Good Food Guide names six Yorkshire places in UK’s Best Sunday Roasts

The prestigious Good Food Guide named six restaurants in Yorkshire as having some of the best Sunday lunches in the country. 

The excellent Food Guide, which rates restaurants as “good,” “very good,” or “exceptional,” has revealed its top recommendations for the classic British Sunday dinner.

Established in 1951, the Good Food Guide comprises a group of thirty inspectors that evaluate eateries nationwide based on recommendations and tips from readers. The team received over 18,000 nominations from the general public for their favourite Sunday roasts, with over 75% of people ranking the humble roast as the nation’s favourite dish.

Only six Yorkshire restaurants made the list of the best 50 Sunday Roasts in the UK for 2024, which was revealed by the membership platform.

The Abbey Inn, Byland (North Yorkshire)

The first feature on the list, and impressively the overall winner of the best Sunday roast in the UK, is The Abbey Inn located next to the stunning Byland Abbey ruins. Featuring rare-breed meats sourced locally from star-studded chef Tommy Bank’s family farm, it’s no surprise this popular inn came out on top.

In their article, the Good Good Guide stated “Expect a proper feast with lots of clever nuances – everyone mentions the glorious toad-in-the-hole filled with slow-braised ox cheek that comes with the salt-aged rump of beef. A buzzing family-friendly atmosphere makes it the pefect all-rounder.”

The Brick Yard, Brighouse (West Yorkshire)

The Brick Yard also made the list of some of the best roasts in Yorkshire. Known for its ‘Sunday Lunch Club’, this restaurant provides the ultimate family feast every Sunday. Described as having “top-quality seasonal food and plenty of it, including two roasts (striploin of Hereford beef and outdoor-reared pork belly) plus a veggie/vegan option and an array of ‘posh sides’.” by the Good Food guide, it’s not hard to see why this contender made the list.

The Black Bull Inn, Sedbergh (North Yorkshire)

Boasting a number of accolades from featuring in the Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK to AA Rosettes and a 4-star AA-rated inn, The Black Bull Inn was well worthy of a mention as one of the best Sunday lunches in the UK. The Good Food Guide explained, “The field-to-fork roasts also take in White Galloway beef tomahawk or rump to share, and are a little bit different from your average pub offering.” 

The Owl, Hawnby (North Yorkshire)

Offering stunning views of the North York Moors National Park, The Owl at Hawnby is another North Yorkshire addition to the Top 50 Sunday Roasts in the UK. The Good Food Guide stated, “Fans of traditional meaty roasts have the choice of aged sirloin of beef with horseradish cream or rolled shoulder of Yorkshire lamb, both served with duck-fat roast potatoes, locally grown veg and gravy laced with Theakston’s beer.”

Ox Club, Leeds (West Yorkshire)

Putting their twist on a traditional Sunday roast, Ox Club at Headrow House is well known for its Michelin-recommended cuisine. And the Good Food Guide clearly agrees with the public nominations for this eatery, mentioning in their article, “The aromas of fire-grilling and roasting that emanate from the kitchen are enticing and a Sunday here transcends the traditional notion ‘without losing the hearty, rib-sticking essence of the occasion’.”

The Social Distortion, Hull (East Yorkshire)

The last Yorkshire mention in the Top 50 Sunday Roasts by the Good Food Guide is The Social Distortion situated in Hull. This popular eatery also bagged the title of ‘The Best Twist On a Classic’ due to its unconventional take on a roast dinner.

The article states “Serving up its ‘misfits’ take on the classic Sunday roast against a painted black backdrop, you might order slow-roast beef or pork with a soy glaze, ‘prik laap’ cured duck breast or even tamarind-glazed celeriac – all shot through with ‘unreal umami flavours’ and served in the old style with a fabulously fragrant gravy.” It’s not hard to see why it’s a firm favourite with the locals!

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