Is This The Best Sunday Roast In North West London?
By
10 months ago
We think so…
Looking for the perfect Sunday roast? If you’re north west London based – or open to venturing that way – we’ve found the perfect spot: The William, Kensal Rise.
Sunday Roast At The William, Kensal Rise
From the historic William IV to the rejuvenated The William: this spirited Kensal Rise pub has a fresh new look. The red brick exterior is vivified with vibrant pops of blue and a playful striped awning. Step inside the classic wooden door to find bright and airy interiors, with white walls adorned with historic photographs and plates, and tables generously spaced apart. Wood panels painted a chic shade of green create a cocooning effect around the circumference, with cosy leather sofas, traditional fireplaces, wood beamed ceilings and bay windows with stained glass all together harking back to days gone by. The green panels shift to dark blue and the white walls become a gorgeous green floral wallpaper when you step through a built-in wood arch into the rest of the dining space. This is all brought up to date with sumptuous velvet chairs, leafy plants, mini vases and a muted colour scheme, all offset by warming wood floors.
All of this is to say The William has a very chic new look, but it retains its enviable welcoming British pub vibe. The heating is generously blasted to thaw any icy fingers and toes from winter walks here (nb: the historic Kensal Rise cemetery is just across the way should you fancy a stroll before or after). Even the menu is pleasingly aesthetic, carrying the blue of the exterior through to simple boxes and concise lists of dishes.
Start with a smattering of small plates, from warm focaccia with olive oil and pickles, to the refreshing stone bass crudo with kohlrabi and delicate clementine wedges, to the more indulgent carbonara croquettes.
But, of course, we’re here for the roast. And, without further ado, let me introduce you to one of the best roasts I’ve ever tasted. My expectations were elevated when I saw a batch of steaming plates delivered to a nearby table after we were seated. And not just any plates, oh no: these roasts are served in pasta-style bowls with curved edges, all the better for dousing your dinner in gallons of gravy without spillage fears. Roasts placed before my fellow diners while my eyes tracked their plates across the room, they tucked in with might, satisfied expressions colouring their faces.
Convinced, I opted for the honey and mustard chicken leg, accompanied by a cute and jolly chicken chipolata. I was (evidently) not disappointed. The chicken was succulent, steaming hot and perfectly flavoured, only elevated by the pool of gravy I couldn’t help swiping my forkfuls through. Elsewhere, steamed greens and buttery root vegetable mash cut nicely through the rich gravy, all piled up in this genius pasta bowl, with crispy roast potatoes and a delightfully light Yorkshire pudding completing the perfect line-up.
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Across from me, my partner devoured the grass fed Irish sirloin, cooked to perfection and served with the same sides plus horseradish. Also available were 12 hour pork belly with apple sauce and a vegan mushroom, lentil, apricot and walnut loaf, complete with braised red cabbage, gravy and a vegan yorkie – all looked delightful exiting the kitchen.
Wash it all down with one of the lovely cocktails, or perhaps a glass of something fizzy, and you’ve got the perfect Sunday afternoon activity (eating is the best activity, of course). Nearby, womble around Kensal Rise Cemetery, or venture further south to find Portobello Road Market (around 15 minutes on foot) and Notting Hill beyond.
The Final Word
The only thing left to acknowledge is the price of this divine roast: incredibly reasonable, especially when compared to other London roasts. The pork belly roast is £22, the Irish sirloin £24, the chicken leg £19.50 and the vegan loaf £16. Worth every penny.
BOOK IT
The William NW10, 786 Harrow Rd, London NW10 5JX
