Essential Surrey pins down the finest Sunday roasts in Surrey
Like tea and scones or Hugh Grant films, Sunday roasts are a fundamental building block of our society.
Whether you're hungover from a hedonistic night of overindulgence or sitting down with family for the weekly chinwag, there is something uniquely, wonderfully and inescapably British about meat, roasties, Yorkshire puddings, fresh vegetables, buckets of gravy and an assortment of sundries that are literally useless outside of the Sunday roast environment (seriously what does mint jelly do for the other 6 days of the week?)
Fear not though, we have teamed up with our lovely local readership to establish Surrey's very finest purveyors of meaty magnificence.
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The Grey Horse - SMOK’D
The Grey Horse - SMOK’D has made a name for itself for doing an exceptional Sunday roast, or as they call it, a ‘Sm-oast’.
Famous for their award-winning smoked meats, SMOK’D has a take on the Sunday roasts, which reflect what they do best.
Their meats are soaked for up to 3 days in flavour enhancing brines before having their secret recipe rubs massaged in, then slow-cooked to perfection for up to 12 hours by the pitmaster onsite in their smokehouse.
They are served alongside perfectly cooked seasonal vegetables with a mouth-watering gravy, enriched with juices captured from the smoker for a richer, fuller flavour. Excellent vegan options are also available.
Try their famous Bloody Mary while you’re there, as SMOK’D are also renowned for its cocktails, both classics and unique.
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The Black Lamb
The Black Lamb is an all-day restaurant, just a short walk from Wimbledon station and Wimbledon Common. Throughout the weekend, when the village becomes a real hub for the community, their brunch and Sunday roasts have become a ritual to adults, kids and four legged friends alike. They call it – “Sundays on the Farm”, filled with Bloody Marys and British roasts with all the trimmings.
For those celebrating a special occasion or simply feeling a little more luxurious, Jersey rock oysters will be on ice, as well as bottles of their award-winning English sparkling wine from the family’s vineyard, Nutbourne, in West Sussex.
Simona said: “The Sunday roast was so delicious, and we also enjoyed the dessert - the cheesecake was great! Really good wine too. Excellent service! Definitely recommend it!”
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Yasmin Bailey
The Cricketers
WINNERS THE BEST SUNDAY ROAST IN THE ESSENTIAL SURREY AWARDS 2019
The Cricketers always deliver high-quality, scrumptious food. This is a pub that has perfected the art of doing roasties that are crispy on the outside but with fluffy cotton-like innards that will satisfy even the most ardent potato connoisseur. Also, they have an entire pudding menu which makes me truly happy.
Ruth says: This pub provides the best Sunday roast ever. The meat is well cooked, the trimmings are a vast selection of veg and it's well seasoned. The portions are generous but I always manage to find some space left over for a sticky toffee pudding. The staff are friendly and hard-working. I highly recommend the roast beef.
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Duke of Wellington
A charming pub in Surrey, The Duke of Wellington serves only the good stuff and you’ll find four choices on their menu every week.
British beef from Aubrey Allen, Jimmy Butler’s free-range pork, a delicious vegetarian Wellington and a weekly changing special. There’s a selection of other dishes on the menu too, should you not be looking for a roast, and make sure to save room for crumble!
A stunning pub, in a beautiful setting.
Joanne says: "Just the perfect English Pub: crackling log fires, friendly and happy staff. Nothing was aproblem. All are very chatty and the Sunday Roast is always fantastic with excellent meat, perfectly cooked veggies, and towering Yorkshire puddings. The perfect follow-up to a stomp in the woods on a cold wintry day. Love it!"
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The Foresters Arms
The Foresters are a multiple-award-winning-pub, having received various ‘Best Pub’ and 'Best Sunday Roast' accolades over the years. We would definitely recommend the beef roast: beautifully cooked and well-sourced it combines brilliantly with the kitchen's red wine jus to absolutely melt in the mouth.
The pub has a friendly atmosphere which combined with a real passion for food and drink, makes this the kind of pub locals love and visitors wish they could take home with them.
Amanda says: The Foresters is by far the best-kept secret in this area. The most delicious Sunday lunch, best roast beef and Yorkshire pudding I have had in absolute ages. Really friendly staff, all overseen by landlord Thomas who makes you feel completely at home. They also play really great music and it is a dog-friendly pub (though they are not allowed in the restaurant). Basically, it is just a great spot!
