional roast menu has four options of high-quality British meat, which is served with three seasonal vegetables, golden roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and the homemade gravy.
• Visit https://www.thebullhotel.com/menus/sunday-roast-menu/
Image Finbar's of West Bay, © Fleur Challis Photography
The Ferry House, Harty, Kent
From humble beginnings in 2000, The Ferry House has grown an amazing team, including talented chefs and passionate gardeners who have made it a very special place. The menus showcase their family-farmed beef, free range game birds and the vegetables, fruit and herbs are grown in their extensive Kitchen Gardens. Join them for a roast lunch, showcasing the best of their homegrown, family-farmed and locally-sourced Kent produce, served every Sunday from 12noon until 3.30pm. The Ferry House is set in a landscape of farmland, wild wetlands and estuary views unique to the Harty estate, popular with walkers and wildlife enthusiasts, so they suggest taking to the trails before enjoying a ‘Harty’ Sunday lunch, let the kids work up an appetite on the playground, or enjoy an amble around their Kitchen Garden.
• Visit https://www.theferryhouse.co.uk
Oculist, Brighton, Sussex
At Oculist in Brighton you can sit back and enjoy the friendly service if you have pre-booked a table or simply order your drinks at the bar before exploring the range of different spaces available, from small intimate tables to the open rooftop garden which is open all year round. Located just a short walk from the Lanes and Brighton seafront, their Sunday roast offerings include striploin of beef, chicken supreme and belly of pork, as well as stuffed butternut squash, and you will be tempted by sides of cauli cheese croquettes, braised red cabbage and tenderstem brocolli.
• Visit https://www.oculist.pub
The Pumproom @ Copper Rivet Distillery, Chatham, Kent
Set in the historic Pumphouse in Chatham built in 1873, The Pumproom @ Copper Rivet Distillery, which opened its doors in April 2021, offers a relaxed fine dining experience. You can choose to eat in the large indoor dining room or al fresco on the terrace which offers breath-taking views over the River Medway and Upnor Castle. Head chef Will Freeman and his team “use seasonal ingredients to maximum effect and, in keeping with the ethos of the distillery, takes a keen interest in provenance and minimising waste inventing a contemporary take on classic dishes influenced by spices and flavours from around the world”. On the Sunday menu you will find dishes such as roast leg of lamb, sirloin of beef or for something a little different, roasted celeriac, butternut squash & wild mushroom pasty.
• Visit https://crdpumproom.com
Image Finbar's of West Bay, © Fleur Challis Photography
Roast, Borough Market, London
Roast in the historic Floral Hall of Borough Market, London was founded in 2015 and was "based around the quintessentially British food with a fine dining experience for the everyday customer". Here you will find a choice of traditional options including 100 Day Aged Belted Galloway Beef Roast, Herdwick Leg Of Lamb and Nut Roast. All roasts are served with a Yorkshire pudding, carrot, mixed greens and roast potatoes. They also serve Wellingtons – Signature Shorthorn Beef Wellington and Scottish Salmon & Red King Prawn. All Wellingtons are served with a truffle mash potato and homemade sauces.
• Visit https://roast-restaurant.com
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Lympne, Kent
For a Sunday roast with a difference head to The Garden Room at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. Originally the stable yard of Sir Philip Sassoon's country estate, here you can enjoy “The Garden Room’s warm, family-friendly ambience complementing exceptional, unhurried food as you dine in the same surroundings as Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and many other famous former guests to the historic Kent mansion”. The food is home made and locally sourced and you can choose from a classic roast sirloin of beef in rich red wine gravy, succulent chicken breast or confit duck leg. All their Sunday roasts are served with cauliflower puree, garden-fresh vegetables, golden roast potatoes and a Yorkshire pudding. Tie in this tasty treat with the chance to explore the estate's stunning gardens and grounds and spot the endangered animals dotted around the reserve’s countryside.
• Visit https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/restaurants/sunday-roast-at-the-garden-room/
George & Heart House, Margate, Kent
Featured in '30 of the best UK pubs for Sunday lunch' in The Guardian, the George & Heart House, in Margate’s Old Town, is an iconic Grade II listed building dating back to the 18th Century. Sit back and relax in the cosy bar where you can enjoy locally-sourced food where possible and a carefully curated selection of wine, beers and spirits – or why not treat yourself to a cheeky cocktail! Their Sunday roasts are served all day, with a choice of meat, vegetarian and vegan nut roast options and come with all of the trimmings, and you can even accompany them with a Bloody Mary to get started and an Espresso Martini to finish. If you a looking for somewhere to stay for a night or two they have revamped rooms designed by local artists capturing the locations seaside surroundings to stay in.
• Visit https://www.georgeandheart.com
The Sportsman Pub, Goddards Green, Sussex
The Sportsman Pub, in Goddards Green is a “fresh take on a classic country pub, nestled at the foot of the South Downs National Park”. The classic pub menu features locally-sourced produce, and on Sundays their hearty roasts are all served with crispy potatoes, seasonal veggies and homemade Yorkshire puddings. For something a little different, you can eat in one of their quirky – and heated – dining pods which were built during 2020 with a design to incorporate the countryside surroundings with their unique Shepard’s hut style. They can seat up to 10 people and make the ideal space to get all the family together, including the little ones who will be free to express themselves without fear of being that bit too noisy!
