We met some friends for Sunday lunch at the Marquess Tavern Pub situated in Canonbury, London N1. Now that winter is on the way I’ve been yearning for comfort food, and a roast dinner was top of my list. Besides, it’s a great way to catch up with friends while enjoying some delicious pub grub and relaxing for a couple of hours. If you’re looking for the best London pubs for Sunday roast, Sunday lunch in Islington or places to eat in Canonbury then you really must book a table at the Marquess Tavern Pub.
“Book a table at the Marquess Tavern Pub where you can enjoy a delicious Sunday roast with friends in a stylish setting,” Homegirl London
Marquess Tavern Pub Menu
We visited the pub for Sunday lunch. In terms of meat roasts, you can choose from a leg of roast lamb, rare breed belly of pork or a 28 day cured Yorkshire sirloin of beef (this is presented on a large Yorkshire pudding). These are all served with winter greens, roast honey baby carrots and parsnips, goose fat roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and red wine beef gravy. Our friends went for the beef option, which was a very substantial helping, so make sure you have a very light breakfast that morning. If you didn’t want the roast, you could go for one of the grilled steak or perhaps the lemon and smoked paprika free-range chicken breast instead.
Beef Sunday Lunch Roast
I opted for the vegetarian roast, which was terrific and again very filling. This comprised of butternut squash, sweet potato and Parmesan Wellington. I also had the veggies, roast spuds and Yorkshire pudding with veggie gravy. It was all perfectly cooked and super tasty – just what I needed on a rainy day. Other vegetarian options on the menu were corn chowder soup or the wild mushrooms with a poached egg for starters. Mains were oven roast half aubergine with ratatouille and salad or a butternut squash risotto with wild mushrooms.
Vegetarian Sunday Lunch Roast
If you’re not fancying the Sunday roast, there are plenty of other alternatives. For instance, Homeboy opted for the fish pie and a side of fat chips. I did point out this would be double potatoes, but he didn’t take any notice. He nearly ordered a side of mac and cheese as well, but luckily he had some restraint. Homeboy enjoyed his fisherman’s pie, and he said it tasted fresh and delicious with a right amount of filling which included smoked haddock, cod, salmon, prawns and minted peas seasoned with chilli and garlic. It also came with a side of winter greens which was a nice touch. Other fish options included garlic and lemon swordfish steak or the pale ale battered haddock. Seafood wise it was a starter of mussels, a big platter for sharing or seafood noodle soup.
Fisherman’s Pie
If you do have room for dessert, you can treat yourself to the Marquess Mess which is a giant raspberry meringue with Chantilly cream and berry compote for two people. They also had a chocolate and almond cake, pear and apple crumble and ice cream. We shared a couple of desserts between four adults which were the vanilla pod crème Brulee with pistachio biscuits and the sticky toffee puddings with a scope of salted caramel ice cream.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
They also had a British Isles Cheese Board which sounded fantastic although none of us had any room left so perhaps we’ll put that on the list for next time! The standard of food was very high, and the menu featured a great selection, so there is something for everyone. Of course, being a pub, you can order a drink from a long list of cocktails, wines and craft beers are from Camden and Greenwich. Cheers!
Marquess Tavern Pub Interiors
The pub is set off the main road and is located on a corner of Canonbury Street and Douglas Road which is right next to the New River Walk and Path. It’s a substantial building with three visible levels and probably a big cellar. Out the front, there are a few tables and chairs. Inside through the door and you’ll find the bar in the centre with seating on either side.
Pub Back Garden
On the right side of the bar towards the back, you will find a large dining room with beautiful hanging glass shades which is quite striking. There is an eclectic mix of tables and chairs; Chesterfields, wing-backed armchairs and antique wooden chairs. On the left side of the bar, there are more places to sit and towards the back a little nook which leads to a lovely garden with a covered seating area and a giraffe (not a real one). There are some beautiful vintage decorative objects dotted around like an old fashioned typewriter. The overall appearance is cosy yet super stylish, a bit like a boutique hotel lounge but not too polished so it is more relaxing. Our friends had their adorable son with them, so we were provided with a high chair. There were other babies and toddlers in the pub, but it was a nice balance of couples and groups of friends with and without kids.
Marquess Tavern Pub Information
Restaurant Exterior
Cuisine: Upmarket pub grub including Sunday roast
Price: Veggie Sunday roast £13.50 and meat Sunday roast £14-16
Website: Marquess Tavern Website
Address: 31 Canonbury Street, London N1 2TB
Near: Highbury and Islington, Upper Street and Essex Road
Open: Check online for current opening times
Wi-Fi: Didn’t check, I was too busy eating
Décor: Comfy, stylish pub
Seating: Tables and chairs out front, main dining room plus a few nooks and out the back there is a lovely little garden
Toilets: Back of pub (right-hand side of the bar as you walk in)
Reservations: Yes, make sure you book because it is very busy at the weekend
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London and interior image from the pub website. Thanks: Anila, Herman, Darius and Homeboy for the lovely lunch.