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The Star, Witley
There really isn’t anything better than spending your Sunday tucking into a roast at your local pub, and The Star has everything you need to enjoy the perfect one, flavour, great service and epic portions.
This beautiful 17th century dwelling has recently reopened after an extensive refurbishment in the village of Witely, just 10 minutes from Godalming. Roasts are the ‘star’ of the show on Sundays and you can choose from:
- Sirloin of native breed beef with horseradish
- Tamworth pork leg with crackling and apple sauce
- Grain-fed chicken with bread sauce
- Vegan nut roast, mushroom gravy
- It wouldn’t be a roast without all the trimmings…..Yorkshire puddings, pigs in blankets, duck fat roast potatoes (best in Surrey!), cauliflower cheese, greens and roast carrots, and lashings of gravy!!
During the summer months, the large garden is perfect for the kids to run around in between mouthfuls of the kids Sunday roast menu, equipped with Wagons, a covered heated pergola and plenty of green spaces. In the winter, enjoy your roast in the cosy dining room in front of the roaring fire…absolutely perfect.
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The Greyhound
Situated in the heart of Kew with a lovely beer garden and dining room, this pub offers superb food in a relaxed atmosphere. It boasts an exceptional array of Sunday Roasts, including the locally famous sharing board which is great for 2-3 people and comes with all the trimmings imaginable.
Talia says: On the outside, it looks so old school and quaint, which couldn't be further from the truth. Inside it's modern and comfortable and the view across the green is lovely. The Roast Beef Sharing Board, which comes with full trimmings is delicious. Excellent cuts of meat, medium rare and perfect. The vegetables are great al dente and fresh. Strongly recommend, as although it's just over £50, we took home a good chunk of beef and roast potatoes between 3 people.
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The Roebuck
The Roebuck on Richmond Hill is a wonderfully traditional pub with an incredible history (the original pub was built on the same site in the 1500s) and can boast an impressive clientele of celebrity punters over the years including Pete Townshend, Mick Jagger, and Sir David Attenborough.
Uniquely situated, it offers beautiful views across London, so is an ideal place to enjoy delicious food and drink (they do proper goose fat roasties!)
Angela says: Fantastic Sunday Roast, wonderful views of Petersham Meadows, and really helpful staff, plus plenty of happy dogs make this a great choice for Sunday lunch.
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The Drummond
A great pub just opposite the cricket ground, The Drummond offers tasty roasts at a good price, which you can indulge in whilst washing it down with a delicious ale, glass of wine, lager or cider. My favourite thing about this pub is that it offers a 'mixed roast' of both pork loin and aged sirloin as I always want both!
Emma says: Having just moved into the area I was really happy to find the Drummond; good food and great drinks. A brilliant selection of ales, which my dad loves. Excellent hospitality and a warm welcome from the staff every time. The Sunday roast is so tasty; the roast beef is always cooked just how I like it!
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The White Cross
The White Cross, Off Water Lane, Riverside, Richmond, TW9 1THOne of Richmond's iconic riverside pubs, The White Cross is famous for its great ales, home-cooked food, and rugby.
Whether it's lunch on the Thames or sundowners in the beautiful garden, this is a beautiful location to sit in and watch the world go by. Worth noting this pub does an immense veggie roast that involves a crisp Yorkshire stuffed with roasted peppers, aubergines, courgettes, and mushrooms.
John says: You would be hard-pressed to find a better place to experience a quintessential English Sunday roast. On a pleasant day, it is a fantastic place to sit on the terrace, glass in hand, watching the small boat traffic on the Thames go by and the many people strolling along the riverbank.
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The Percy Arms
75 Dorking Road, Guildford, GU4 8NPSet in the picturesque village of Chilworth, this delightful pub offers delicious British cuisine with a South African twist.
Famed for its carvery (making every day a good day for a roast), The Percy Arms is a must for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The pub also has a selection of 5 rooms to stay in so you can sleep off the effects of a gargantuan carvery if needs be.
Lee says: Lovely selection of 5 types of meat and all the trimmings! Great friendly service and definite value for money. All the veg is cooked in oil & veggie gravy on offer too, so for the vegetarians (my wife) who like a roast dinner spot on too! One of the best carveries in Surrey.
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The Britannia
With award-winning food and a gorgeous garden and roof terrace, The Britannia hits all the right spots for a fair-weather day.
This is a great place to consider if you're looking for something a bit different on a Sunday with a delectable selection of fresh seafood caught from all across the country. The 3-course Sunday menu is also particularly good value for a really hedonistic Sunday stuffing!
