What's the best part of a roast dinner?
We all have our favourite pub food. Maybe you can't get enough of beer-battered fish and chips. Maybe a ribeye steak tops your list. Perhaps a lasagne or hearty vegetable curry is the clear winner. Either way, there's a meal that seems to unite tastes across the board: the Great British Sunday roast.
Of course, it’s not just about the food itself. The amount of work it takes to create a truly epic roast dinner is one of the things that sets this apart from your average midweek meal. It’s one that practically requires inviting family or mates over, maybe getting a few extra helping hands in the kitchen, and spending quality time together. It’s about passing dishes around, catching up, and creating moments that stay with you, all while enjoying delicious food.
There’s something about the smell of a roast filling the air and the taste of that first bite that puts a smile on everyone’s face. So, what exactly makes the Sunday roast such a crowd-pleaser? And most importantly, what’s the best part? Let’s tuck in:
The centrepiece of the feast: meat and gravy
At the heart of every Sunday roast is the main dish, a choice that can define the entire meal. One of the best things about a pub roast is that the elements it consists of can vary, so there’s no shortage of ways to keep it fresh and exciting. Of course, there are traditional options that have stood the test of time. Beef sirloin, for example, is often roasted to achieve that harmonious balance of a tender inside and crispy outside, topped off with a rich gravy that complements its deep flavours. Roast chicken, another favourite, is seasoned and roasted until the skin is perfectly crispy, with the meat staying juicy throughout.
Roast turkey isn't just for Christmas. Its lean meat makes it a healthier choice, yet it's every bit as indulgent, especially when it's perfectly cooked and packed full of flavour. For those looking for a meat-free option, a nut roast wellington is a hearty, savoury alternative, packed with nuts and vegetables, encased in pastry, and usually served with the same rich gravy that makes meat dishes shine.
Whether you stick with just one, give the people at your table the option of two mains, or go big with all four, you simply can’t go wrong. Each choice has its own way of preparation, but what they all share is the care and attention to detail that turns them into the stars of the show. Whether it's the slow roasting of meat or the intricate crafting of a vegetarian wellington, it's about taking the time to bring out the best in each ingredient.
The sides that can steal the show
The roast dinner is one of the few meals where the sides are more than capable of sharing the glory. Done well, they can turn a good Sunday roast into an unforgettable one. Take roast potatoes, for example. We’ve not met a single person that dislikes a roastie, and anyone will tell you the best roasties are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and made even better when they’ve soaked up a bit of gravy. Then there's the Yorkshire pudding, a masterpiece of simplicity that’s anything but simple to get right. Light, airy, and with just the right amount of crisp, it’s a vessel for gravy, a companion to meats, and a delight in every bite.
Though it’s optional in most households, we reckon cauliflower cheese is another element that makes a Sunday roast the ultimate meal to kickstart the week. This side brings a creamy, comforting texture and a rich, cheesy flavour that beautifully contrasts the more savoury elements of a roast dinner. It’s a dish that often competes with the main for the spotlight, and rightfully so. And then there’s the stuffing - whether you go with sage & onion or sausage meat & breadcrumbs, this subtle addition brings depth and an extra hit of flavour to the plate, making each forkful even more delicious.
The greener side: veggies and mash
No roast dinner is complete without a medley of seasonal veg, so let’s shine a light on the unsung heroes of the meal. Whichever vegetables you choose, these elements bring a zing of freshness and comfort to the dish that perfectly balances the rich flavours of the main you serve. And that means they deserve an equal amount of attention!
Starting with the mash, it’s the ultimate comfort side. Smooth, creamy, with just the right touch of butter, it sets the stage for the rich gravy. Along with those deliciously golden roast potatoes, mash is a bit of an indulgence on the plate. But what else are Sundays for?
Then there are the vegetables, adding their own burst of colour and sweet flavours to the mix. From the caramelised edges of beautifully herby, roasted carrots to the tender bite of steamed broccoli, these veggies are far from an afterthought. They’re the perfect complement to the rest of your plate.
The combo of mashed potatoes and veg doesn’t just accompany the main elements of the roast, it actually completes them. Together they turn the humble Sunday roast into a well-rounded feast that leaves everyone at the table feeling full and satisfied.
The perfect pairings: drinks and desserts
Let's shift gears from the savoury to the sippable because no Sunday roast is complete without the right drink in hand. Whether you’re a fan of a fruity pale ale or a glass of wine, the right drink can really add to your roast. Ales are great with pretty much everything if we do say so ourselves, adding a homely feel to the meal, while a glass of red wine can make that beef sirloin taste even better. If white wine’s more your thing, it’s always a winner with chicken or turkey.
After everyone’s finished the main event (and if anyone has space left), it's time to talk about dessert. This is the real highlight of Sunday lunch for many, so it has to stand up against that spectacular roast dinner. Sticky toffee pudding served with warm custard is a real favourite. Or if your guests include chocoholics, you can’t fail to impress with a decadent triple chocolate brownie. Serve these up with a scoop of either vanilla or clotted cream ice cream, and you’re all but guaranteed your roast dinner ends on a high note.
Feeling hungry? Find a pub serving Sunday roasts near you
Feeling the Sunday roast calling? Well, the good news is that almost every single part of the roast we've raved about can be found waiting to satisfy your cravings at a Greene King pub near you. So, if you fancy tucking into an epic roast dinner without the hours of prep and the mountain of washing up, gather your crew and find your perfect spot.
Enter your postcode into our pub finder and let us guide you to your nearest Greene King pub for that ultimate Sunday Roast experience. From succulent meats and golden roasties to the heartiest gravy in town, we're all set to make your Sunday special. So, why wait? Book a table, block out your Sunday, and get set for the perfect way to kickstart your week.