Traditional Sunday Roast at the Chesterfield Arms
Following our recent article “Best Sunday Roasts in Mayfair,” I was alerted that one of the entries in our guide, The Chesterfield Arms, had updated its Sunday roast menu. This was the perfect excuse, as if I needed one, to revisit this charming pub on the edge of Shepherd Market. The Chesterfield is a pub downstairs and a restaurant upstairs. The restaurant has traditional wood-panelled walls and plenty of windows bringing natural light into the dining room.
So, rather than cook our own roast, we made our way into town on a beautiful Sunday. The sunshine and clear blue skies brought the crowds out of London. We decided on a gentle stroll from Victoria Station to The Chesterfield through Green Park, passing Buckingham Palace, which looked pristine in the sunlight, and entering Shepherd Market, where it was lovely to see the crowds of people milling outside the pubs and restaurants enjoying the good weather.
The tradition of a Sunday Roast in the UK dates back to the 15th century during the reign of King Henry VII (1485–1509). Historical accounts suggest that the royal guards, known as “Beefeaters,” would enjoy roasted beef after attending church on Sundays. This was a way to celebrate the opportunity to eat meat again after abstaining from it on Fridays, a common Christian practice at the time (I’m guessing where fish Friday comes from).
Over time, this tradition spread to the general population and became a cherished weekly ritual. During the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century, families would place their meat in the oven before heading to church, allowing it to slow-roast while they were away. Upon returning, they would gather for a meal of roasted meat, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy, often accompanied by Yorkshire pudding, which remains as popular today.
Happily, the tradition of a Sunday Roast is alive and kicking in the homes of Britain, and many restaurants and pubs serve a Sunday Roastmenu.
A quick word about the quality of my photos. For once, I have an excuse. It was such a sunny day that most of the pics are either in bright sunlight or shadows. However, such days are rare in the UK, so I can live with that if you can.
Back to our lunch at The Chesterfield Arms, the new menu consists of five roasts: Dry-Aged Beef, lemon and thyme roast chicken, Maple-Glazed ham, Roast saddle of lamb, and Wild mushrooms and spinach strudel.
All roasts served with roast potatoes, heritage carrots, onion puree, cavalo nero, sage and suet stuffing and of course, Yorkshire pudding. As if this was not enough, we ordered a side of cauliflower cheese.
Also on the menu are some really interesting starter options, as well as sides, some non-roast classics, including fish and chips and a cheeseburger. There is a full dessert menu if you are still hungry.
The drinks menu includes a wide range of wines starting at £8 per glass and £33 per bottle, which is reasonable for Mayfair.
Ok, onto our meal, and back to the starters. I said earlier the starters were interesting and it was lovely to see starters on the menu that I had not had before, very inventive and as it turned out delicious.
From the starter menu I ordered a Lobster Thermidor sourdough Crumpet served with a pink grapefruit salad. The waiter made me laugh when he said it was fun trying to explain what a crumpet is to the many international visitors to the area. The crumpet was a clever idea, and it carried the thermador sauce well, which had a cheesy and strong mustard flavour, topped with a sweet lobster, the grapefruit salad gave a burst of citrus to the dish.
My wife Leigh chose an equally inventive dish, Roast artichoke flower, ve du ya chickpeas, crematta and chive oil.
The balance of flavours was exceptional. The earthy artichoke worked well with the spicy ve du ya and the creamy cremate. Two starters down, and big ticks for both.
For the Roasts, Leigh unsurprisingly decided on the beef (her favourite), and I plumped for the saddle of lamb. In cooking a roast, there is nowhere to hide, as the average Brit has had many a sunday roast, everybody has an opinion on what makes the perfect roast. For me, a good roast needs to get all the elements right, the meat cooked to my liking (beef and lamb slightly pink), perfect roasties, a thick gravy, vegetables that are not over-boiled and a decent Yorkshire.
Far too often, a Roast can disappoint. However, the good news is that here at the Chesterfield, they know a thing or two about cooking the perfect roast.
My lamb was perfectly cooked, as was Leigh’s beef. The roasties were light and crisp. I loved the vegetables; the cavalo nero was cooked perfectly, the heritage carrots were sweet from the maple syrup, and the onion puree was a pleasant surprise addition. The gravy was thick, leaving the all-important Yorkshire pudding, which was a delight. With no room for desserts, we said our goodbyes to the team, who, as usual, looked after us so well. Then, we headed out into the sunshine to walk off our dinner.
So, if you are a veteran of the Roast Dinner or someone coming to try this very British tradition for the first time, I recommend you try the Sunday Roast at the Chesterfield Arms. It ticks all the boxes. Also, please go along hungry so you can make room to try the starters.
The Chesterfield Arms is open seven days a week
The Chesterfield Arms, 50 Hertford St, London W1J 7SS
For more about traditional Roast Dinners, please read our guide to Best Sunday Lunches in Mayfair
