If you ask the average Londoner their Sunday plans, they will most likely revolve around a roast. From the fluffy Yorkshire puddings to the succulent, gravy-drizzled beef- there’s something in this indulgent meal for everyone. What’s more, there’s a particular charm to the entire experience of a Sunday roast. The scaries that once enveloped the inhabitants of our fast-paced city have been replaced with hours of blissful eating, 3pm glasses of merlot, and an order of dessert with little room to spare. While the tradition of a Sunday Lunch dates back to the 15th century, it is today that this weekly ritual has truly taken London by storm, with many securing their bookings weeks in advance.
With so many restaurants now hopping on the bandwagon, how can you differentiate the experts from the opportunists? Nobody wants to be served an undercooked potato, or worse, a slice of tough meat.
Fear not- we’ve found just the hidden gem to spend the perfect Sunday. Introducing Rugby Tavern, the traditional London pub with a luxuriously French twist; serving exquisite starters, glorious cocktails, and most importantly, a generous, hearty roast.
Nestled amongst Georgian houses on a Holborn side street, you’ll find an inviting, traditional pub emitting a soft buzz of laughter and chatter- a sure sign that you’ve stumbled across a hidden gem. Step inside the Rugby Tavern and head upstairs. Here’s where you will find the quaint, peaceful dining room. With indigo blue walls, golden-framed paintings and a soft glow of low-lit table lamps, the interior boasts a beautiful art-deco style. However, the opulent setting brings with it no egotism or pretentiousness. Instead, you can enjoy an indulgent afternoon in a warm, welcoming environment. The service is friendly, the kitchen is accommodating to allergens, and best of all, the high-quality, superb dishes won’t break the bank. In fact, the Sunday Lunch menu offers a generous 3-course meal for just £30.
The refreshing range of spritzes are the perfect way to stimulate the appetite (not that it will be needed). We began with a classic Hugo Spritz and a Bellini, before our starters were presented before us. The first dish to arrive was the tenderstem and cauliflower tempura. The golden coating of the vegetables was airy, delicate and paired beautifully with a basil mayonnaise.
Next was the treacle cured salmon, served with pickled carrot and Granny Smith Apple. The sweet and sour toppings against the fresh salmon created a medley of delicious flavours to tingle the taste buds. The starters were mouth-watering yet beautifully light, because when it comes to a Sunday roast, one must always leave ample room for the main course.
Of course, the main event did not disappoint. Beef that melted in the mouth, gravy that met the impossible requirement of being neither too thin nor too thick, and potatoes roasted to a crisp perfection.
Not to mention the Yorkshire puddings, with a golden crust ripped open to reveal a fluffy, buttery interior. Once the main courses had been devoured, we had little room for much more. Yet still, in true Sunday roast fashion, we sheepishly agreed to “have a look” at the dessert menu anyways. After laying eyes on a dark chocolate brownie in a bitter chocolate sauce, any notions of skipping a sweet treat were quickly pushed to one side. It was the perfect finish to the heavenly dining experience that we perhaps didn’t need, but certainly desired.
In conclusion, don’t wander aimlessly in search of fluffy puddings and golden roasties this weekend. In doing so, you may fall victim to the first pub you see with a ‘Sunday Lunch’ sign. Instead, go prepared, visit the Rugby Tavern website and secure a spot in the exquisite environment with top-quality food. Our advice? Act quick, while it remains a hidden gem!
