Sundays at Island
Sunday roasts in London have become seriously competitive lately, but few places are generating as much buzz right now as Island by Chef Tom Brown at Mare Street Market King’s Cross. After seeing countless videos flooding social media of towering roast plates, oysters and decadent desserts, we finally decided it was time to visit for ourselves – and it more than lived up to the hype.
The space itself feels effortlessly cool: relaxed yet refined. From the moment we sat down, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be your average Sunday roast experience and the team were so warm and friendly. We kicked things off with the full oyster selection – and what a start it was.
The Fresh Shucked Oysters with Mignonette were genuinely outstanding, perhaps the best I’ve ever had. Perfectly briny, ultra-fresh and beautifully balanced by the sharpness of the mignonette, they were a real standout from the very first bite. Alongside those, we tried the Bloody Mary oysters, which brought a punchy, spicy kick, and the indulgent Guinness Bacon Rarebit oysters, combining rich savoury flavours with smoky bacon notes. Each one offered something completely different, turning the oyster course into a full tasting experience rather than just a starter.
To accompany the seafood, we ordered the curried mussels, which were absolutely delicious. The sauce was rich, fragrant and deeply comforting, with just enough spice to keep everything vibrant without overpowering the delicate mussels.
Cocktails were equally impressive. I opted for the Bloody Mary, which was bold, punchy and perfectly seasoned – exactly what you want alongside a decadent Sunday feast.
Then came the main event: the roasts. We tried both the Beef Rump & Cheek with Horseradish and the Tamworth Porchetta with Apple Sauce, each served with all the classic trimmings. Everything on the plate was executed beautifully. The beef was rich and tender, while the porchetta delivered that perfect balance of crispy crackling and succulent meat. But honestly, the sides may have stolen the show. The gravy was deeply flavourful and luxurious, while the cauliflower cheese was everything you want from a roast accompaniment – creamy, cheesy and indulgent without feeling too heavy.
Despite being completely stuffed, dessert was non-negotiable. The PB + J Cookies were an instant favourite and probably my standout dish of the entire meal – nostalgic, sweet and utterly addictive. We were also treated to Island’s famous Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake, although by that point we had no chance of finishing it. Thankfully, we took it home and were amazed by it the next day.
Island absolutely lives up to the viral attention. It’s a fresh, creative take on the traditional Sunday roast while still delivering all the comforting elements you want from one. From exceptional oysters to indulgent desserts, every dish felt thoughtful, exciting and packed with flavour. Safe to say, this won’t be our last visit.
Find out more > www.island-restaurants.com
