If you’re looking for a festive dining experience in London that combines striking décor, classic British cooking and a buzzing atmosphere, Roast London at Borough Market is one restaurant you’ve likely seen all over Instagram — and for good reason.
Located inside the stunning Floral Hall, just a short walk from London Bridge station, Roast is best known for its traditional roast dinners, seasonal menus and grand interiors. With Christmas approaching, I wanted to experience the festive décor before it disappeared — despite having read mixed reviews online regarding service.
Here’s my honest review of Roast London, covering the atmosphere, food, drinks, service and whether it’s worth a visit.
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LOCATION & BOOKING EXPERIENCE
📍 Roast – The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, Borough Market, London SE1 1TL
Booking was made via OpenTable, and the process was straightforward and hassle-free. My chosen date and time were available, and confirmation was instant — always a good start.
Walking through Borough Market, the restaurant entrance immediately stands out. The Christmas decorations were impressive and set the tone before even stepping inside. While the “North Pole” sign wasn’t quite my style, it was clear the team had gone all-out to create a festive atmosphere.
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FIRST IMPRESSIONS & AMBIENCE
Upon walking upstairs and opening the doors, I was greeted by colour, sparkle and warmth. The restaurant was busy and full of energy, creating a lively but still refined dining atmosphere.
After a short wait, I was shown to my table — perfectly positioned beneath a ceiling of hanging gold stars, which became an instant wow moment. The décor throughout the restaurant was bold, festive and immersive, making it an ideal spot for Christmas dining, celebrations or a seasonal catch-up with friends.
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DRINKS & STARTERS
To start, I ordered the Christmas Ritual (£18) — a festive twist on a White Russian.
This cocktail featured Disaronno, cinnamon vodka and a hint of cherry, finished with a rosemary garnish.
As someone who usually opts for fruity, refreshing cocktails, this was a step outside my comfort zone. It was smooth and warming, and while I enjoyed trying something different, it’s not one I’d personally order again. That said, if you enjoy spiced, winter-style cocktails, this would be a great choice.
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MAIN COURSES
Beef Wellington (£46)
For my main, I chose the Beef Wellington, served with:
• Truffled mashed potatoes
• Madeira sauce
The beef was perfectly cooked — tender and juicy. The mushroom duxelles complemented the meat beautifully, adding depth without overpowering it. The truffled mash was the standout: creamy, indulgent and well-balanced, with the truffle flavour present but not overwhelming. I only wished the portion was slightly larger.
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Halal Option: Cumbrian Chicken (£28)
My friend opted for the Cumbrian Chicken from the halal menu, which came with:
• Sage and onion stuffed thigh
• Yorkshire pudding
• Carrots, tenderstem broccoli
• Roast potatoes and gravy
The portion size was generous for a fine-dining style restaurant. The chicken was succulent and well-seasoned, pairing beautifully with the aromatic sage and onion stuffing. A comforting, well-executed dish that delivered on both flavour and value.
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FESTIVE COCKTAIL PAIRING
To accompany my main, I ordered the Santa’s Present Cocktail (£18) — and this was a clear favourite.
Made with gin, lime, apple and vanilla syrup, topped with sparkling wine, it was refreshing, well-balanced and festive without being overly sweet. It’s served with a small scroll with a surprised , adding a fun seasonal touch. I would absolutely order this again, although it’s only available as part of the Christmas cocktail menu.
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DESSERT
Dessert was non-negotiable.
I chose the Christmas Pudding (£14), served with vanilla custard, while my friend ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding (£13).
To drink, I paired my dessert with Christmas Mulled Wine (£14) — a blend of red wine infused with ginger, honey, orange, mandarin and festive spices. Rich, warming and exactly what you want during the festive season.
The desserts were modest in size but ideal after a filling main. The Sticky Toffee Pudding was the clear star — soft, indulgent and decadently rich without being cloying.
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SERVICE
Service was attentive and consistent throughout the meal. Staff were accommodating, friendly and always available when we needed drinks or assistance, which pleasantly surprised me given some of the reviews I had read beforehand.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, Roast London delivered a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience. From the eye-catching festive décor to the quality of the food and attentive service, it’s easy to see why this restaurant is so popular — particularly during the Christmas season.
If you’re looking for:
• A festive restaurant in London
• A Borough Market dining spot
• A place for celebrations, seasonal lunches or dinner dates
Roast is well worth adding to your list.
Until next time, Petrina x
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