Best Sunday Roasts in Norfolk to Warm Your Soul This Autumn
There’s no better reward for the end of a long autumnal working week than settling into a cosy pub for a proper Sunday roast. With temperatures in Norfolk dropping and evenings drawing in, it’s time to embrace hearty local eateries, rich flavours and crackling firesides. We’ve selflessly tasted and rounded up some of the best Sunday roasts nearby in Norwich and Norfolk, each served in an atmospheric venue that begs to be savoured. From quaint village pubs to stylish urban eateries, these are our recommended places to spend Sunday unwinding and tucking into the county’s finest fare.
1. King’s Head, New Buckenham
Situated within the medieval streets of the charming village of New Buckenham, the King’s Head promises a Sunday afternoon of pure contentment. Those lucky enough to find themselves visiting with fleeting warm or sunny weather can take in the outdoor seating area to the left as they enter. However, for most visiting from October onwards, we recommend stepping inside. It’s here that the hum of conversation will welcome you in, alongside the smell of roasting meat, and a snug, rustic vibe – often with a roaring wood-burning stove near the bar.
Their roast dinners are legendary, and the team’s recent expansion to take on the Cellar House in Norwich is no surprise, adding to their mouth-watering menu provision already in place at The King’s Head and nearby Boars in Spooner Row.
Expect tender slices of beef, crispy roast potatoes, and rich homemade gravy served with heaps of seasonal veg. It’s a proper country pub, with views over the village green, making it the perfect spot to recharge after a bracing countryside walk in the many areas of natural Breckland beauty surrounding it.
Recommended option: The standout on their Sunday roast menu has to be the Beef Roast with Yorkshire pudding. The tender, slow-cooked beef paired with a Yorkshire pudding that’s as light as it is crispy creates the ultimate combination of flavours. Served alongside crispy roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables, this hearty meal is the perfect way to banish the chill of a crisp autumn day. Don’t forget to load up on the sides which are also delicious, especially the figgy stuffing they often have available.
2. Socius, Burnham Market
For those looking to enjoy their roast in more modern surroundings, Socius in Burnham Market delivers a sophisticated take on the Sunday classic. The stylish setting, with its airy interiors and open kitchen, is a far cry from your traditional pub, but the food is every bit as comforting and well worth the trip north of Norwich.
Here, you’ll find beautifully plated roast beef or pork belly, paired with innovative sides that bring out the best of local, seasonal ingredients. It’s Norfolk dining at its finest, where a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere meets the soul-warming satisfaction of a Sunday roast done right.
Recommended option: For a truly indulgent Sunday feast, go for the Roasted Pork Belly & Glazed Pork Cheek for two. Served with all the classic trimmings — including Yorkshire pudding, rosemary roast potatoes, and proper Sunday gravy — it’s a dish designed to be shared, offering rich, comforting flavours with a touch of refinement. If you’re craving something more individual, the Aged Beef is a fantastic option, cooked to perfection and paired with family-style sides that complete the ultimate roast experience.
3. Temple Bar, Norwich
A short walk from the city centre via St Giles you’ll have arrived at the always-packed Temple Bar. A roast here is a great idea after a wander through the historic city lanes. This is a traditional Irish bar where you’ll need to turn up early to get a table easily. On an autumnal day, the Temple Bar’s steamed-up windows hide within a maze of closely placed tables serving up a proper roast with perfectly cooked meat, gigantic Yorkshire puddings, and all the trimmings you could wish for.
The compact interior, with its exposed brickwork and low lighting, is perfect for huddling up on a blustery autumn day. They keep things simple here with a menu that’s stripped back and capable of luring you temptingly into an array of sweet treat desserts. You won’t need to worry about Norwich parking restrictions on a Sunday either, making this an ideal city centre venue for those driving in.
4. Crown Point Tavern, Trowse
Trowse may be just a stone’s throw from Norwich, but the Crown Point Tavern feels like a world away. This stately establishment, complete with welcoming pub-cat Edmund, sits nobly overlooking the valley below. The Crown Point is known for its laid-back vibe and generously portioned Sunday roasts provided by Blues NR3 who also cater over the The Rosebery in Norwich. Their dishes are served with fluffy Yorkshire puddings and crispy crackling that’s worth every indulgent bite. With plenty of space inside this quirky building and a delightful, vine-covered walled garden out the back, it’s a must-visit when you want to escape the city for a relaxed roast in picturesque surroundings.
Recommended option: Thanks to the Blues NR3 kitchen, A loaded-up plate of rolled pork is often on offer all served up with plenty of seasonal veg, lashings of homemade gravy and giant Yorkshire puddings. It’s a pure indulgence that’ll make you forget all about the coming week and help extend that weekend feel to the max.
5. The Goat Shed, Honingham
Housed in a beautifully restored and modernised barn, The Goat Shed in Honingham is where entrepreneurial passion and rural charm meet top-notch cooking. Their G.O.A.T. roasts, which were hugely popular last year, are made using meat sourced locally. The barn’s airy interior has a bespoke dining section to one side with plenty of seating for groups of various sizes. The venue is an ideal setting for long, leisurely Sunday lunches as the autumn breeze picks up outside. Since there’s the amazing farm shop attached, it’s well worth taking advantage of some of the other local produce available such as the beautiful Brick pizzas available to take away. Food at The Goat Shed is a shining example of Norfolk’s rural dining, done right!