Tom says: Nicely situated off the green this tucked away gem of a pub always has a really warm feel and welcome to it. The three courses Sunday menu for £25.95 is great; the scallop starter is superb, the roast very wholesome and filling and the apple crumble very tasty. Service is always good, the atmosphere is normally buzzing and I really love the small street/alleyway feel of the place.
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The Prince's Head
Right on Richmond Green, The Prince's Head is a beautiful pub in a lovely spot; in the summer you can relax with a drink outside and even watch local cricketers in action. Dogs are welcome to join their owners for delicious ales and hearty meals.
This is another pub with a good veggie option, whipping up a really tasty vegetable and cheddar nut roast. Also, it has nothing to do with the Sunday roast, but the black pudding scotch egg here is just awesome!
Russ says: This is the quintessential English pub. Friendly bar staff, locals propping up the bar and situated looking across the village green. The Sunday Roast selection, pork, beef, and lamb are all excellent, I've tried them all! The lamb especially is always cooked to perfection, and all the roasts are accompanied by vegetables roasted in duck fat.
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The Hand and Spear
The Hand and Spear is a favourite with the locals and a great place to visit if you're looking for a meal in a venue that is steeped in British history. The pub was built in 1830 by Lord King (brilliant name), Baron of Ockham and has seen the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson stay in its rooms, correcting proofs of 'Treasure Island'.
Open all day every day offering everything from a pint of real ale to craft cocktails, the Sunday roast is a firm favourite, with the best produce sourced for their seasonal British menu. Get the roast chicken breast it comes with a maple & bacon sausage stuffing. You're welcome.
Anne says: The best Sunday lunch we've ever had.
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The Brown Dog
A child and dog-friendly pub situated near the River Thames and a short distance from Richmond Park, The Brown Dog is a sweet little gastropub tucked away on a back street. Sumptuous Sunday lunches are their forte, and they keep a seasonal menu to ensure the highest quality and freshness.
Victoria says: The Brown Dog does an absolutely fantastic roast. The beef is always cooked beautifully, the veg is very tasty and the gravy is proper gravy - not a granule in sight! The staff are charming, friendly and helpful and although the prices are slightly higher than other gastropubs in the area, I think the meal and the experience are very good value.
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The Refectory
As well as freshly prepared, locally sourced food at The Refectory, you are sure to find a buzzy atmosphere, plenty of cask ales, and an enviable collection of whiskies. This is another pub kind enough to offer the undecided a 'mixed roast' and whilst the food is awesome the major attraction is definitely the incredible architecture and interior decor.
Originally a cattle barn, the building was run by a family of antique dealers at one point and has inherited a beautifully cosy and eclectic decor; think wooden beams and open fires, magnificent!
Hayley says: The roast beef is absolutely fabulous. The vegetables are fresh and it isn't a microwave meal which is what you get in most pubs nowadays. It is a tad pricey at £14.95 for one course but it's well worth it.
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The White Hart
Opposite the beautiful green in Pirbright, The White Hart is a cosy village local with low beams and burning log-fires, offering freshly cooked pub grub and a broad range of wines and real ales.
These guys take their mixed roast a step further with a trio of meats (beef, pork & chicken) plus the usual trimmings for the very reasonable price of £16. The pub also does a fig and dolcelatte nut roast that is an incredible and unusual veggie option that may well tempt even the most committed of carnivores.
Ida says: My partner and I have a bit of a thing about roast dinners and have literally tried everywhere in a 10-mile radius of where we live and we just keep coming back here again and again, amazing!
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The Dog and Pheasant
An award-winning country pub which places emphasis on its superb food, this is another quintessentially British pub with beautiful dark wooden roof beams, wall timbers and a cosy fireplace in the winter month. A large front terrace and back garden make it a superlative summer choice also.
The roasts are of unsurprisingly high quality for a pub so locally renowned for its food, the lamb shank being a particular favourite; a real cut of meat that harks back to a Tudorian time of pub grub.
Michael says: Very busy and popular local pub in the village of Brook. Last time I went was with 10 of my friends we all had a roast; it was excellent, really tasty. There were 2 log fires on the go and a selection of local real ales. What more could you ask for?
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The Lock Bar and Kitchen
Set on the beautiful banks of the River Thames, expect homestyle cooking with dishes that we all know and love, prepared to the highest quality.
Another pub that offers good value with their 'Sunday Best Lunch Menu' (two courses for £19). The Dingley Dell pork roast is particularly good; the meat is melt-in-the-mouth soft and combines perfectly with the apple sauce accoutrement.
