Which Yorkshire Pub Has The Second Best Sunday Roast In The UK?

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News • November 3rd, 2025

There's nothing quite like a proper Sunday roast, is there? It's a British institution, and the debate over who makes the best one can get pretty heated. Everyone has their favourite local pub, swearing that their gravy is the richest and their spuds are the crispiest.

But what if there was an official ranking? Well, the travel site Enjoy Travel has just dropped its annual list of the 20 best Sunday roasts in the UK, published on 02 November 2025, and it's brilliant news for Yorkshire. Three of the county's pubs have made the cut, with one landing the coveted spot of second best in the entire country. So, let's see what makes a Yorkshire Sunday roast so special.

The runner-up champion in Haworth

Coming in at number two, making it officially the second best Sunday roast in the UK, is The Hawthorn in Haworth. This isn't just a meal; it's an event. According to Enjoy Travel, getting a table for their famous Sunday lunch can require booking up to six months in advance. That's some serious dedication from its customers! The judges looked at everything from flavour and presentation to the overall atmosphere and accessibility of the place. They also took customer feedback into account, and it's clear that people absolutely love what The Hawthorn is doing.

So, what's the secret? It seems to be all about the time and effort that goes into the prep. The review revealed something amazing about their gravy: "Wednesday is when the gravy starts to be made, marking the start of the preparation for Sunday lunch service, which shows just how much love and care go into every bite you have here." Imagine that, a gravy that's been simmering and developing flavour for days before it even reaches your plate.

That's a level of commitment you don't see every day. The care extends to the whole plate, with delicious sides like garlic roasted potatoes and a properly cheesy mature cheddar cauliflower cheese. When it comes to the main event, diners can choose from tender local lamb, classic beef, or succulent chicken. For those looking to share something a bit special, there's even a chateaubriand on the menu. A chateaubriand is a big, fancy cut of beef tenderloin, perfect for a celebratory meal. It's no wonder this Haworth pub has been a repeat winner over the years.

A modern twist in York

Not far behind, another Yorkshire establishment made it into the top ten. Landing at number ten is the Impossible Restaurant & Wonderbar in York. This place offers a Sunday roast with a difference. If you're after something a bit more modern and less traditional, this could be the spot for you. They describe their offering as a "Sunday roast with a twist," which sounds pretty exciting. The options include the classics like beef and chicken, but they also have a tasty-sounding butternut squash alternative for vegetarians.

What really makes this York restaurant stand out is its "Sunday roast fondue." It's a sharing board loaded with roasted meat, all the trimmings, and a pile of Yorkshire puddings, all arranged around a massive, bubbling bowl of gravy for dipping. It's a fun, social way to enjoy a Sunday tradition. The atmosphere at Impossible Restaurant & Wonderbar is known to be lively, making it a great place to gather with friends. It proves that a Sunday roast doesn't always have to be a quiet, formal affair. This inventive approach has clearly paid off, earning it a spot among the nation's best. The combination of great food and a unique experience seems to be a winning formula for this pub.

History and a giant Yorkshire pudding in Great Ayton

The Yorkshire representation doesn't stop there. Further down the list, at number 19, is The Royal Oak in Great Ayton, North Yorkshire. This pub is steeped in history, having first opened its doors way back in 1721. That's centuries of serving hungry customers! The Royal Oak offers a more traditional Sunday roast experience, focusing on high-quality, local ingredients. Diners can choose from local roast beef, a perfectly cooked chicken breast, or pork loin. On special occasions, they even serve lamb.

But this historic pub has a fantastic trick up its sleeve. For those who believe the Yorkshire pudding is the best part of the meal, The Royal Oak offers a full Sunday roast served inside a giant Yorkshire pudding. Yes, you read that right. The entire meal - meat, veg, and potatoes - is piled into one massive, crispy Yorkshire pud. It's a brilliant, memorable gimmick that has clearly captured the hearts of many, securing its place on the list. The blend of a historic atmosphere and a fun, quirky serving style makes this pub a must-visit. It's a testament to the fact that you can honour tradition while still having a bit of fun with your food. Customer feedback for this giant Yorkshire pudding experience is always glowing.

The full top 20 list

It's fantastic to see three Yorkshire pubs recognised for their incredible Sunday roasts. From the painstaking preparation at The Hawthorn to the modern fondue at Impossible Restaurant & Wonderbar and the historic charm of The Royal Oak, it's clear that Yorkshire is a top-tier destination for anyone serious about their Sunday dinner. Here's the full list from Enjoy Travel, so you can see who else made the cut.