My First Sunday Roast: Bringing London's Coziest Tradition to My Kitchen

There's something absolutely magical about stumbling upon a tradition that makes you rethink everything you know about Sunday dinner.

For me, that moment happened last year in London, sitting in Lamb Tavern, when I experienced my first proper Sunday roast.

Lamb Tavern London, England

Falling in Love with Sunday Roast

Picture this: a cozy British pub, rain softly tapping against the windows, and a plate arriving at my table piled high with perfectly roasted meat, crispy potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and something I'd never even heard of before planning my trip to London - Yorkshire puddings.

On first sight, I didn't know what to expect with these golden, puffy creations, but one bite and I was hooked. They were crispy on the outside, soft and eggy on the inside, and absolutely perfect for soaking up gravy.

Speaking of, let me tell you about the gravy.

The gravy ties everything together - it's the soul of a Sunday roast, bringing all those separate components into one harmonious, comforting meal.

Little fried sardine appetizer thingy SLAPPED!

As I sat there, fork in hand, I realized I was experiencing something special. This wasn't just dinner. This was a weekly celebration, a ritual that British families have cherished for generations.

The tradition of Sunday roast dates back centuries, rooted in the practice of cooking a large joint of meat after Sunday church services much like that of American culture.

Families would gather around the table, share stories from the week, and enjoy a proper feast together. It's essentially like having Thanksgiving every single Sunday, and honestly? I think that's absolutely brilliant.

A Note on British vs. American Flavors

During my time in London (which you can read more about in my upcoming London travel post, I noticed something interesting about the food.

British cuisine tends to let the natural flavors of quality ingredients shine through, which means the seasoning is often more subtle than what we are accustomed to in the States.

It's not better or worse - just different, and it reflects a different culinary philosophy.

In the US, we love our seasonings. We're generous with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices, building layers of bold flavor into everything we make.

So while I absolutely respect the traditional British approach, my Sunday roast is going to have a Southern U.S. influence.

In these recipes you can expect well-seasoned meat, punchy herbs, and vegetables that aren't shy about their flavor.

That's what Rue's Global Kitchen is all about - taking the traditions I discover in my travels and elevating them with the techniques and flavors that suit my tastebuds (and hopefully yours).

Other British Food Traditions Worth Exploring

While the Sunday roast stole my heart, London offered so many other incredible food experiences.

Afternoon tea was another highlight - the delicate sandwiches, fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, and beautiful pastries all served on tiered stands. There's something wonderfully civilized about pausing your afternoon for tea and treats.

Afternoon Tea at Tiffany's Blue Box Cafe @ Harrods

Of course, I had to try proper fish and chips - crispy battered fish, thick-cut chips (that's fries for us Americans), and mushy peas. It's comfort food at its finest, best enjoyed wrapped in paper while walking along the Thames.

If you're planning a trip to London, these are the food experiences you absolutely cannot miss:

• Sunday Roast - Obviously! Try it at a traditional pub

• Afternoon Tea - Splurge on at least one fancy afternoon tea service (The Tiffany Cafe is no longer there, but I did try a lovely afternoon tea while there this year that the Bingham Riverhouse)

• Fish and Chips - Get the authentic experience from a proper chippy

• Full English Breakfast - Start your day the British way

• Pub Fare - Shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, steak and ale pie

  
  

London is absolutely epic for food lovers. The mix of traditional British cuisine and the city's incredible international food scene means you could eat your way through a different culture every single day.

Bringing Sunday Roast Home: My Menu

After returning from London, I couldn't stop thinking about that Sunday roast. I needed to recreate it, but in my own way - honoring the tradition while infusing it with my style of cooking. This is my first Sunday roast, and I'm so excited to share it with you.

Here's what's on my table:

Buttermilk Brined Roasted Chicken Instead of the traditional beef, I'm going with chicken - but not just any chicken. This bird gets a buttermilk brine that keeps it incredibly juicy and adds subtle tang. The result is tender, flavorful meat with crispy, golden skin. And as always, I get my chickens from a Halal grocer, so you'll notice it is smaller, but it definitely tastes better.

Yorkshire Puddings The star of the show! These magical little vessels are crispy, golden, and absolutely essential. They're perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy. I was skeptical before trying them in London, but now I can't imagine Sunday roast without them.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes British roast potatoes are in a league of their own - fluffy inside, shatteringly crispy outside. The secret is in the technique, and I'm sharing all my tips for getting them absolutely perfect. Let me tell you, once you try potatoes this way, it will be so hard to want them any other way.

White Wine Pan Gravy Rich, savory, and made with the pan drippings from the chicken, this gravy gets extra depth from white wine. It's the glue that holds the entire meal together, and I make sure there's plenty of it.

Caramelized Roasted Root Vegetables Carrots and parsnips roasted until sweet and caramelized, bringing earthy, natural sweetness to balance all the savory elements.

Tennessee Cauliflower and Onion Casserole Here's where the deep South meets the UK. This creamy, indulgent casserole is my elevated take on a vegetable side, adding richness and comfort to the traditional roast.

Southern Green Beans Cooked with smoked turkey and TLC -- in a crockpot!

Why Sunday Roast is Perfect for the Holidays (or Any Sunday)

Here's what I love most about this meal: it's not just for Sundays. This spread makes an absolutely incredible holiday meal.

Whether you're looking for an alternative to your usual holiday menu or want to start a new tradition, Sunday roast checks all the boxes.

It's impressive, comforting, feeds a crowd, and creates that warm, gathered-around-the-table atmosphere that makes holidays special.

But you also don't need to wait for a special occasion. The British have it right - why not make every Sunday feel like a celebration?

Set aside a few hours on Sunday afternoon, put on some music, and let your kitchen fill with the smells of roasting meat and vegetables. Invite friends or family over, or make it a cozy meal just for yourself. Either way, you're honoring a beautiful tradition and treating yourself to something truly special.

Ready to Make Your Own Sunday Roast?

I'm walking you through every single component of this meal with detailed recipes for each dish.

Click through to any recipe above to get started, or tackle the whole menu at once if you're feeling ambitious. NGL, this was a challenge to cook all in one day.

I've included timing tips in each recipe to help you coordinate everything so it all comes together hot and ready at the same time.

Trust me, once you experience that first bite - Yorkshire pudding soaked in gravy, a piece of that juicy chicken, crispy potato, and sweet roasted vegetables all on your fork at once - you'll understand why Sunday roast has been a beloved tradition for centuries.

Here's to bringing the best of my travels to your table, one delicious tradition at a time.

Have you ever had a proper Sunday roast? Or is this going to be your first? Let me know in the comments below!

For more recipes inspired by my travels, check out the links above. And stay tuned for my full London travel guide coming soon!