The best pubs for a Sunday roast
Written by Ruby Reed
So we ended the year with a fantastic festive roast. Now we’re all thinking where can I go that will come anywhere close?! Well, here are a few cosy pubs in the East of England that might just make the grade…
The Fleur De Lys, Widdington, Essex
Tel: 01799 543280 | thefleurdelys.co.uk
Price: £££
Good to know: Very dog-friendly with plenty of water bowls available
A country pub of old style interiors including beams of character, but they are by no means out dated when it comes to their range of Sunday roasts. Choose from beef, turkey or BBQ pulled pork with crackling, all of which are served with roast potatoes, mixed vegetables and a rich gravy. Roasts here are personally recommended by our editor Emma! And for all the beer lovers out there the Fleur specialises in guest ales and local micro-breweries. Book ahead and ask for the table by the fire place!
The White Hart, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire
Tel: 01223 880264 | www.whitehartfulbourn.co.uk
Price: ££
Good to know: Rooms available, ideal for those looking to stay outside the city centre
I recently visited here and experienced the cosy atmosphere. My partner is a hard one to please when it comes to Sunday lunch but I cannot wait to go back for more of the high-quality meat, fluffy Yorkshire’s and fresh ingredients.
The Rupert Brooke, Grantchester, Cambridgeshire
Tel: 01223 841875 | www.therupertbrooke.com
Price: £££
Good to know: Great date night location
This tasteful establishment is a fantastic venue for a special occasion roast. Elegant décor creates a memorable setting to choose from their sirloin of beef or loin of pork. Each served with all the traditional trimmings plus red cabbage and cauliflower cheese.
The Green Man, Trumpington, Cambridgeshire
Tel: 01223 844903 | www.thegreenmantrumpington.com
Price: ££
Good to know: Feature an open fireplace and good vegetarian options
I went here for a festive roast but know for a fact this hearty pub serves good quality Sunday lunch all year round. Their wide range includes; beef, chicken, pork and lamb, but the real jewel in their crown is the trio roast; beef, chicken & pork. Fear not vegetarians, the Green Man’s nut roast is highly recommended. There are comfy sofas and arm chairs for relaxation in the bar area, a perfect spot to continue the Sunday afternoon after leaving your table.
The Crown, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Tel: 01394 384242 | www.thecrownatwoodbridge.co.uk
Price: £££
Good to know: Accommodation is available
Local produce is a must. Examples of their special roasts include loin and confit leg of local rabbit with black pudding, and guinea fowl with rosti potato. For the added wow factor a bustling cocktail bar serves everything from local ales, beers and ciders to the latest trend gins and cocktails. There is also an extensive wine list that appeals to all tastes and preferences. Do traditional with a twist at The Crown!
The Edwardstone White Horse Inn, Sudbury, Suffolk
Tel: 01787 211211 | www.edwardstonewhitehorse.co.uk
Price: ££
Good to know: Get a seat by the open fire
A lovely Suffolk pub with locally sourced meat, nestled in pretty lanes and fields so is perfect for a post walk drink. With an open fire, play area opposite and public footpaths in all directions, the Edwardstone ticks a lot of boxes. The pub has recently been renovated. If you’re feeling hungry, check out the charcuterie, cheese and bites menu.
The Reindeer Pub & Kitchen, Norwich, Norfolk
Tel: 01603 612995 | www.facebook.com/TheReindeerNorwich
Price: ££
Good to know: Check out the extensive rum list
With a bar that boasts over 22 craft beers and an emphasis on good British produce, The Reindeer is a fantastic spot for any food and beer lover. This gastropub’s Sunday menu favourites include the topside of Hevingham beef, the Norfolk chicken supreme and the Norfolk Dingley Dell Pork leg all with roast trimmings and gravy. Along with the Sunday menu comes a carefully selected wine of the month to complement your food.
The Wildebeest, Norwich, Norfolk
Tel: 01508 492497 | thewildebeest.co.uk
Price: £££
Good to know: AA rosette!
Finalists in the Norfolk food and drink awards 2017 offer exquisite smoked venison, cornfed chicken and English beef in a red wine jus. Presentation is key at the Wildebeest and not a dish goes out that doesn’t look as good as it tastes. Interiors are as high standard as the plates.
The Bricklayers Arms, Flaunden, Hertfordshire
Tel: 01442 833322 | www.bricklayersarms.com
Price: £££
Good to know: AA Rosette
The freshest organic produce from local suppliers is used where possible to make up the award winning menu. It won ‘Dining Pub of the Year’ in 2020. You really are spoilt for choice on the meat front; chicken, beef, pork, lamb or duck. With beautiful surrounding countryside and nearby country walks over the rolling hills of the Chess Valley. You will enjoy the cosy atmosphere when you step inside the rustic low oak beam interior full of character with its brick bar and real log fire. It even has a celebrity fanbase including Mark Wahlberg!
The Barns Hotel, Bedford, Bedfordshire – *This establishment is currently closed – scheduled to reopen 30 November 2021*
Tel: 01234 270044 | barnshotelbedford.co.uk
Price: ££
Good to know: Little ones under 2 years old eat free
Spend a well-earned Sunday in the comfort of the beautiful river facing restaurant. Created with the finest, seasonal produce, it is argued Barns offers the best Sunday banquet in Bedford. Enjoy a selection of fresh salads, artisan breads, cured meats and seafood which will be followed by a choice of traditional roasts or indulgent sharing platter. All roasts are accompanied by duck fat roast potatoes, cheddar cauliflower cheese, wine braised red cabbage, honey roasted root vegetables and a saucière of gravy. For those who enjoy a glass of wine, we have an extensive wine list for you to choose from, so finding the perfect match will be easy!
Remember to call ahead and book these fine locations to avoid disappointment. After all a good roast makes for a busy place!
