There’s nothing like waking up on a crisp Sunday and sauntering slowly around town – getting a coffee, exploring a park, and tumbling cosily into a grand old pub with a roaring fire for a hearty roast.
But there’s also nothing like the disappointment of a failed roast. Undercooked potatoes, thin gravy, Yorkshire puddings the texture of cardboard – we’ve all been there. Our advice? It’s time to switch things up and try an alternative roast. In east London, chefs are inflecting the British classic with different cuisines and techniques; think zingy jerk spices, masala potatoes and piri-piri. Here are four to try.
The Macbeth, Hoxton
This month, live music boozer-turned-Portuguese gastropub The Macbeth has launched Portuguese Sunday roasts. House-made piri-piri sauce will bring the zest and heat to generous plates of roast beef, or a whole or half roast chicken with potatoes and rice. Music is in this century-old pub’s DNA, and Sundays will now be marked by soul, funk and reggae, with Rodger Grant of Soul Partizan Radio on the decks.
Copper Cats, Dalston
Javier McLeod-King of Foodie & Grubbies Kitchen has put a Jamaican spin on the classic roast at Dalston neighbourhood bar Copper Cats. Here, jerk chicken, red snapper, coconut rice, peas, plantain and chickpea curry are served with a giant Yorkshire pudding. The venue is giant too, so you’ll have ample elbow room. “The snapper is done in the traditional Caribbean way, which was taught to me by my mother,” McLeod-King says. “The sides are a way to combine both traditional British and Jamaican flavours – I grew having rice and peas and mac’n’cheese next to a Yorkshire and roast potatoes, so it’s only right to present what I know.”
Ridley Road Social Club Kitchen, Dalston
At this community-focused arts club, east Londoners spend their Sunday afternoons tucking into plates piled high with crisp potatoes, succulent roast beef, gravy-doused veggies and two Yorkshire puddings. These roasts are more on the trad side, but the setting is not; meals take place alongside artist studios and a vinyl shop. There are vegan- and gluten-free options too, including a hearty beetroot, cashew and mixed seeds roast.
The Jolly Butcher, Stoke Newington
Booma Kitchen has been at the helm of this craft beer boozer’s menu for a while now. Following the kathi rolls, chops and makhanis served during the week comes the piece de resistance every Sunday: a tandoori half chicken with masala potatoes (plus the team’s beer expertise to pair a pint with your meal). It’s best to arrive early to make sure you get the masala potatoes, as they often sell out.
