Sundays at Gillray’s Steakhouse and Bar

If you’ve ever wandered the buzzing Southbank on a sunny weekend, dodging tourists and street performers, you’ll know how chaotic it can get.

Just a stone’s throw away from all that hustle and bustle, Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar feels like a peaceful refuge—an oasis of calm with stunning riverside views that make you forget the crowds outside. Nestled inside the London Marriott Hotel County Hall, this spot manages to feel quietly luxurious without being stuffy, making it perfect for those who want a proper Sunday roast without the noise and chaos.

We eased into the afternoon with some indulgent starters: Lobster Thermidor and Whole Garlic Prawns. The lobster was decadently creamy, topped with that classic mustard sauce and a golden crust that was very yummy. The garlic prawns were the kind you can’t stop eating—succulent, buttery, and seasoned just right, shells on and all, so you know they’re the real deal. Messy fingers and all.

The main event—the Sunday roast—came with a twist that makes Gillray’s stand out. Rather than serving a standard joint, you get to pick any steak from their menu. That’s right: all the top-tier cuts you’d normally find à la carte are fair game. We went for the ribeye and fillet, both dry-aged to perfection by eighth-generation butchers O’Shea’s and cooked just how we like them. Each bite was exactly what a Sunday roast should be: tender, flavourful, and indulgent without being overly fussy.

And don’t worry, it’s not just about the meat. Every roast comes with all the trimmings you’d expect—roast potatoes with that perfect crisp-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture; seasonal vegetables that add a bit of balance; and a Yorkshire pudding so good it might make you forget it’s just a side. Plus, plenty of rich, velvety gravy to pour over it all.

To wash it down, the cocktails at Gillray’s are nothing short of fabulous. The Paloma in particular deserves a shoutout. Bright, refreshing, with just the right amount of zing from grapefruit, it’s the kind of drink that keeps the whole meal feeling light and festive—ideal if you’re planning on a lazy afternoon rather than a boozy one.

Service hits the sweet spot between polished and friendly—enough to feel special without making you feel like you’re on a timer. The staff clearly know their stuff and are happy to talk you through the steak choices or recommend a drink if you’re stuck.

Combine all this with the unbeatable riverside location, overlooking the London Eye, and Gillray’s feels like the ideal place to embrace a Bank Holiday: take your time, enjoy great food and drink, and then stroll along the Thames afterwards to soak up the sunshine (or the rare London breeze). It’s classic British comfort food with a view, done well and without pretence.

So if you want a Sunday roast that’s a bit more elevated than your usual, with steak as the star, fabulous starters, and cocktails that don’t disappoint, Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar should be top of your list. Just be sure to book ahead—the views and the beef mean it’s a favourite for a reason.

Find out more > www.gillrays.com