There are few things more British than a roast dinner, with most of us either cooking our own at home, or heading out to a local pub to get our fix. But those of us who opt for the latter are, more often than not, disappointed – paying the price for convenience (along with the ever rising cost of dining out). Whether or not a pub or restaurant is known for knocking out decent meals every other day of the week, they tend to fall short on Sundays with the humble roast – and specifically, with potatoes. So we’ve decided it’s about time we rounded up the best places for roast potatoes in London, so everyone can tuck into the spuds they deserve.
But what makes the perfect roast potato? Naturally, we’re looking for something golden and crisp on the outside whilst still boasting a soft and fluffy interior. Of course, the outcome of a roast potato determined by a number of steps along the way. Cut your potatoes too small and you risk creating something that is all crisp and no fluff, or if you don’t boil your potatoes for long enough then you’re less likely to achieve the fluffy centre, and then there’s the matter of steam-drying them once boiled. So it really is no wonder that so many places struggle to hit the sweet spot.
Thankfully London is a city full of incredible eateries, and we’ve found a number of options that meet our criteria for a decent roastie. It’s time to say goodbye to a disappointing Sunday lunch, and work your way through our list of what we believe are the best roast potatoes in London restaurants.
Ladbroke Arms, Holland Park
What: The Ladbroke Arms is the Notting Hill gastropub with a difference – it actually does a decent roast potato. Offering the perfect balance of crisp exterior to soft and fluffy interior, these are some spuds worth shouting about.
Where: 54 Ladbroke Road, W11 3NW
Book now: Ladbroke Arms
Blacklock, Various Locations
What: Blacklock is well documented for being a go-to for anything meat related, but it’s worth noting that the team here knows a thing or two about roast potatoes too. Crispy, great colour and the perfect tool for mopping up the delicious free-flowing gravy. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert – the cheesecake here is legendary.
Where: 24 Great Windmill Street, W1D 7LG; 13 Philpot Lane, EC3M 8AA; 28-30 Rivington Street, EC2A 3DZ; 16a Bedford Street, WC2E 9HE; 5 Frobisher Passage, E14 4PA
Book now: Blacklock Soho, Blacklock City, Blacklock Shoreditch, Blacklock Covent Garden, Blacklock Canary Wharf
Hawksmoor, Various Locations
What: Hawksmoor started as a desire to be the best steak restaurant in London, and after incredible feedback, they expanded the menu and turned their focus to being one of the best restaurants in the UK. We can’t thank them enough that they did, as they provide London with some of the best roast potatoes around – just look at the photo if you don’t believe us.
Where: 5a Air Street, W1J 0AD; 16 Winchester Walk, SE1 9AQ; 10 Basinghall Street, EC2V 5BQ; 3 Yeoman’s Row, SW3 2AL; 11 Langley Street, WC2H 9JG; 157a Commercial Street, E1 6BJ; 1 Water Street, E14 5GX
Book now: Hawksmoor Air Street, Hawksmoor Borough, Hawksmoor Guildhall, Hawksmoor Knightsbridge, Hawksmoor Seven Dials, Hawksmoor Spitafields, Hawksmoor Wood Wharf, Hawksmoor The Lowback
Le Petit Beefbar, Chelsea
What: When it comes to the overall theme here, the clue is in the name – there’s beef starters, mains, desserts, and thankfully also roasts. Whilst it’s certainly not the cheapest option on the list, we can guarantee you some seriously crispy taters (alongside all the trimmings).
Where: 27 Cale Street, SW3 3QP
Book now: Le Petit Beefbar
Cora Pearl, Covent Garden
What: Cora Pearl does roast potatoes with a difference, switching up the classic for a layered version, giving these their signature crunch. Whilst we’re sticklers for tradition, we’re willing to look past it for these perfectly golden, and totally addictive, alternatives.
Where: 30 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8NA
Book now: Cora Pearl
The Pig’s Head, Clapham
What: The Pig’s Head is the farm to table pub with a daily changing menu that focuses on creating an eco friendly kitchen. You can expect these beef dripping roasties served alongside the likes of honey caramel glazed carrots, yorkshire pudding and some ‘no waste’ cauliflower cheese.
Where: 87 Rectory Grove, SW4 0DR
Book now: The Pig’s Head
Chelsea Pig, Chelsea
What: The team at Chelsea Pig are known for knocking out British classics throughout the week, and Sundays are no exception. The roast here is considered one of the best in London for good reason, with perfectly cooked meat, rich gravy, and those all important crispy potatoes.
Where: 35 Old Church Street, SW3 5BS
Book now: Chelsea Pig
The Pig and Butcher, Islington
What: We think it’s safe to say that pigs are a popular theme among pub names, and The Pig and Butcher is another to add to the list. All the meat here comes direct from the farm, and is butchered, smoked and cured on site. As far as potatoes go, the ones here are pretty impressive and worth a visit for alone.
Where: 80 Liverpool Road, Islington, N1 0QD
Book now: The Pig and Butcher
The Hawke Pub, Hackney
What: It doesn’t take eyes like a hawk to spot how good the roast potatoes are here. This pub is a no-brainer for a good roast in Hackney, with golden brown and crisp potatoes, perfectly cooked meat and all of the trimmings alongside.
Where: 235 Victoria Park Road, E9 7HD
Book now: The Hawke Pub
Would you rather prevent your hangover on a Saturday night than soak it up during a Sunday lunch? London has an impressive selection of late night restaurants ready to save you from the overwhelming queues at McDonalds across the city, where you can tuck into a civilised late night (or early morning) meal. You’ll find anything from low-key taco joints to high end spots with a view over London – and what better time to take in the incredible city lights.
Take a look at our piece on the best late night food in London, and get ready to turn your midnight snack into a three course meal.
