The Best Sunday Roasts In Bath
There’s something uniquely comforting about a proper Sunday roast. It’s more than just a meal, it’s a British tradition. The scent of slow-roasted meats, the golden crisp of roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire puddings and that all-important pour of rich, velvety gravy, it’s a feast that brings people together and rounds off the weekend in style.
In Bath, the Sunday roast has been elevated to an art form. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pub classics or prefer a gourmet twist on this homely favourite, the city is brimming with top-notch spots to indulge. Let’s take a culinary tour of the best places in Bath to enjoy a Sunday roast, whatever your taste, budget, or dietary preference.
Tradition Meets Quality: Chequers on Rivers Street
Tucked away just off The Circus, Chequers is a favourite for those who want a Sunday roast that blends heritage with refinement. This Michelin guide-listed gastropub serves up beautifully plated meals that are as comforting as they are impressive. Whether you opt for rump of beef, chicken supreme or pork belly with crackling, each roast comes with duck-fat potatoes, seasonal veg and lashings of red wine gravy. Even vegetarians are well catered for with a squash, leek and smoked cheese Wellington that’s full of flavour.
Chequers is as popular with locals as it is with visiting foodies, so booking ahead is a wise move, especially if you’re eyeing a late lunch.
Riverside Dining at The Bathwick Boatman
For a Sunday lunch with a view, The Bathwick Boatman offers rustic charm by the riverside and a roast to match. The setting alone is enough to make it memorable: sunlight dancing on the Avon, ducks drifting by and the scent of rosemary-roasted potatoes drifting from the kitchen. The roast itself is generously portioned, with options like beef, chicken, lamb shoulder and pork loin, plus a tasty vegan pastry alternative.
This is the kind of place where meals linger long into the afternoon, glasses clink and you remember why Sundays are so sacred.
Community Spirit at The Pulteney Arms
A stone’s throw from Sydney Gardens, The Pulteney Arms feels like a true neighbourhood pub with a roaring log fire, friendly staff and even a resident Labrador to greet you at the door. Their roast is all about comfort: think tender slices of meat, perfectly crisped potatoes and Yorkshire puddings the size of your fist. For plant-based diners, the mushroom pie is a standout alternative.
It’s a favourite among locals for good reason. Come here for the roast, stay for the atmosphere and maybe a second pint.
Live Music and Local Flavours at Green Park Brasserie
Set in a beautifully converted Victorian train station, Green Park Brasserie combines the charm of live jazz with a menu that heroes local produce. Their Sunday roasts featuring Castlemead chicken, Newton Farm beef and Tunley pork are a highlight and there’s no shortage of vegetarian or vegan options either. It’s lively without being chaotic, making it ideal for families, couples or groups of friends catching up.
With market stalls outside and happy hour deals, it’s a uniquely Bath experience where music, community and food come together.
Upscale Indulgence at The Elder
If your idea of a Sunday roast involves pressed linen napkins and impeccable service, The Elder is the place to be. Nestled on South Parade, it offers a refined take on tradition, with slow-roast sirloin or chicken served alongside carefully curated sides. The set menu (two or three courses) might include heritage carrots, fluffy pommes Anna and perfectly seasoned gravy, all served in a smart, intimate dining room.
This is where Bath’s culinary credentials really shine and where roast lovers with a taste for the finer things will feel right at home. Booking is a must.
Something a Bit Different: The Bear Inn, Bear Flat
Overlooking the city from Bear Flat, The Bear Inn offers a slightly different spin on the classic Sunday roast. Here, the focus is on hearty, pie-based roasts ideal for those who want their meal wrapped in pastry and smothered in gravy. Choose from meat or vegan pies, paired with mash, roasties and giant Yorkshire puddings. It’s comfort food with a twist, in a setting that feels both stylish and down-to-earth.
It’s especially popular with locals, so booking ahead is sensible if you’re visiting for the first time.
Old-School Charm at The Salamander
Located just off Queen Square, The Salamander (also known as “The Sally” to locals) is steeped in history and brimming with character. On Sundays, it transforms into a roast lover’s paradise, serving up plates of Ruby Red beef, 12-hour lamb shoulder and pork belly alongside seasonal veg and generous Yorkshires. Their vegan nut roast is a favourite with plant-based diners too.
With its traditional interior and welcoming buzz, it’s the sort of place you can easily lose track of time.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
If you’re still hungry for options, Bath has plenty more up its sleeve. The Huntsman in the city centre offers a quick and satisfying roast in a grand Georgian setting. Victoria Pub & Kitchen near Royal Victoria Park is perfect for al fresco dining when the weather plays ball, while The Boater, perched by the canal, adds cauliflower cheese and swede purée to its classic roast for an extra flourish. Let’s not forget The Crystal Palace, where roasts are served sharing-style, ideal for family feasting.
More Than a Meal: Why It Matters
What makes a Sunday roast so special in Bath isn’t just the food, it’s the experience. It’s the warm welcome at the door, the soft hum of conversation over clinking glasses, the shared stories and the slow pace. These roasts are part of the fabric of life here.
For anyone considering a move to Bath, this is the kind of lifestyle that awaits: vibrant, welcoming and deliciously communal. At Zest, we know that finding a great neighbourhood isn’t just about schools and transport, it’s about finding places where you feel at home, whether that’s at your dining table or someone else’s.
Ready to Make Bath Your Home?
A good roast might seal the deal. If you’re house-hunting in the city, let Zest show you not only the best properties but also the best Sunday spots nearby. Finding your perfect home should come with a side of crispy potatoes.
Get in touch with Zest today, we’d love to help you find your perfect place in Bath.
