Best Sunday Roast in London: Top Pubs for Expats

The best Sunday roast in London is found at The Harwood Arms in Fulham for high-end Michelin-starred quality, or The Marksman in Hackney for a refined yet traditional pub atmosphere. For an unapologetically meaty experience, Blacklock (various locations) offers some of the best value and flavor in the city. If you are an Aussie or Kiwi expat living in London or just visiting, finding that perfect plate of beef, Yorkshire pudding, and lashings of gravy is a rite of passage.

Why the Sunday Roast is an Expat Essential

Moving to London from Sydney, Melbourne, or Auckland often comes with a bit of a culture shock, but the Sunday roast is the great equalizer. It is more than just a meal; it is a weekly institution that brings people together in a cozy, often dimly lit pub while it is inevitably raining outside.

To find these hidden gems, you are going to need reliable data. Relying on your home carrier's international roaming is a quick way to burn through your travel budget before you have even ordered a pint. Instead of paying the Telstra International Day Pass or Optus daily roaming fees, getting a local connection ensures you can navigate the Tube, book tables on OpenTable, and post your food pics without the bill shock. You can see plans for the UK to get started.

The Heavy Hitters: Where to Eat

1. The Harwood Arms, Fulham

This is the only pub in London with a Michelin star, and it shows. The roast here is legendary, often featuring gamey meats like venison alongside the traditional beef. It is expensive and hard to book, but it is the gold standard.

2. Blacklock, Various Locations

If you want a "skin-in-the-game" kind of roast, Blacklock is the place. Their "All In" option serves a mix of beef, lamb, and pork with all the trimmings. It is served family-style on a giant platter, making it perfect for a group of expats missing a backyard BBQ.

3. The Marksman, Hackney

Located in the trendy East End, The Marksman was the first pub in London to be named Michelin Pub of the Year. Their roast chicken for two is iconic, but their beef roast with horseradish cream is what keeps the locals coming back.

4. The Quality Chop House, Farringdon

While technically a dining room and butcher, their Sunday service is elite. The focus here is on the quality of the meat—sourced from their own butcher next door. The confit potatoes are a mandatory side dish.

Staying Connected While Pub Crawling

London is a massive, sprawling city. Finding a specific pub in the mews of Belgravia or the backstreets of Shoreditch requires a constant GPS connection. If you are still using your Australian or New Zealand SIM card, you are likely paying upwards of $10 a day for the privilege of using your own data.

AussieRoam offers a better way. By using an eSIM, you connect directly to local UK networks like EE and 3. EE is widely regarded as the best for 5G coverage in London, while 3 provides excellent 4G backups in more residential areas.

Why a UK eSIM Beats Roaming

Feature	AussieRoam eSIM	Telstra/Optus Roaming
Network	Local (EE 5G / 3 4G)	Roaming Partner (often throttled)
Cost	One-off plan (no hidden fees)	Daily $5–$10 charge
Setup	Digital download	Automatic (but expensive)
Data	High-speed local priority	Often deprioritized
Number	Data only (use WhatsApp/Signal)	Keeps home number (expensive calls)

How to Install Your eSIM Before You Land

Don't wait until you are wandering around Heathrow trying to find a Wi-Fi signal. You can install your eSIM at the airport in Sydney, Brisbane, or Auckland and have it ready to go the moment your plane touches down in the UK.

For iPhone Users:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Scan the QR code provided in your AussieRoam confirmation email.
4. Label the new plan "London" or "Travel".
5. Set your "Primary" line for calls/SMS (keep your home SIM on) and the new eSIM for "Cellular Data".

For Android Users:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Tap the + next to SIMs or Mobile Network.
3. Select Download a SIM instead?.
4. Scan the QR code.
5. Ensure "Mobile Data" and "Roaming" are toggled ON for the new eSIM profile.

Before you buy, make sure to check if your device is a compatible phone. The process is simple, but your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party eSIM.

Navigating London's Connectivity Realities

London's infrastructure is a mix of cutting-edge 5G and Victorian-era brickwork. Here is what to expect:

• The Tube: Most of the London Underground does not have mobile signal between stations, though Wi-Fi is available at many platforms. However, 4G and 5G are being rolled out on the Jubilee, Central, and Northern lines. Having a pre-loaded map is essential.
• Indoor Coverage: Those thick-walled pubs we love for roasts are notorious for blocking signals. If you are deep inside a cellar bar, don't be surprised if your 5G drops to 3G.
• Rural Trips: If you take a weekend trip to the Cotswolds or Cornwall to find a country roast, coverage can be spotty. AussieRoam's access to both EE and 3 networks gives you the best chance of staying connected in the sticks.

Choosing the Right Data Plan

How much data do you actually need for a roast-hunting expedition?

• 1GB to 3GB: Perfect for a long weekend or a quick business trip. Enough for Google Maps, Uber, and checking menus.
• 5GB to 10GB: The sweet spot for a 2-week holiday. This allows for social media uploads and the occasional video call home.
• 20GB to 50GB: Best for digital nomads or expats who haven't set up home broadband yet.

Remember, these are data-only plans. You won't get a local UK phone number, but in 2026, you don't really need one. WhatsApp, Messenger, and FaceTime work perfectly over your data connection, allowing you to call the pub to tell them you're running ten minutes late for your reservation. You can see plans to find the right fit for your stay length.

Beyond the Roast: Other Foodie Adventures

If you are a true food lover, London is just the beginning. Many expats use London as a base to explore Europe and Asia. If you find yourself heading East after your UK stint, you might want to check out our Fukuoka Ramen Guide for the best Tonkotsu in Japan, or dive into Street Food in Old Town Phuket if you are chasing some heat to balance out all that British gravy.

Setting Up Your Connection

If you are new to the world of digital SIMs, the setup guide explains the technical side in plain English. The main takeaway is that you are bypassing the middleman (your home carrier) and connecting directly to the towers in the UK. This is how you get local speeds without the local contract.

The bottom line

Finding the best Sunday roast in London is a journey of discovery that requires a bit of planning and a lot of data. By skipping the expensive roaming charges from Telstra or Optus and opting for an AussieRoam eSIM, you save enough money to upgrade to that extra side of cauliflower cheese and a second pint of ale. Install before you fly, land at Heathrow or Gatwick, and start your search for the ultimate Yorkshire pudding immediately.

FAQ

Do I need a local UK phone number to book a roast?

Most London pubs use online booking systems like OpenTable or Resy which only require an email address. For the few that require a phone number, you can usually use your Australian or NZ number with the international prefix (+61 or +64) via data-based apps.

Which network has the best coverage in London pubs?

EE generally has the strongest signal penetration in London, though the thick walls of historic pubs can be a challenge for any carrier. AussieRoam plans utilize EE and 3 to give you the best possible coverage.

Can I use my eSIM for the London Underground?

Mobile signal is currently limited in the tunnels but is being expanded. You can use your eSIM data to access station Wi-Fi or use 4G/5G on the platforms and newer sections of the Elizabeth Line.

Is 5G available on AussieRoam UK plans?

Yes, our UK eSIMs support 5G on the EE network, provided you have a 5G-capable device and are in a coverage area. This is ideal for quickly uploading high-quality photos of your Sunday roast.

What happens if I run out of data while out?

You can easily top up your plan through the AussieRoam website. Your data only plan will stop working once the limit is reached, so there are never any overage charges.