For the best Sunday roast in Bath, the gastropubs lead: the Marlborough Tavern by Royal Victoria Park is consistently named among the city's finest, the Chequers on Rivers Street has been serving since 1776, and the Hare and Hounds up Lansdown pairs a strong roast with a view. Here are six worth booking, with what each does well.
Roasts in Bath sell out and kitchens often finish early on Sundays, so book ahead and go for an earlier sitting. Prices are given where published.
1. The Chequers
Photo: chequersbath.net
Rivers Street. A gastropub serving since 1776, with roast beef around £26 and roasts running from about midday to early evening. One of the smartest roasts in the city, in a handsome old building.
2. The Marlborough Tavern
Photo: marlborough-tavern.com
By Royal Victoria Park. Consistently named among Bath's best roasts, with a creative kitchen and unusually good vegetarian and vegan options alongside the meat. Book well ahead.
3. The Hare and Hounds
Lansdown, above the city. Roasts just above £20, with a standout roast pork loin and crackling, and panoramic views over Bath from the terrace. Worth the trip up the hill.
4. The Salamander
John Street. A traditional central pub with a celebrated roast, but the Sunday kitchen closes early, so book and arrive in good time. Handy for the centre.
5. The Locksbrook Inn
Locksbrook Road, riverside. A popular canalside gastropub with a good setting for a lazy Sunday. Currently trading and a pleasant walk out along the water.
6. King William
Thomas Street, London Road. A small listed-building gastropub (same owners as the Garrick's Head) with well-regarded roasts. It's tiny, so booking is essential.
The honest alternative
If the gastropubs are full, several of Bath's traditional pubs do a walk-in roast that won't win awards but will do the job. And if you'd rather a lighter Sunday, an afternoon tea or a long bakery brunch is a very Bath alternative; see afternoon tea and tearooms in Bath. For the pubs themselves, see the best pubs in Bath.
FAQs
Where is the best Sunday roast in Bath?
The Marlborough Tavern by Royal Victoria Park is consistently rated Bath's best, with the Chequers (serving since 1776) and the Hare and Hounds close behind. All need booking ahead, as roasts sell out.
How much is a Sunday roast in Bath?
Roughly £20 to £26 for a main at the gastropubs: around £26 for roast beef at the Chequers and just over £20 at the Hare and Hounds, for example. Prices vary by cut and venue.
Do Bath pubs do vegetarian and vegan Sunday roasts?
Yes. The Marlborough Tavern is particularly known for strong vegetarian and vegan options alongside its meat roasts, and most of the gastropubs on this list offer a proper meat-free roast. Mention it when booking.
Do I need to book a Sunday roast in Bath?
Strongly recommended. The best roasts sell out and kitchens often close by mid-afternoon on Sundays, and smaller pubs like the King William have very limited space, so book ahead and choose an earlier sitting.