Sundays at Hat & Feathers, Clerkenwell

Tucked inside, or beside, however you like to look at it – Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell – Hat & Feathers feels like the kind of pub you wish you had around the corner or in your neighbourhood. The Grade II-listed Victorian building has been beautifully brought back to life, and on our visit, it was clear the word is already out.

The menu leans into tradition, with a focus on quality ingredients and classic combinations done properly. We opted for two of the highlights – the grass-fed sirloin of beef and the Cherry Orchard farmed pork shoulder – purely so we could try a bit of both. It turned out to be the right call. No starters which was interesting, but actually, it allowed me to enjoy my main a lot more!

The beef was everything you want from a Sunday roast: tender, blushing in the centre, and paired with a punchy horseradish that cut through the richness perfectly. Alongside it, the pork shoulder offered a different kind of indulgence, succulent, slow-cooked meat with crisp, golden crackling that delivered on texture as much as flavour. The apple sauce added just the right touch of sweetness to balance it all out.

Of course, a roast is only as good as its supporting cast, and here, everything held its own. Fluffy roast potatoes with a proper crunch, seasonal vegetables cooked just right, and generous lashings of gravy that tied the plate together without overwhelming it. It’s hearty, satisfying food that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, just perfect it.

Despite feeling comfortably full, skipping dessert wasn’t an option. We shared the chocolate brownie, and it turned out to be one of those decisions you’re quietly pleased with long after the meal ends. Rich, indulgent, and deeply chocolatey without being too heavy.

What makes Hat & Feathers particularly appealing is its setting. Once you step outside, you’re perfectly placed to make the most of the Sunday afternoon. Exmouth Market is just a short stroll away, offering a lively stretch of independent shops and cafés, while Angel is close enough for a longer wander if you’re not quite ready to head home.