The crowning glory of any weekend – but the stakes are high and unless the roasties are perfect, the yorkies robust and the gravy plentiful. Is it worth all the hassle? One Sunday afternoon, a surprisingly less than soggy one, I caught up with a friend to break away and try the traditional Aviary Sunday roast. Very few meals retain a capacity for disappointment like the classic British roast dinner and through most parts, it rarely competes with mams, am I right? I’m a firm believer that if it ain’t broken then why fix it? There is so much work involved, so the temptation to cut corners is executed before you can even say Aunt Bessie.
Growing up, my family didn’t observe the tradition of Sunday Roast like many others did. Instead, we had a midweek roast that was equally scrumptious and satisfying. However, whenever we shared this meal with those who were accustomed to the Sunday Roast, it was always a topic of discussion. Breaking tradition often sparked lively and passionate debates around the dinner table, with many finding it difficult to accept anything other than the classic Sunday meal.
We broke tradition this time and spent the afternoon on the 10th floor of the beautiful Montcalm hotel, at The Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace to enjoy the stunning cityscape over a couple of Grey Goose Bloody Marys. As soon as we entered The Aviary, we were struck by the sleek and sophisticated ambience. The modern decor, with its clean lines and understated elegance, set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. But it wasn’t just the aesthetics that impressed us; it was the attention to detail in every aspect of the restaurant’s operation. It’s rare for an upscale hotel to replicate the relaxed homeliness of your local pub, but that’s exactly how the Aviary felt on a Sunday. It was apparent that others had also visited the ninth floor for the magnificent views, delicious cocktails, and English sparkling wine before tucking into their hearty meals.
One of The Aviary’s standout offerings is the Aviary Sunday roast, a beloved British tradition that takes centre stage each weekend. And let me tell you, dear readers, it is a feast fit for royalty. Picture this: succulent cuts of Somerset Saxon free-range chicken, perfectly roasted to golden perfection and served alongside fragrant sage and onion stuffing, and velvety bread sauce that will leave you swooning with every bite. Chicken wouldn’t have been my first choice and it wasn’t this time, yet my dining companion was very pleased with the cooking of the bird, both moist and with crisp skin. But that’s just the beginning. The Aviary’s roast menu boasts an array of indulgent options, each more tempting than the last. For those craving a taste of tradition, the Native breed pork belly with crackling and apple sauce was both succulent and housed under perfectly crispy crackling.
If a roast means beef, then Lyons Hill farm rare breed beef rib-eye, served with bone marrow and a zesty horseradish is not to be overlooked, a neighbouring diner was quick to inhale theirs and caught the eye of many passers perhaps still torn between cocktails or sparkling wine. Those looking for something less meaty but by no means less hearty will find salvation from the dreaded nut cutlet in the form of a Wild mushroom & chestnut Wellington with salsa verde and mushroom gravy.
I’ve never been the biggest fan of a bottomless anything, especially a brunch. However, The Aviary might be onto something with their bottomless drinks offering. Here you can indulge to your heart’s content with bottomless drinks including Chapel Down English sparkling wine or a selection of exquisite Grey Goose cocktails. We nursed our weary heads with a Bloody Mary before moving on to a wonderfully crisp Railway Hill Rosé from Simpsons Wine Estate in Kent.
Guaranteed to lull you into a blissful food coma, The Aviary Sunday roast will have you unfastened and wide-eyed, taking in London’s ever-changing skyline with a welcomed break from tradition.
To find out more, visit: aviarylondon.com
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All imagery courtesy of The Aviary.