by Pascale Loftus
What is Bristol without its roasts? From pub classics to fine-dining feasts, the city is awash with restaurants claiming to serve ‘the best Sunday Roast in the city’, but few come close to The Square Club’s offering.
In order to analyse why The Square Club’s roasts are so special, it’s important to break down what makes a great roast to begin with. One must consider the presence of key elements, such as Yorkshire puddings (a must) and cauliflower (controversial). One must also look at the freshness of the veg, the thickness of the gravy, and the size of the portions. And, ultimately, one must assess how the setting complements the experience.
The Square Club uses only the finest seasonal ingredients, with the menu changing week to week. One thing remains constant throughout the year: all the trimmings. From roasted seasonal veg slathered in butter to rich, creamy cauliflower cheese, the whole experience is thoughtfully prepared and included in the set menu price.
However, there is one key defining factor that sets some Sunday roasts apart from the rest: the vegetarian option. I know, I know—who cares about a nut roast when you can pile on pork crackling and slather your meal in beef drippings? I feel the best chefs can always be judged on how they cook vegetarian or vegan meals. Some see it as an obligation, swapping out carefully chosen high-quality cuts of meat for a sad round of dry pulses and nuts; not The Square Club’s chefs. With dishes that change just as often as the meat options and celebrate nature’s seasonal bounty, the team understands that vegforward dishes can be just as exciting and innovative as their meaty counterparts.
What can you expect at The Square Club this spring? The new year brings in a bounty of fresh vegetables, from purple sprouting broccoli to curly kale, asparagus, and sorrel. In previous years, guests have delighted in springtime Sunday dishes like wild garlic risotto topped with a perfectly poached egg, or roasted cauliflower steak drizzled with tahini and pomegranate seeds. These aren’t just afterthoughts—they’re dishes that take centre stage and could tempt even the most committed carnivores.
Of course, it’s not just about the food. The setting at The Square Club adds to the charm of your Sunday ritual. Nestled in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, the dining space is both stylish and intimate, with local artwork adorning the walls and cosy seating that invites you to linger. Whether you’re catching up with friends, treating family, or just indulging in some well-deserved downtime, the atmosphere is as warm and welcoming as the dishes on your plate.
So, what makes The Square Club’s Sunday Roast truly special? It’s not just the tender meats, the melt-in-your-mouth veg, or the indulgent truffled cauliflower cheese—it’s the attention to detail, the celebration of seasonal ingredients, and the feeling that every plate has been crafted with care.
Bristol may be brimming with roasts, but this one feels like a love letter to the city itself. Whether you’re a meat-lover or veg-head, The Square Club has elevated the Sunday Roast to an art form—and we’re all here to enjoy the masterpiece.
