The Floral Hall,
Stoney Street,
Borough,
London,
SE1 1TL
0845 034 7300
The ViewLondon Review
In the heart of London’s finest food market, Roast serves up exceptional British cuisine for stylish City folk.
The Venue
Amidst the bustle of Borough market, above the hectic confusion of food fanatics and eager stall holders, Roast sits proudly, claiming to use fresh local produce from down below to create exquisite classic food. The venue itself is impressive, with high ceilings and beautiful large windows letting the light pour in to show off views of this unique area of London. Sleek and sophisticated is the look Roast has opted for, letting a modern, simple feel permeate the interior to contrast the grit and grime of outside.
The Atmosphere
Seven days a week, three times a day, Roast is buzzing full of all sorts of characters, the bulk of which are made up of smartly dressed City workers. Weekends do bring in more of a family crowd, but the lively atmosphere is a permanent fixture in the light and airy restaurant. The staff are chic, efficient and most importantly friendly, thus creating a relaxing ambience.
The Food
The menu offers an array of roasts, game, and haute cuisine with imagination, making each dish so much more than just beef and two veg. The starters range from £7.50 to £15, the mains from £14.50 to £30 and the desserts from £2 to £8.50, making each dish very good value for money. The scallops are a light, delicious option for starter, served perfectly cooked to allow the natural sweetness of the shellfish come through. The spiced pumpkin sauce adds a warming depth plus the hazelnuts add good contrast in texture. A more hearty option is the Hot Londoner scotch egg. The sausage meat is packed with spices and herbs to give a complex flavour, balanced by the simple soft egg and the kick of the piccalilli.
The seasonal roasts are what this restaurant is known for, and for the winter months the roast grouse is divine. Crispy skin covers tender, meaty flesh which is served with a deliciously moreish gravy and creamy pate. The accompanying game chips are crunchy and salty served with three tasty dips. For a classic done well, the slow cooked pork belly is an ideal choice. The meat is tender, sweet and well balanced with creamy mashed potato and sharp apple sauce.
For dessert, if you still have room, classic British favourites make up most of the menu, with suggested dessert wines alongside them. The Bramley apple and blackberry crumble is a delicious remake of a much loved dessert, with the perfect balance of sweet and sharp fruit and a buttery crumble that adds proper texture to the dish. For a much richer option, the whiskey chocolate tart is heavily flavoured, accompanied by a refreshing yet creamy coffee ice cream.
The Drink
The extensive wine list is geared exceptionally well to what the kitchen has to offer, with a large selection of white and red, offering delicate options for lighter dishes to more heady wines to complement the robust flavours of the roast meat.
The Last Word
Combining the best of old and new British tradition, Roast offers a haven for Londoners craving classic, delicious food.
Roast has been reviewed by 11 users