Bath’s dining scene has just gained a new contender for the perfect Sunday gathering: The George, a contemporary Victorian-inspired café bar, now serving hearty Sunday roasts that celebrate tradition with a contemporary, flavour-driven twist. Joanna Lewis sharpened her knife and fork and headed to The George in search of roast-day perfection…
Ah, the Sunday roast, not just a meal, but a ritual. It’s the punctuation mark at the end of the week, equal parts comfort and celebration, a chance to gather, to laugh, and to linger just a little longer at the table with friends or family.
As autumn evenings draw in and the light fades earlier each day, there’s no better antidote than a Sunday roast done right. Think crisp-edged potatoes with fluffy centres, meat cooked to perfection, vibrant seasonal vegetables, and unapologetically rich, silky gravy that pulls it all together.
Research estimates that more than a billion Sunday roasts are served annually in the UK, a staggering number that reflects our national affection for this dish. But the perfect roast is no ordinary feat. It’s part art, part science, and part theatre. And, it seems The George has mastered it.
On a rainy Sunday, my husband Matt and I, along with our 8-year-old daughter Ella, headed to The George to tuck into a Sunday roast that hit all the right notes.
A proper Sunday roast
“It’s regal, it’s earnest, it’s exactly what you dream of when you think Sunday roast done properly,” says Head Chef Tom Trevett from The George, adding that “every Sunday ought to feel like a gentle rebellion against the ordinary.”
The George’s Sunday menu includes a curated selection of starters, mains, sides, and desserts.
Starters include crispy whitebait with aioli, a hearty ham hock terrine, and polenta fries served with spicy mayo. Order a selection and enjoy them family style to segue into the main affair: a choice of roast pork, beef, chicken, or a vegetarian nut roast, served with the all-important seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy. Then there’s the extra sides if you want to really indulge: cauliflower cheese, stuffing balls, and sauteed greens.
The beef was served blushingly pink, Yorkshire puddings rose like proud monuments to indulgence, and the vegetables were vibrant, seasonal, and full of flavour. Then there was the all-important gravy –plenty of it, I’m pleased to say. Ella was also delighted that her request for “extra crackling, please!” with her roast pork was more than adequately met.
For desserts, you can indulge in tempting delights like sticky toffee pudding, Eton mess, or a selection of ice creams. I can confirm that the sticky toffee pudding was gooey and rich, while the Eton mess was creamy, packed with berries, and had just the right amount of crunch from the meringue.
The hero dish? According to Tom, it’s the sirloin of beef. “Aged, carved, and served with ceremony.”
Along with the usual selection of wines, spirits, and beers, The George offers a tantalising cocktail menu, including pitchers for those wishing to share.
The Top Hat Old-Fashioned is The George’s signature cocktail, offering a spirited spin on a classic. “It’s smoky, irresistible, and utterly restorative. Pair it with the roast and suddenly Sunday feels like it has real purpose,” says Bar Manager Sam Bradford. Indeed, it does.
I should add, there’s also a selection of zero percent cocktails for those driving, abstaining from alcohol, or for kids who just want to feel grown up (Ella loved the Botanical Fizz – elderflower cordial, lemon juice, tonic, and wildlife botanicals).
Alongside the tasty fare, you can expect a convivial atmosphere at The George too, one that feels relaxed, yet slightly elevated, making it ideal for when you want a Sunday roast that just feels that extra bit special.
“It’s elegance with ease,” explains Tom. “Warm lighting, clinks of glass, laughter in corners, quiet indulgence, and the kind of comfort that prompts one to linger for afters.”
And, even better, four-legged friends are more than welcome! “Under the table, beside your chair, wherever they fit. Just know that the Yorkshires are for humans,” Tom says. What is there not to love?
The George on George Street serves Sunday lunch from 12pm to 6pm. Visit thegeorgebath.com.