On Sundays we roast!
30th September 2026
The Cliftonville
It’s one of the joys of the cooler weather – the chance to tuck into a roast dinner with all the trimmings. Sarah Hardy picks her favourites
The Cliftonville, Cromer
This hotel is situated in a handsome Grade II listed building dating from 1897, with an enviable sea front position. Its Edwardian feeling continues throughout, with a recent revamp making the most of all original features, and there are 30 bedrooms. Their Sunday roast offering includes an option to order three different meats to share between a couple of people which is a nice idea and adds a homely feel. And we hear excellent reports of their nut roast, too. Expect super tasty accompanying dishes such as maple roasted parsnips, crushed carrot and swede, and savoy cabbage – alongside those essential roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and lashings of gravy. Rather yummy pigs in duvets are offered as a further side order which are surely irresistible!
The Last, Norwich
This is one of the most consistent places for a Sunday roast in the city. It’s not the cheapest, but ingredients are top quality – think pork from Swannington Farms and Hevingham beef. And if the Norfolk Black Chicken is on the menu, order it! Accompanying veggies are great, especially the super creamy cauliflower cheese, and those roasties cooked in plenty of beef fat. The puddings are good, but the cheese board always calls my name with its mix of British and Continental offerings. The wine list needs no introduction.
The George & Dragon, Cley
This impressive 18th century hotel, with 10 bedrooms, commands a magnificent setting overlooking the salt marshes. Sunday lunches are very popular here and there is a choice of three separate dining areas – plus plenty of outside space, too. The veggie option is always first class, with the butternut squash, spinach and mushroom Wellington a firm favourite for many. Look out for the braised red cabbage, too, with all meats having excellent local provenance. This is a lively spot and a perfect starting point for a browse through the village with its lovely shops and galleries.
The Bucks Arms, Blickling
This 17th century former coaching inn has the mighty Blickling Hall as its neighbour so boasts a very agreeable National Trust setting. It’s looked after by the Colchester Inns group who also have popular places like The Recruiting Sergeant at Horstead and The Swan at Ringland. Portions are famously enormous so be sure to come hungry and expect the full works with a variety of local meats on offer especially pork from Swannington Farms. Both roast potatoes and mash are served, and their gravy merits a special mention. There are three separate eating areas, one with a great wood burner, plus four bedrooms and a good selection of real ales.
White Horse Holme, Holme-next-the-Sea
Now under the umbrella of the Anglian Country Inns group, White Horse Holme is a Grade II listed property that oozes character. While the onsite bakery gains plenty of attention, the pub’s Sunday lunches are a fine option. We especially like their sharing roasts – opt for a whole roast chicken or a 35oz rib of beef to divide up – with all dishes accompanied by traditional sides from roasties to seasonal greens, parsnips, red cabbage and Yorkshire puddings. There’s always a very friendly, laid-back atmosphere here with your four-legged friends made particularly welcome.
