Where We Go for a Sunday Roast in North West London

Sunday lunch sorted, from a Hampstead pub pouring since 1721 to a heated garden in Kensal Rise.

Every city has its iconic establishment, the cornerstone of every street or neighbourhood that forms both a hub of social life and a utility for the people who live there. In New York it’s the bodega, in Tokyo the konbini, Milan has its espresso bars and tabaccherie, and Berlin has the Späti. But are any of them as truly iconic as the London pub? We’d argue no. And what London’s pubs can offer that none of those others can is the best food: a good old-fashioned Sunday roast. Meat and gravy, mash and veggies, Yorkshire pudding steaming from the oven. Forgive the John Bull overtones, but it’s enough to make you patriotic.

But as anyone who knows London’s pubs will tell you, there’s a roast, and there’s a roast. Only a few places serve one so rich, filling and brilliantly cooked that it chases away the Sunday scaries and just about makes you forget the weekday grind. In North West London, you’ll find several. Here are our favourites, to save you the decision paralysis.

The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead

If time is any evidence of quality, it’s hard to argue that the Duke of Hamilton is anything less than spectacular, given it’s been part of Hampstead’s food and drink scene since 1721. The names in its history include icons like Richard Burton, Peter O’Toole and Oliver Reed. Current management has been in charge since 2019: three local lads with an enduring love for the historic haunt, who took on the responsibility of renewing it and knocked it out of the park.

The Hamilton’s palate is British pub with a modern twist, and a powerful commitment to produce quality, sourcing its meat locally from The Hampstead Butchers. Its extensive offering of craft beers and wine means you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to pairings.

23-25 New End, NW3 1JD. Nearest station: Hampstead.

The Chamberlayne, Kensal Rise

The Chamberlayne has the vibe of a real classic local. Real familiar-faces energy emanates from the rugged countertops and tile work. But in their own words, their focus is more culinarily ambitious than that: “We pride ourselves on being a truly ‘foodie’ pub.” An emphasis on seasonal ingredients sets the menu apart.

Set in a former bank, this Kensal Rise classic is the place to go for a hearty but slightly chef-y roast, in the company of locals, families, friendly staff and sometimes a furry friend in the corner.

83 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3ND. Nearest station: Kensal Rise.

The Whippet Inn, Kensal Rise

Of these three picks, the Whippet Inn has the most original selling point: its heated, year-round garden, where you can enjoy a pint before or after your roast in the fresh air without risking frostbite or hypothermia in the midwinter London drizzle.

As for the food, they offer options like 28-day aged sirloin, Duroc free-range pork belly, and a beetroot, nut and butternut squash Wellington. This is the spot to go for a real treat, with plates that feel decadent.

64-66 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3JJ. Nearest station: Kensal Rise.

Written by Alex Walker, lead writer at North by West, with insights from the Camerons Stiff & Co team.