Stephen says: This is a great place for a relaxed Sunday lunch: really good menu including traditional roasts but plenty of fab alternatives too. Great service, lunch always takes just the right length of time with no periods of waiting. The food is excellent, freshly prepared, portion size not too big so that those with smaller appetites are not over faced. The puddings are also supreme.
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The Queen's Head East Clandon
Tucked away in the charming village of East Clandon, The Queen's Head is a great Guildford pub for all seasons, with a delicious selection of Sunday roasts.
The head chef has worked hard to establish a good relationship with local farmers including Secrets of Godalming which translates to some incredibly fresh seasonal produce on the plate.
The owners also have links with the Château Carbonneau vineyard in France meaning some beautiful wine with which to wash your meal down.
Amy says: Whenever we visit for a Sunday lunch we always have a lovely afternoon. The service is attentive and the food is fantastic, I've certainly never had any complaints. Generous roasts with plenty of fresh veg to share round and the pecan pie are to die for!
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The Jolly Farmer Worplesdon
Nestled in the heart of National Trust country, this traditional village pub is a popular haven for walkers, ramblers and lovers of the outdoors. Known locally for its excellent food, fine cask ales and extensive garden, it's a great place to relax with friends and family.
Roast wise I'd thoroughly recommend Mrs Owton’s Roast Pork Loin, named after the fabulous family butchers that the pub sources a lot of its meat from.
Dani says: The Sunday roasts are all great and the puddings delicious. Good value for money and the setting is lovely; off the beaten track.
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The Star Pub, Leatherhead
Part of the Barons chain, the Star combines the usual Barons qualities of friendly service and superb food and drink.
Close by to Chessington World of Adventure and Ashtead Common this family and the dog-friendly pub is perfect for either a big family meet up or post-dog-walking pint (iFootpath have even created a 4-mile pub walk beginning and ending at The Star to help you work up an appetite).
The roast topside of beef is particularly good and if you're feeling particularly adventurous you can upgrade to a gut-stopping 14oz Premium Cote de Boeuf on the bone roast with all the trimmings for £21.
Samantha says: What a great refurb and the Sunday roasts, are fantastic! Whenever we walked in we feel really welcome, all the staff are on the ball. I normally have roast beef; good sized portions and full of flavour.
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The Alfold Barn, Cranleigh
The Alfold Barn is a phenomenal little family pub with a really friendly atmosphere and an incredibly rich history.
Built in 1590, the pub's support beams are all original and thought to date back to the Armada. Ernest Hemingway is also reported to have visited the barn during WW2 and shared stories with Richard Dimbleby over a pint.
The Macquire family who runs the pub prides themselves on the food they serve, only accepting the very best British produce. They use John Murray in Loxwood for their meat (voted best butcher in Sussex) and it results in one of the best Sunday roasts you'll find in the area.
The slow roasted lamb shank is a must try dish, or if you're feeling fishy any of the crab dishes they do are also immense; the kitchens seafood is fresh from Billingsgate market each week.
John says: The menu is a delight and the food is plentiful, well cooked and beautifully presented. The staff are happy, pleasant, welcoming and attentive. We are always offered more vegetables, more gravy, more sauces, more anything basically even the main course is always sufficient, even for those with a bigger appetite.
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The Abinger Hatch
Firstly it's a soft g so it's actually pronounced 'Abinjer'. This is another great little gem of a countryside pub and given its location out on the Surrey Downs as well as its dog and child-friendly policy, a brilliant pre- or post-ramble option for the whole family.
All of the roasts are of top quality with all the trimmings but the star of the show has to be the slow-roasted duck leg, a cut of meat you, unfortunately, don't see in pubs too often nowadays.
Jonathan says: This is my favourite place for Sunday lunch where large tables of families and friends with dogs and children also at and under tables. The great atmosphere is supported by great food and I love the pork belly, roast beef.
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The Jolly Coopers
The Jolly Coopers is one of Epsom's oldest pubs and serves good quality, fresh food. With a beautiful and sheltered beer garden this pub is perfect for when the sun is shining (so in Britain, rarely).
This is another eatery that does a phenomenal mixed roast of three different types of meat. The kitchen also whips up a mean slow-braised lamb shank with a fabulous garlic and raisin stuffing that we would highly recommend.
Patrick says: A great pub near Epsom, generous and properly done Sunday roasts, and great, enthusiastic staff. Good value for money!
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