• Visit https://www.thesportsmanpub.com/dining-pods
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: More Quirky Restaurants in London, Kent & Sussex
The Clink, HMP Brixton, London
The Clink has the tagline “no ordinary restaurant” and that is very true. You will find their restaurants within working prisons and your meals are prepared and served by prisoners in training. If you head to HMP Brixton then currently tempting dishes you will find on the menu include roast supreme of chicken, roast sirloin of beef and grilled plaice, celeriac, sautéed brown shrimp, clams, sea vegetables – so where else can you think of that makes a more unusual place to have Sunday lunch? Frequently placed in the Top 10 restaurants in London on TripAdvisor, the restaurant allows prisoners to “learn, engage with the public and take their first steps towards a new life”.
• Visit https://theclinkcharity.org
The Lockhart Tavern, Haywards Heath, Sussex
Having been ranked number one on TripAdvisor for the best roast beef in East Sussex, The Lockhart Tavern, in Haywards Heath is a privately-owned freehouse with a daily changing menu and great selection of beer, wine and spirits – in fact they say that in being independent you will find probably the best choice of brews in the county on the bar. All their food is made on site from fresh ingredients with a seasonally changing menu. But they are “perhaps best known across Sussex for offering the best Sunday Roasts – we start work on our stock for the gravy on Monday and you can taste the care we take when enjoying our roast beef, roast braised lamb shank, roast pork or finally our nut roast while enjoying some of the best drinks around”.
• Visit https://www.thelockharttavern.co.uk
Image Finbars of West Bay, © Fleur Challis Photography
Squerryes Vineyard, Westerham, Kent
Take this opportunity to enjoy dining in a brasserie style restaurant and bar at the heart of a working English wine estate. At Squerryes Vineyard's The Winery Restaurant they focus upon estate produce, English wines and seasonal dishes and therefore the menus change frequently. There you can enjoy “simple dishes expressing the natural flavours of the region, prepared without compromise”. Examples of the Sunday lunch menu include thick cut treacle cured 30-day aged Estate roast beef, Estate reared grass fed confit lamb shoulder and slow roasted pork belly, and if you can’t choose there is also a mixed roast – and then add to that sides such as smoked cauliflower cheese or crispy local kalettes with soy, orange & sesame glaze and you will be in heaven! And all of this is in the stunning and peaceful setting of the vineyard.
• Visit https://www.squerryes.co.uk/restaurant
Bateaux London, Victoria Embankment, London
You don’t need to be on dry land to enjoy a Sunday Lunch unlike any other. You can meander down the River Thames on a two-and-a-half hour cruise experience with Bateaux London’s Classic Sunday Lunch. You will be able to take in the sights of the city as you make your way along the river while enjoying fabulous jazz music on board. As well as savouring three courses, including their mouth-watering traditional British Sunday roasts – such as roast chicken with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, carrot and broccoli, or roast cauliflower steak, with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, carrot and broccoli – you'll have a wide choice of drinks, including a selection of premium wines, cocktails and much more.
• Visit https://www.bateauxlondon.com/dining-experiences/classic-sunday-lunch-jazz-cruise
The Blue Bell at Cocking, Sussex
A friendly village pub in the heart of the South Downs, The Blue Bell at Cocking is owned by the community having been rescued in 2019 from permanent closure by a community purchase. It now serves fresh local produce and a choice of local ales, and excellent coffee. The Sunday menu is served from 12noon to 4pm with the choice of beef, chicken or lamb (though they vary seasonally), served with all of the trimmings. The Blue Bell at Cocking is also an official South Downs Information Point, providing comprehensive information on the surrounding area. This part of Sussex is popular with walkers enjoying the South Downs National Park, visitors enjoying the wealth of local attractions, as well as cyclists exploring West Sussex – and handily the pub even offers cycle repair facilities on site.
• Visit https://www.thebluebellatcocking.co.uk
The Crown, Hastings, Sussex
Featured in '30 of the best UK pubs for Sunday lunch' in The Guardian, The Crown, Hastings, is an independently-run freehouse in the heart of Hastings Old Town at the foot of the country park, and a stone's throw away from the beach. Serving modern British food in a friendly, informal environment, their seasonal menu is focused on provenance, using ingredients from the local seas, farms and producers. While there is no Sunday menu itself, they offer the chance to try your favourite pub classics. Drinks include local real ales, craft beers, fine European and English wines and a specialist gin and whisky selection. While there, you can also enjoy the ever-changing exhibition of art, sculpture and photography that adorns the pub’s walls.
• Visit https://www.thecrownhastings.co.uk
Bucks Head, Godden Green, Kent
Having been rated number one on TripAdvisor for best roast beef in Kent, Bucks Head, in Godden Green, just outside Sevenoaks, is “a traditional country pub serving good ales and lager, locally-sourced home cooked food and guaranteed friendly service”. On a Sunday at the family-run pub the sample menu includes roast 'Princess Christian Farm' Pork Loin & Confit Belly and roast 32 Day Aged Ightham Roast Beef Sirloin, or for those in your party who are just after a pub classic they also offer dishes such as scampi and chips.
• Visit https://www.bucksheadsevenoaks.co.uk
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