As the nights get darker and the temperatures slump, hearty British classics will be returning to pub menus up and down the country.

Lamb shanks, sausage and mash, but most importantly proper Sunday roasts.

Ok admittedly they're always on the menu, but you have to agree they taste better when it's dark and cold outside rather than glaringly hot.

The Sunday roast is traditionally a large joint of meat, be it roast beef, lamb, pork or chicken with roast potatoes and vegetables.

The traditional Sunday roast is believed to have begun way back in 15th-century England during the reign of King Henry VII. Every Sunday, after church, his royal guards would enjoy a ritual of freshly roasted beef, this is where the affectionate term “Beefeaters” came from.

But enough about that, it's time to get stuck into what really matters: Where's the best roast near you?

Top 6 roasts around Wiltshire according to Tripadvisor:

Dan's at The Crown 

Address: 6-7 The Parade, Marlborough SN8 1NE 

Rating: 4.5 out of 278

Reviews: One customer said: "I went here Sunday lunchtime for the roast , I had beef the flavour was lovely , I've certainly had more tender meat but it was og so tasty. The gravy was rich and flavoursome and the cauliflower cheese was very cheesy , it was up there with some of the best roasts I've had."

Another said: "This was one of the best Sunday roasts we can remember having. We ate too late (1430hrs) as it was all that was left; this place is very popular."

The Plough on the Hill

Address: Marlborough Road Badbury, Swindon SN4 0EP 

Rating: 4.5 out of 656

Reviews: One customer said: "Visited on the off chance on our way home , so glad we did. Lovely friendly people, gorgeous Sunday roast, including my veggie lentil bake. The meat eaters were raving about the pork and crackling!"

Another said: "The best Sunday lunch in Wiltshire. Highly recommended this pub. Lovely people, welcoming and friendly. Fantastic table service. I have never had a bad meal here! Go and enjoy!"

The Red Lion Inn

Address: 74 High Street, Cricklade, Swindon SN6 6DD 

Rating: 4 out of 602

Reviews: One customer said: "Stayed over en route to a family weekend in Cornwall. Absolutely divine food, understated venue and friendly personable staff. Menu was exceptional and not at all what we expected from traditional pub grub."

Another said: "Nothing is too much trouble for this lovely country pub. The food is always amazing and the staff are a really good bunch. It has its own micro brewery, outside bar and offers doggy ice cream too!"

The White Hart Inn

Address: 18 High Road, Ashton Keynes, Swindon SN6 6NX 

Rating: 4.5 out of 293

Reviews: One customer said: "Nice family meal in a quaint village. Food was lovely. Service was very good. Highly recommend. Please note parking on the street, however plenty to choose from."

Another said: "Visited with the family whilst on holiday. Food was absolutely delightful and plentiful. Team were very friendly Amazing".

Helen Browning's Royal Oak

Address: Cues Lane, Swindon SN6 8PL 

Rating: 4.5 out of 293

Reviews: One customer said: "What a wonderful venue, so relaxed and friendly. We went for a friend’s 50th . The food and service were both 5* and the location is lovely too."

Another said: "Good value for such quality food, very nice, relaxed atmosphere with excellent service. Have previously visited for a Sunday lunch which was also lovely, must try the breakfast next! Really relaxing, pleasant afternoon, thank you very much!"


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The Runner Pub

Address: Wootton Bassett Road, Swindon 

Rating: 4 out of 280

Reviews: One customer said: "The runner is one to look out for we went for dinner along with friends and the food served here is outstanding and delicious the ambience can be done better but it was all ok the curries are the best I've had in a long time and can say the best in Swindon".

Another said: "Stayed here as a motorhome pub stopover definitely the best we have ever done ! We can not recommend this place enough! Staff are fantastic, friendly and extremely helpful. Service was amazing and the food a mixture of pub classics and Himalayan specialties that you should not miss !"