In South West London, the Sunday roast is not just a meal, it’s a weekly rite of passage. With a backdrop of Georgian terraces, verdant commons, and the calm of the riverside, this corner of London provides a masterclass in understated style. The locals are serious about their leisure and nowhere is that more evident than at lunch time on a Sunday, where nothing is more important at this point in the week than the classic Sunday Roast. From Teddington to Twickenham, it’s not just about what’s on the plate, but where it’s eaten. In South West London, you will find no shortage of establishments serving up both amazing food, coupled with the perfect atmosphere to enjoy it in. From ivy-clad pubs to gastropubs with a modern edge, here are five of the best places to round off the week in perfect Sunday style.
Poule au Pot, Wimbledon Village
Deep in the heart of Wimbledon Village, amongst cobbled streets and boutique-lined lanes, sits Poule au Pot, a restaurant that will make you feel a world away from the hustle and bustle. The eatery boasts a refined yet rustic French bistro vibe, complete with vintage brasserie mirrors and candlelight that flickers beneath the wooden beams and over crisp linen tablecloths. Here, the tones are warm and muted, and the service discreet, giving it an old-world charm that is as comforting as the food itself. Poule au Pot is well-known for its classical French bistro offerings. Amongst the mains, the restaurant’s signature and most timeless favourite ‘poule au pot’ provides tender chicken simmered in aromatic broth with leeks, carrots and ‘navets’.
Additionally, seasonal options may include robust boeuf bourguignon, steak frites or cassoulet. Desserts stay true to tradition here, where warm tarte Tatins can be shared, and velvety chocolate mousse is likely to be devoured. With elevated comfort, the perfect sense of nostalgia, and for those seeking a quietly elegant dining experience in Wimbledon, Poule au Pot is an excellent choice.
The Railway, Teddington
The Railway in Teddington is a contemporary reinvention of the classic local pub. It has an unassuming red-brick façade, behind which you will find stylish interiors including exposed brick and dark wood tables. The pendant lighting and décor on display would not look out of place in one of Shoreditch’s hip bars. The vibe is cool, with a clientele that ranges from clued-up locals to Sunday roast lovers who travel across the borough to sample the Railway’s suburb offerings. The lamb roast is juicy, full of flavour and excels when accompanied with a shimmering of the Railway’s feted umami-rich gravy. Add to this its crisp roasties, steaming vegetables, clever wine list, and an ambience that hits the sweet spot between modern sensibilities and nostalgia, and it really is one of the best places in the area to spend a Sunday.
The Albany Twickenham
Steps away from the River Thames and with a panoramic view to take your breath away, The Albany in Twickenham is a gastropub with charm and elegance. Inside, the open-plan dining room is spacious and airy. The modern rustic decor features reclaimed wood tables, potted plants aplenty and many subtle nautical touches that give a telling nod to the pub’s waterside location. Diners can choose to be seated on plush banquettes or at window tables bathed in sunlight with some of the best views in the area. The roast itself is raved about far and wide. The beef and lamb are tender and cooked to perfection, and the vegetables are full of flavour. The homemade Yorkshire pudding is a particular highlight, golden and fluffy bottom means it’s perfect for mopping up that rich gravy. This roast delivers on flavour and coupled with the excellent surroundings, The Albany in Twickenham is a Sunday hit.
The Selkirk, Tooting
If Tooting has a Sunday roast scene, The Selkirk is at its epicentre. A proper pub, independent at heart, with a stylish, almost hipster aesthetic, think quirky mismatched furniture and stained glass, all accented with a Wes Anderson colour palette. There is a spacious beer garden out back, festooned with lights that can turn summer evenings into the perfect environment to enjoy a Sunday roast. As casual as the decor is here, the food itself is the opposite. Everything is carefully crafted, the meat is melt-in-the-mouth, soft and juicy, whereas the roast potatoes are hot and crisp, often producing a crunch that is as satisfying to the ears as it is to the tastebuds. The plate is rounded off perfectly with honey-glazed parsnips and carrot and swede mash – the latter adding a creamy texture to a plate already brimming with sensory delights.
The Bricklayer’s Arms, Putney
Tucked away on a residential street, the Bricklayer’s Arms feels like stepping into a Victorian postcard. The Bricklayers has an ivy-covered exterior that masks a low-ceilinged space filled with dark wood, antique prints and classic patterned carpets. Dating back to 1826 and one of the oldest pubs in Putney, The Bricklayers is the definition of a Victorian hostelry. However, there is no hint of stuffiness here. The pub is a warm, community-first establishment, providing a welcoming atmosphere and superb food. Their roast beef is the showstopper, thick cut, tender, and perfectly pink. The vegetables are plentiful, served beautifully in sharing dishes and the roast potatoes are fluffy and golden. Couple this with pints poured from award-winning casks, and your roast will be as deeply rooted in local tradition as the floorboards beneath your chair.
From Putney’s pub classics to Twickenham’s riverside elegance, South West London’s Sunday roast scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Wherever you find yourself slicing through a Yorkshire pudding, one thing is certain: this is not just a plate of food, it’s a cultural cornerstone. Whether you’re charmed by the candlelit chic of Poule au Pot, basking in the modern warmth of The Railway, or soaking up the sun and gravy on The Albany’s terrace, there’s a roast for every taste and tastebud.
