The Pig and Butcher Islington

There are few things more comforting – or more fiercely judged (especially by me as I go to a lot ha!) -than a Great British Sunday roast, and The Pig and Butcher in Islington delivers one that absolutely lives up to the hype. A neighbourhood pub with serious culinary credentials, it’s charming, buzzy, and utterly rammed on Sundays for good reason. There’s a warm hum of conversation, clinking glasses, and the unmistakable smell of something very good happening in the kitchen.

Naturally, we began as all good Sundays should: with a Negroni. At The Pig and Butcher, they boast a very good one – bold, perfectly balanced, and an epic way to kick off the meal.

Starters followed, and they were anything but filler. The beef tartare was outstanding: rich, beautifully seasoned, and served with crisp breads and a silky egg yolk that begged to be mixed through – an Instagrammable dream. Knowing the main event would be big, I went for the beetroot and whipped goat’s cheese starter, which was fresh, earthy, and perfectly balanced with a creamy tang.

Then came the party: the roasts. We opted for the traditional roast beef and a crispy porchetta, and both were executed flawlessly. The beef was perfectly cooked – tender, juicy, and full of flavour – while the porchetta delivered that dream combination of succulent meat and crackling that actually crackled. Every roast came with a Yorkshire pudding (as it should), and the attention to detail didn’t stop there.

Sides are where a roast can really shine, and The Pig and Butcher clearly understands this. A side of cauliflower cheese was non-negotiable, arriving gloriously molten and unapologetically indulgent. Cheesy leeks come as standard – an inspired and generous addition – and elevated the whole plate. The vegetables were a highlight in their own right: carrots and cabbage cooked beautifully, vibrant, well-seasoned, and crucially, piping hot. Everything arrived exactly as a roast should – hot, comforting, and clearly cooked with care.

Dessert sealed the deal. A traditional sticky toffee pudding was a must order according to our Waitress – it was rich, indulgent, and deeply satisfying. Alongside it, a rice pudding dish offered something more wholesome and warming, gentle and nostalgic without being dull. It was the perfect end to a very full, very happy Sunday.

The Pig and Butcher delivers everything you want from a Sunday roast: exceptional food, generous portions, a buzzing atmosphere, and that unmistakable feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be on a Sunday afternoon. This is British pub dining at its absolute best.

Find out more > www.thepigandbutcher.co.uk