Harden's survey result
Summary
“It’s a lovely room, and fantastically well located, but the food never quite lives up to expectations” at this Borough Market fixture, picturesquely perched above the market in a glazed portico that was once part of the Royal Opera House. The culinary theme is British, er, roasts, and even though most diners do actually like the results, “the prices are a bit of a fantasy”. Top Tip – breakfast here gives you all the benefit of the location, and is better value. (There were plans a couple of years ago for a spin-off near Broadcasting House, but these seem to have hit the backburner.)
Summary
This Borough Market showcase for traditional British food enjoys a “great location” (incorporating a glass portico that was originally part of the Royal Opera House) with “wonderful views north to the City, east to the (bottom of the) Shard, and over the market itself”. But every report of exceptional results (“best pork-and-crackling sandwich”; “amazing Chateaubriand”) is matched by gripes about “very average” fare (“burnt Yorkshire pudding”; “the meat may be of a good quality but the cooking is not!”). It’s also “on the expensive side”. Top Tips: “excellent breakfast option – very filling”; “nab a window seat”.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Roast?
Restaurant details
Roast Restaurant Diner Reviews

"End of summer market lunch a bargain! 2 for 1 a good deal. Scotch egg started disappointing but the smoked salmon generous and yum! Likewise the cod with chorizo and beans, excellent, opportunity to try Macedonian wine a bonus. Staff friendly efficient and professional. "
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £27.00 |
Filter Coffee | £3.25 |
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Service | 12.50% |
Number of Diners: | |
Required Time: | |
Opening hours
Monday | 11:45 am‑10 pm |
Tuesday | 7:30 am‑11:30 am, 11:45 am‑10 pm |
Wednesday | 7:30 am‑11:30 am, 11:45 am‑10 pm |
Thursday | 7:30 am‑11:30 am, 11:45 am‑10 pm |
Friday | 7:30 am‑11:30 am, 11:45 am‑10 pm |
Saturday | 8:30 am‑11:30 am, 11:45 am‑10 pm |
Sunday | 11:45 am‑6:30 pm |
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