Gone are the days of socks and beer as a present for dad, treat him to a meal he’ll remember this Father’s Day at one of the six best places to get a roast in the UK. Gastropubs have elevated the food game for pubs, but things only get better on a Sunday, so why not take full advantage on June 16th.
The Abbey Inn, Byland, North Yorkshire
Being named the top spot to get a roast in the country by Rate Good Roasts with an almighty 97% ‘Reyt Good’ rating, The Abbey Inn in North Yorkshire is owned by Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks and with a title like that of course comes award-winning food.
Start your meal with grilled local asparagus with slow cooked hen’s egg, hazelnut and lovage, or chicken liver parfait with Jostaberry brandy jelly and toasted milk bread before diving into the ultimate roast. The Sunday lunches often feature their own rare-breed Berkshire pork, which is reared just a couple of miles away in Oldstead. If pork isn’t to your taste, why not tuck into roast Leg of Herdwick lamb with a braised lamb shoulder toad in the hole. All roasts are served with their signature sides—cheesy brassicas, seasonal veggies, rich gravy, and crispy roasties.
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The Red Lion & Sun, Highgate, London
Hailed as the best roast in London on several occasions by TOPJAW foodie experts and featuring in The Times’ 25 best Sunday roasts, The Red Lion & Sun is a must-visit for the ultimate Father’s Day lunch. On Sundays, it might seem like all of North London flocks to the pub. With four types of roast dinners on offer, finding a spare table at the Red Lion and Sun on its busiest day of the week is a rare occurrence.
Kick your meal off with an Ocho frozen margarita straight from the machine whilst nibbling on a selection of olives and rosemary and sea salt focaccia before moving onto the main event. The menu changes daily. But you could be enjoying 21-day dry-aged rib of Aberdeen Angus beef, Slow-roasted belly of Blythburg farm pork or Roast whole Devon White Chicken, all served with roast potatoes, green beans, root vegetable mash, Yorkshire pudding and a red wine jus.
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The White Horse, Churton, Cheshire
According to National Geographic’s 12 best places for a roast dinner in the UK, The White Horse in Churton is the number one place you should visit. The roast dinners feature high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, showcasing a blend of traditional British comfort food with a modern twist.
To start, why not try the roasted beetroot salad with ricotta, spiced pumpkin seeds and sticky walnuts or brown shrimp and salted lemon arancini with pickled celery, caramelised lemon, and mustard yoghurt. Mains include roast beef with roast potatoes, carrot and swede mash, buttered brassicas, Yorkshire pudding and lashings of red wine gravy or butter-roasted chicken breast, Armagnac prunes, bread sauce, roast potatoes and long-stem broccoli.
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The Camberwell Arms, Camberwell, South London
Number 23 on the current Times’ Best Sunday Lunch list and 2017 winner of The Guardian’s 50 best Sunday lunches, The Camberwell Arms is one of the top spots in London for a roast, perfect for your dad this Father’s Day. The dishes are made for two or more people to share so you can replicate eating at your own home in the comfort of a stylish London pub.
Before you dive into the roast, why not enjoy a light starter of Carosello cucumbers, pickled red onions with dill and breadcrumbs, or simply enjoy the house focaccia. Your Sunday main could be half a roast chicken with greens, schmaltz yoghurt and roast potatoes or fan favourite Hereford onglet with peppercorn sauce, mixed leaves and roast potatoes.
The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
If you’re looking for a roast with a twist for dad, why not make the trek to Cumbria and visit The Black Bull in Sedbergh. You can expect innovative dishes that reflect a fascinating fusion of cultures, combining owners James's Dales upbringing with Nina's rich Japanese heritage which left food critic Jay Rayner saying that Nina ‘very much deserves to be celebrated.’
Why not start with some homemade bread and seasoned cultured butter or a shallot tarte with bacon jam before moving into the roast. Choose from dishes such as roast British white beef with treacle carrot and Yorkshire pudding or slow-cooked Howgill Herdwick lamb with liquorice carrot and Yorkshire pudding.
The Pack Horse, Hayfield, Derbyshire
Pioneering local produce in Derbyshire, The Pack Horse in Hayfield has to make the list. Thirteenth in the National Geographic list for the best roasts and with the Good Food Guide saying ‘this is elegant, thoughtful and technically competent cooking’ you are sure to have an unforgettable Father’s Day lunch here.
Kick things off with their famous Manchester egg before you dine on a starter of beetroot cured trout with almond cream and a barley cracker or pork and hazelnut terrine with Yorkshire rhubarb chutney and brioche. Mains could be something like a succulent slow braised lamb shoulder or roast beef sirloin all served with your classic Sunday roast trimmings.
