Shamelessly surrender to weekend self-indulgence and treat yourself to one the very best Sunday lunch set menus around
The Alverton, Cornwall
This is how to spend a Sunday in Truro. The Alverton is a Grade II*-listed hidden gem renowned by those in-the-know for elegant cooking, so it only stands to reason the hotel does a serious Sunday lunch menu, cooked honestly and executed in style.
Roasted cauliflower soup with a dash of curry oil and brussels pate with crostini, plum and apple chutney are a super tempting way to kick off the midday feast although mains are just as guilty of creating an ordering dilemma – slow-roasted Dart Farm brisket with garlic herb roast potatoes and trimmings or plaice fillet with spiced puy lentils, butternut squash puree and crisp onions?
Going all out for three courses (and for £3 extra, why wouldn’t you)? Dive into double chocolate decadence with the brownie sundae, it comes with both chocolate ice cream and sea salt caramel, or head for the ultimate of classics – vanilla crème brûlée with shortbread and fresh berries. Savoury palates can dine out on the South West cheese course which comes with biscuits, grapes and chutneys.
Served 12-3pm, costs £25 for two courses and £28 for three.
Food Lifestyle tip: don’t miss out on the the just-launched midweek lunch menu.
The Holcombe, Somerset
Serenity and sustainability go hand in hand at The Holcombe, not to mention heaps of flavour. Somerset’s 17th-centruy inn serves an exquisite Sunday roast set menu alongside its à la carte menu which also features a gorgeous range of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Low air miles are guaranteed here. Two acres of kitchen garden supply the fruit, veggies, herbs and flowers for the hotel’s uber-seasonal dishes while all the meat hails from the South West. And although the starters are varied, fresh and packed with flavour, the main course is where the Sunday roast magic happens.
Creedy Carver chicken is brined in fennel seed, orange juice and brown sugar before it’s roasted and served with both sage and onion stuffing and cranberry sauce, while the pink-roasted aged Somerset sirloin with horseradish and crème fraîche is cooked for ten hours overnight and served with gravy that has been slowly crafted for a fortnight before it’s finished off with port. All roasts are served with turmeric yorkies and cauliflower cheese made with heaps of strong local cheddar. Vegan diners don’t miss out either, miso-glazed cauliflower with tempura vegetables and Asian slaw is a dish crafted with equal love and attention.
The dessert menu must-orders are threefold. Signature souffle, homemade marshmallow and vegan chocolate mousse served with berry sorbet. All unmissable. Even so, a simple but decadent choice would be the delicious affogato.
Served from 1pm every Sunday, costs £31 for two courses and £39 for three.
The Farmers Arms, Devon
It’s worth venturing into the wilds of north Devon to experience the incredible Sunday lunch feast at The Farmers Arms which takes a weekly starring role at Woolsery’s destination dining pub.
Unlike any Sunday lunch you’ll have tried elsewhere, this involves a compilation of dishes made from own-reared and -grown produce that’s served family style. Forget choosing from a menu, you just need to tell the team if you’re going meat or veggie and they’ll deliver an astonishing smorgasbord of dishes for each course.
Starters of charcuterie, potted meats, soup, homebaked bread and a gazillion other treats pave the way for the main event of a towering platter of veggies, succulent roast meats, yorkshires and roasties. Pace yourself as this is followed by an array of traditional puds. Happily the pub provides takeaway boxes so you can revisit any leftovers for Monday night’s supper.
Served 12-3pm, costs £32.50 for three courses.
Pony Chew Valley, Somerset
Since re-opening last year as a restaurant with an on-site micro farm and cookery school, Pony Chew Valley has served up stunning pub classics while firmly embedding itself in the local community through initiatives such as hosting volunteer programmes for charities.
The Sunday set lunch menu is crammed with attention to flavour detail. Starters include the likes of Pony fishcake with tartare sauce and spicy lamb ragu with Pony pickles and house toast. Get stuck into the succulent roasts by devouring the New Manor Farm Hereford Angus Cross Sirloin or rack of pork from the same farm. Non-meat eaters should try the winter vegetable and Westcombe cheddar wellington while pescatarians will love the Newberry’s salmon with cider and whey sauce. All mains come with roasties, yorkshires and gravy (or veg gravy) while the sides include a shopping list of homegrown, beautifully buttered and seasoned ingredients.
Take a breather before indulging in puds, they’re a joy to behold and include beauties such as Bristol Beer Factory sticky toffee pudding with date and walnut, apple and rhubarb crumble, a winter berry trifle or a selection of British cheeses.
Served 12-4pm, costs £45 for three courses, children’s two courses costs £15.
St Michaels Resort, Cornwall
Keep the Sunday vibes coastal and chilled by taking a seat at Brasserie by the Bay in St Michaels Resort. A peaceful spot surrounded by leafy subtropical gardens, it’s a great place to enjoy lunch while taking in views of Falmouth Bay.
Alongside the hearty roast dinners on the two- and three-course Sunday lunch menus, there are also plenty of dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan options. Dive into starters of tiger prawn cakes with dill aioli and burnt lemon or charred Tenderstem crostini with red pepper pate and focaccia croute. Mains make no bones about the locally sourced meat, the Butcher’s Cut dish changes weekly while the roast topside of beef comes with ale brisket and all the trimmings. Or land the catch of the day, served with butterbean cassoulet, sautéed leeks and caramelised fennel.
Take your pick of classic puds: sticky toffee pudding comes with caramelised banana and salt toffee sauce while the seasonal trifle features fruit jelly and a rich vanilla custard. Or (when in Rome) go for the ultimate seaside dessert and opt for the ice cream ‘Sunday’ before talking a walk along Gylly beach outside.
Served 12-2.30pm, costs £30 for two courses and £35 for three.
Enjoyed reading our pick of Sunday lunch set menus? Discover our pick of bargain set lunches at top restaurants in the South West.
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