London, UK – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Overlooking the legendary Borough Market by London Bridge, Roast serves classic British fare with some nice international touches. The handsome portico dining room was once the Floral Hall at Covent Garden, re-erected here in 2004 and now a hot spot for business meals, corporate entertaining and weddings.
Borough Market is one of the UK’s oldest food markets—trading here began in the Middle Ages—and today the site attracts foodies and wine buffs from far and wide. Roast makes the most of its location, sourcing much of its produce from Borough Market stalls. The result is beautifully fresh, seasonal cooking which champions British farmers and producers.
To start, try the excellent Isle of Wight sweetcorn and chilli fritters with Bath Pig chorizo and baby squid, or the jellied ox tongue with beetroot relish and horseradish cream. A highlight among the mains is the pan-fried fillet of Clew Bay sea trout with Scottish girolles and pea shoots, though if you happen to dine on a Saturday night you’d be wise to try the beef wellington—a British classic now rarely seen on menus.
The dessert menu celebrates favorite British puddings, including a delicious elderflower-laced Eton mess (strawberries, cream and crushed meringue), Bramley apple and blackberry crumble with custard, and a gorgeous plum and almond tart with bay leaf ice cream. The wine list is a joy too, this year winning an AA Notable Wine List award and featuring a number of English wines from Kent and West Sussex.
Roast opens at 7am during the week, and if you only try one English breakfast in your life, you could do a lot worse than the ‘Full Borough’ here. Eating during the day affords great views of the market bustle below, while at night you’ll spy the lit dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral looming over the rooftops.
ROAST
Phone: +44 (0)845 034 7300
Email: events@roast-restaurant.com
Address: The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, London SE1 1TL, UK
Website: www.roast-restaurant.com
See more top London restaurants in the Elite Guide to London