People can be quick to claim that the UK doesn’t have any national dishes to be proud of. To which I always mention the Sunday Roast! There’s nothing more warming for the soul than a crisp autumnal walk followed by a tasty roast dinner with friends. As usual, Bristol is not short of great options, and I’ve listed 8 favourites of mine below.

Old Market Assembly

• Old Market Assembly, Old Market – I’ve tried both their regular Sunday roast and their Christmas menu and both are wonderful. The Christmas menu in particular really stood out with a creative sharing starter concept and beautifully cooked brisket for my main. I’ve also seen a show at The Wardrobe Theatre, and they even have a lovely outdoor rooftop terrace upstairs. Roasts £16.5-£21.
• Pasture, Redcliffe – after sampling their excellent steaks, we knew we had to return for a Sunday Roast, and once again the quality and the cooking of the meat was impeccable, paired with excellent side dishes. Definitely a more expensive option but well worth it. Roasts £23-26 (house cuts priced by weight and sharing options also available).

Pasture

• Caper & Cure, Stokes Croft – this charming space offers a delicious roast along with great desserts and lovely non-alcoholic drinks options (something I’m always on the lookout for and really makes a place stand out for me). Roasts £18-24.
• Kensington Arms, Redland – a fantastic Sunday Roast, which I’ve experienced both in the regular restaurant space and in their upstairs private dining rooms for birthday celebrations (I’d highly recommend for a special occasion). It’s a great neighbourhood spot for a drink too. Roasts £32.5 for two courses in the main restaurant.
• Bank, Totterdown – between four of us we sampled the lamb shoulder, pork belly and beef short rib, and each was cooked beautifully and served with delicious sides. The beef and the broccoli gratin in particular had a lovely smokey flavour from being cooked over fire, which is Bank’s speciality. I’m keen to return to sample their regular menu. Roasts £16.8-31 (sharing roasts also available).

Kensington Arms

• Clifton Sausage, Clifton – a reliable old favourite. Roasts £26.5 for two courses.
• Bank Tavern, Old City – the infamous roast with the 3-year waiting list had to be tried. We found a hack – in December they usually offer a Christmas roast served on both Saturdays and Sundays, so without much difficulty we booked a Saturday! It was definitely really delicious and lovely to be in such a tiny pub, though if I’m being honest I’m not sure I’d wait 3 years for it. Roasts £21.95.
• The Lock Up, Redfield – roasts done well in an easygoing setting, the ideal spot after a stroll around St. George Park. Roasts £18-20.

Bank Tavern

My roast meat of choice is usually beef, and my boyfriend often goes for pork belly with a side of cauliflower cheese. Please note that all prices stated are those listed on each restaurant website in November 2025. The next place on my list to try for a Sunday roast is Malago on North Street, as I’ve heard great things about it. Do you have any more recommendations?

Alexa

P.S. If you enjoyed reading this post, you may like to take a look at Top Bristol Restaurants for a Celebratory Meal and Bristol’s Best Asian Food.

Header photo: Pasture