Is there any better way to finish off a long week than enjoying a delicious, hearty Sunday Roast? This quintessential British tradition is one that can, and should, be enjoyed all year-round. Just the thought of enjoying a huge, hot, fresh Yorkshire pudding and crispy roast potatoes on a cold winter’s day is enough to warm you up. And a roast is just as good in the summer too, sat in a pub beer garden with a cool gin and tonic or refreshing pint of something tasty is definitely something to look forward to!
Whether you’re a beef, chicken, pork, lamb, all-the-meats, vegetarian, or vegan roast lover – there’s plenty of fantastic places in Norwich & Norfolk piling fresh roasts high for you to enjoy. And if you’re having trouble deciding on where to go, we’re here to help with our round-up of the 10 best Sunday roasts in Norwich and Norfolk.
The Britons Arms on Elm Hill is not only a great place to find a delicious Sunday Roast, but a gorgeous setting to enjoy it in too. It’s steeped in fascinating history, like being one of just five thatched buildings in the city, and being, possibly, the only building to have survived the great fire on Elm Hill in 1507, which would make it the only original building on this iconic street! Every week, the Britons Arms roast a delicious selection of meats and a vegan alternative, served alongside roast potatoes, carrots, parsnip and turnip, swede puree, red cabbage and greens, as well as lashings of gravy and a Yorkshire pudding. There is a different selection every week (therefore prices may vary), so call up on 01603 331394, or fill out the form on their homepage to find out what yummy choices are available. Plus, you can choose to sample yours inside under characterful beamed ceilings, or out in the garden which has a view of the Hungate Medieval Art church.
Found in the heart of the city on Tombland, next to Norwich Cathedral, you’ll find what is reputedly the oldest hotel in the country – The Maids Head Hotel – and its wonderful 2 AA Rosette restaurant, WinePress. After a relaxed Sunday spent exploring the nooks and crannies of the city – this is the place to go for the perfect lunch-stop! Dine where horse-drawn carriages once came to a halt to drop off esteemed guests such as Queen Elizabeth I, Catherine of Aragon, Lord Horatio Nelson, and many more in their converted (and now indoor) courtyard – it’s a seriously beautiful restaurant! As WinePress pride themselves on using the absolute best of local produce, menus are seasonal and subject to change, so while we can’t promise any particular dish will be on the menu for your Sunday Roast, you can expect the classics – roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire puddings, homemade gravy, and much more, including options for those not quite fancying a Sunday lunch! 1 Course £19, 2 Courses £24, 3 Courses £29.
The Last is a buzzing wine bar and brasserie providing everything from a delicious Menu du Jour, à la carte menu, extensive range of tasty drinks, and, of course, a stunning Sunday Lunch menu – all while using only the very best produce to be served in a relaxed, beautiful environment. Sunday lunch favourites from The Last include their 36-month Comte twice-baked cheese soufflé, Hevingham pork loin with all the trimmings, and vegetarian alternatives like pea and broad bean risotto. And don’t get us started on their desserts, the chocolate torte with salted hazelnut and creme fraiche is a real highlight. But really, whatever you choose from this menu, you can’t go wrong. The Last’s Sunday lunch menu is available for £30 for 2 courses, and £36 for 3 courses!
Found just outside of the beautiful Norfolk countryside village of Honingham, you’ll find Goat Shed – one of, if not the best, farm shops this county has to offer. Here, there’s heaps (and we mean heaps) of local produce, fresh fruit & vegetables, a range of cheese and goat’s milk handmade by Goat Shed themselves, a butcher’s, a deli, and, most importantly to this list, a kitchen putting out some amazing dishes. On a visit to Goat Shed from early October to June, you’ll also be able to tuck into their GOAT (Greatest Of All Time, no actual goat included) Roast Dinners – and the name is no exaggeration! Plus, we’ve heard a rumour that their Head Chef is working on some brand new flavour combinations and scrumptious sides and extras for you to sample… So keep those eyes peeled!
In the delightful riverside village of Coltishall, you’ll find the luxurious Norfolk Mead boutique hotel. Known for its lavish rooms, great service, and fantastic 2 AA Rosette restaurant – it’s no wonder that Norfolk Mead also do a brilliant roast. Expect roasted joints, crunchy roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and so much more. And why not wash it down with a glass of wine to make your Sunday that extra bit special? The Norfolk Mead’s Sunday lunch menu is also everchanging depending on what is best and what is in season, as their team behind-the-scenes make everything in-house. So, go in with an open-mind and empty belly, you’ll soon thank us for it. 2 Courses £27.50 3 Courses £36.50.
If you’re feeling up for a bit of an adventure we’d highly recommend a trip to Holkham, where not only will you find an amazing day out, but a delicious Sunday Roast at The Victoria Inn, too. There Sunday lunch menu is to die for, with a huge portion of the menu being grown or raised on the Holkham estate. The game is from the shoot, the beef is from the marshes, the venison is from the park, vegetables from the Walled Garden, and lamb and potatoes from the farm. It doesn’t get more local than that! So, you can bet every penny you’ve got that this will be a seriously good roast. Be sure to really indulge, you can walk it off on the Holkham grounds after! Mains available from £18.25.
As a cosy and ornate Victorian pub, The Unthank Arms know how to get tradition right – which explains why their Sunday roasts are so unbelievably good. Served with roast potatoes, roast carrots, celeriac, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and homemade gravy, you can also choose between topside of beef, chicken supreme, Blythburgh roast loin of pork, and, for those who can’t decide, ‘all the meats’, which also comes with extra roast potatoes and two Yorkshires! And for the vegetarians and vegans among us, you can also enjoy a beetroot, quinoa, cashew, and sage nut roast, which is just as good. All roasts can also be made gluten-free! Enjoy these Sunday roasts from £17 anytime between 12pm – 7pm.
Another vastly historic pub in the City of Stories, Red Lion Bishopgate has stood guard on Bishop’s Bridge, one of the oldest active bridges in England, since the 16th century, and even survived damage by enemy action in April 1942 to continue standing tall today. They also happen to serve one of the tastiest Sunday roasts throughout all of the City of Stories. Their menu is also seasonal, but always features a good cut of roast beef, chicken supreme, loin of pork or rolled pork belly, and, similarly to The Unthank Arms, ‘all the meats’ for the extra-hungry or undecided. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, so fret not! And it would be rude to not look at their dessert menu, which historically has always featured some variety of tempting sticky toffee pudding.
One of Norwich’s most popular and stylish pubs, The Black Horse can be found on Earlham Road offering up amazing Sunday roasts throughout the autumn and winter months inside the comfort of their cosy interior surrounds (or their delightful beer garden, if you’re brave enough throughout the colder months!). Expect all of the usual delights from a roast, including some tasty veggie and vegan options. While there, make sure you sample their line of beers and cocktail menu – it’s all delicious and goes down great with a roast. Oh, and they’re not only dog-friendly, but they absolutely love seeing dogs come through their doors – chances are they’ll take a polaroid photo of your pooch and hang it on the wall with all of the other pups to have visited!
In the village over from The Norfolk Mead, you’ll find The Recruiting Sergeant. Here, they really don’t skimp on the portion sizes – Sunday roast or not! It has a wonderfully charming restaurant and garden which are sure to win you over, and a Sunday lunch menu which features a roast sirloin of English beef, roast breast of Norfolk chicken, crackling loin of Swannington pork, slow braised shank of English lamb, or a mixed roast, which no doubt features a bit of everything. But if you don’t fancy a roast (how could you?), they have plenty of other mains to choose from too, so there really is something for everyone. But don’t forget to book ahead – it’s very popular! Main dishes from £17.95.
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