Roast restaurant stands head and shoulders above its competitors thanks to its innovative use of fresh seasonal ingredients. Aptly located in the foodie haven of Borough Market, the restaurant prides itself on offering world class British cuisine.

The Venue
If you’re a foodie then visiting Borough Market no doubt plays an essential part in your weekend. However, it’s not only the seasonal ingredients laid out in colourful displays on stalls as far as the eye can see that are worth a second look. Gaze up at the roof of the market and you’ll see a striking restaurant serving up fine British fare well worth lingering over.

A discreet lift whisks diners up to the restaurant from market level whereupon you are greeted by smiling staff standing behind a reception desk that is sprouting grass. Just the first of many unique touches that serve to make the restaurant stand out as much for its design as its food. Large floor to ceiling windows on the left hand side as you enter the main space draw Borough Market into the restaurant. A busy cocktail bar is immediately in front of you (ideal for enjoying a pre-dinner drink with friends) whilst the open plan kitchen is to the right, stretching the entire width of the first level. Further tables are arranged on a slightly raised level (the ceilings are so high here that they could probably add another level again and still have plenty of room) where the striking windows from the original Covent Garden Floral Hall add to the grand dining experience.

The Atmosphere
Whilst the striking architecture, crisp white tablecloths and five star service add an air of excitement to dining at Roast, the fact that everyone appears to be so passionate about their food is remarkably relaxing. The spit roasting oven and partially open kitchen is a fantastic focal point and subtly ensures that diners feel truly immersed in the restaurant and its passion for exceptional food. If you need any reminding as to why everyone from the chefs to the waiting staff are so passionate, simply glance out of the window at Borough Market. This is sociable dining and whether you’re at Roast for a romantic meal or a large group get together, you’ll be hard pressed not to get swept away by the energy of it all.

The Food
The food is what Roast restaurant is all about and, most important of all, British cooking using fresh seasonal British ingredients wherever possible. It may have been a long time coming but finally with restaurants like Roast, British cooking is finally coming into its own. For starters, try the soup (£5.50) which can range from earthy beetroot to cauliflower with almonds and mace butter depending on the ingredients readily available that day. Main courses are a revelation too. Particularly worth sampling is the pheasant with sherry glazed parsnips and chestnuts (deliciously tender although be warned that many do contain shot). Another splendid option is the Suffolk pork fillet with quince sauce and sage. The sage in particular really brings out the flavour of the pork which is perfectly cooked with the all important crispy skin edging the meat. It’s hardly surprising given the restaurant’s name that the roasts are pretty popular too. Save some room for the sides which are as good as the main dishes themselves especially the cream baked potatoes with Berswell cheese, the roast potatoes in beef dripping and the braised red cabbage.

As for desserts, if you’ve a sweet tooth the caramel pot with a thin vanilla biscuit is an irresistible combination of cream and liquid caramel (£6) served in a tiny but seemingly bottomless pot. Or opt to share the Roast British cheese selection (£10) served with fig chutney, biscuits, apples and grapes and including an unusual selection of the soft Isle of Wight Blue, the rich and fruity Montgomery’s Cheddar made using traditional animal rennet and unpasteurised cows milk, the nutty Flower Marie and the sweet caramel flavoured Coolea.

The Drink
They may be passionate about their food but they’re certainly not skimping when it comes to drinks either. The cocktail of the day is an ideal way to start the meal and the bar men will also take advice from the chefs once you’ve ordered food to create cocktails that perfectly match the dishes you’ve chosen if you’re looking for an alternative to wine. There’s even a separate after dinner cocktail menu (priced at a reasonable £7.50 per cocktail) which includes the likes of the Honeycomb Martini, a blend of vanilla vodka, honey vodka, sugar and fresh vanilla and the memorable Rum n Raisin, which combines raisin infused Bacardi Oro rum, dark chocolate and raspberry liqueurs and melted dark chocolate. Fortified wine suggestions are also made for each dessert. In the case of the caramel pot it is a glass of Chateau Septy Monbazillac 2000 from France at £6.50.

The Last Word
Roast restaurant is an ideal restaurant to take a foodie to particularly if they’re just as passionate about their drink. You will pay for the quality and imagination which goes into making this such a superb example of British fine dining with flair. However, this an experience you’ll be dining out on for months and for that reason alone, it’s great value for money.

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