Recommended option: The Slow-roasted Pork Belly is a returning favourite that will be available from October 6th. Accompanied by the creamiest cauliflower cheese, fluffiest roast potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, this pork belly, with its perfectly crisp crackling, is the star of the show. If you’re craving a quintessentially autumnal roast experience, this one’s worth marking in the calendar.
6. Red Lion, Bishopgate, Norwich
Sitting atop the banks of the River Wensum, the Red Lion on Bishopgate is a classic Norwich pub that has long been a favourite for food on a Sunday. Whilst they have many of the traditional Sunday lunch staples, we’re more interested in the alternatives they have here. Expect inventive platters, loaded with delicacies, or thoughtful seafood dishes with Italian twists. This recently renovated establishment has been lovingly looked after by its custodians and, with wooden beams and snug seating, it’s the perfect retreat from the brisk autumn air. Here you really can while away a Sunday afternoon with a pint and a hearty meal.
Recommended option: The Charcuterie board with folded piles of chorizo, prosciutto, pastrami, and coppa ham are perfect for sharing and the accompanying chilli jam, smoked Norfolk Dapple, olives, and breads make this smorgasbord of goodies a great alternative to the norm for only £24. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without being overly rich, making it ideal for a long, relaxed Sunday. Pair it with one of their fine ales for the full experience.
7. Fur & Feathers, Woodbastwick
The Fur & Feathers is a short drive east of Norwich into the Norfolk countryside. Tucked away near Salhouse and Woodbastwick, this is a quintessential country pub in every sense with the fortunate convenience of the Woodforde’s Brewery Tap attached on the land. The focus here is on doing the classics — and doing them exceptionally well. Their roasts come piled high with the “Three Meats” option well worth considering, and their beer selection, brewed by Woodforde’s, is second to none. Spend a cosy afternoon with one of their seasonal local ales like Tinsel Toes or Admiral’s Reserve and let the stresses of the week melt away.
8. The Unthank Arms, Norwich
The Unthank Arms has earned its place as one of Norwich’s go-to spots for a Sunday roast. Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, this lively pub with it’s freshly painted exterior combines a bustling atmosphere with a serious commitment to good food. Their roasts, featuring succulent meats, are served in generous portions and come with all the comforts you’d expect. Whether you’re catching up with friends in the city or seeking a Sunday escape alongside a good book, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a pint and a plateful of comfort.
Recommended option: The Trio of Roasts is an indulgent option that allows you to sample beef, chicken, and pork in one sitting. Served with all the classic trimmings, including a Yorkshire pudding and a rich gravy, it’s perfect for the indecisive diner who wants to experience the best of everything on offer. Their Blythburgh roast loin of pork at £15.95 is well worth sampling too, alongside their well-priced kids’ roasts.
9. The Ingham Swan, Ingham
For a roast experience that borders on the fine dining, look no further than The Ingham Swan. Housed in a stunning 14th-century building, this Michelin-starred venue has literally risen from the ashes following a fire five years ago that threatened to end its days. It’s tastefully restored building now offers a refined take on Sunday lunch that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Expect exquisite cuts of meat, locally sourced produce, and meticulously prepared sides that showcase the best of Norfolk’s seasonal offerings. It’s the place to savour every mouthful, where traditional meets contemporary in the most satisfying way. Oh, and it’s very cosy and romantic if you’re looking for a classy roast to impress.
Recommended option: The Yeast Glazed Roast Fillet of British Beef is a standout, served with all the traditional trimmings and prepared with the kind of precision and care you’d expect from a Michelin-starred kitchen. The flavours are rich and balanced, with each element on the plate complementing the next. For a roast that feels a little more special, this is the one to go for.
10. The Gin Trap Inn, Ringstead
Rounding off our list is the Gin Trap Inn in Ringstead, where hearty roasts and cosy rooms (well, it would save the drive home) welcome you to this 350 year old coaching inn. This place is popular in both the summer, with its expansive decked area, and the autumn, with its warm, intimate seating and open fireplace.
The roasts are everything you could want, particularly if paired with one of their impressive gin selections on a lazy day, but consider the fish and seafood dishes often showcased here too. It’s the perfect end to a weekend, as the sun sets over the Norfolk countryside and the chill of autumn starts to bite.
Recommended option: The Wild halibut or Stone bass dishes from their mains menu make an appealing alternative to the Sunday lunch norms with portion sizes generous enough to leave you completely satisfied. Menu
Sunday lunch options in Norwich and Norfolk
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s something undeniably special about settling into a cosy pub for a Sunday roast. Whether it’s the anticipation of that first bite of perfectly cooked meat, the satisfaction of crispy roast potatoes, or the comfort of rich gravy, a great roast is more than just a meal — it’s a well-earned reward after a long week.
Norfolk’s pubs and restaurants truly shine in the autumn months, offering not just plates full of flavour, but venues full of warmth and character. From the sophisticated dishes at Socius and The Ingham Swan, to the rustic charm of The King’s Head and The Gin Trap, each spot on this list provides a unique take on the classic roast or Sunday lunch alternative — but all promise that same sense of satisfaction that only a Sunday well-spent can bring.
So as the leaves turn and the nights draw in, why not step in from the cold and treat yourself to a visit to one of these fantastic venues?
