Why do Brits love a Sunday Roast?

Britain has a long and fascinating history and through time has become synonymous with everything from iconic buildings to cities known around the world, famous faces, art, sports – and several classic dishes. When you think of well-known British meals, the likes of fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie and of course, a traditional Sunday roast, are bound to spring to mind.

A Sunday roast has long been a tradition in households and a staple on pub and restaurant menus across the generations. But why do Brits love a Sunday roast and why has it long been a tradition?

Here, BBC Bitesize takes a closer look at the history of the Sunday roast, why it is so popular and other Sunday dinner traditions from across the globe. You can find out more below – and also take our quiz!

Typically enjoyed, of course, on Sundays, the traditional British meal consists of a roasted meat, such as chicken, beef, lamb or pork, with roasted potatoes (or even mashed potato), Yorkshire puddings, vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, gravy, and even stuffing. Many also enjoy a vegetarian or vegan version, swapping out meat for nut roast or using other tasty alternatives.

Also referred to as simply a roast dinner or a Sunday lunch or dinner, everyone has their own take on the classic dish or preferences, whether that is what type of potato or vegetable is included, how thick the gravy is or how we like our meat cooked. We all have a favourite item on the plate that we believe the meal wouldn’t be the same without and no matter who makes it, we all know somebody who in our eyes makes ‘the best Sunday roast.’

Sometimes, we like to add extra bits to our roasts, such as mint sauce, apple sauce, horseradish sauce or cranberry sauce. On Christmas Day, December 25, many families go all out with bigger portions, as well as adding the likes of pigs in blankets to the dish.

The popularity of a Sunday roast in Britain dates back hundreds of years - but the exact point in time that it originated here is often disputed. Some claim the tradition can be traced back to medieval times when families would gather for large feasts after church services on the Lord’s Day, whereas other historians and experts believe the tradition was solidified during the reign of King Henry VII in 1485.

Henry VII, or Henry Tudor, was part of the royal lineage, The Tudors, who ruled Wales and England between 1485 and 1603. Since the 15th century, The Yeoman of the Guard – the royal bodyguards – have also been affectionately known as ‘Beefeaters,’ due to their weekly beef rations.

Others think the origins are tied to the late 1700s, as Sunday became a day of rest. Many believe the tradition of Sunday roast would see families go to church on a Sunday and leave their food in the oven to cook to be ready for when they returned home.

How our Sunday roasts have been cooked and what it has looked like and included has no doubt changed or evolved through time – but the family tradition still remains today.

It might not be a dish that’s popular with everyone – but there’s no doubt that a Sunday roast dinner is loved by many Brits and its popularity has stood the test of time. But why do people love a Sunday roast so much?

Well – an obvious answer could be they love the hearty taste of a roast dinner, from the slow-cooked meat to the crispy golden potatoes, delicious trimmings and much more. It’s a feast that brings people together and is a great way to round the week off - but to many, it is more than just a meal.

As previously mentioned, it’s a tradition that’s long been part of our culture and whether you enjoy it weekly, throughout the year or just during Christmastime, it’s a dish that has long brought people together. Every year, you’ll likely find a statistic, survey or poll which discusses a roast dinner as one of the most-loved dishes, or what on the Sunday roast plate is most loved by the public.

It may have deep roots in British culture – but the Sunday roast is also loved and a tradition elsewhere around the globe. Many places abroad serve up the classic dish, whether that be people with ties to Britain or hospitality businesses that serve traditional, British food.

But you’ll also find that several English-speaking or commonwealth countries have also adopted the tradition, including Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa. In different places, there are different takes on the Sunday roast, whether that be how it is cooked or served, or even replacing some food items or ingredients with something else.

Many other countries, cultures and communities gather today for a special meal on a Sunday – and they don’t all have a roast dinner. Like the Brits with their Sunday roast dinners, many have had their own traditions for generations, and Sunday has long been a special day in Christianity around the globe - with families gathering after church to eat or using the day of rest to spend time eating lovely food with loved ones.

In Italy, a Sunday dinner usually consists of multiple courses and big hearty dishes like fresh pasta, lasagne or ravioli. On a Sunday in Greece, families typically tuck into dishes like moussaka, roasted lamb or chicken with potatoes or pastitsio.

In Argentina, asado is typically enjoyed on a Sunday – a barbecue meal that heavily features beef as well as sides and vegetables. The dishes may be different but no matter where you go, they all have much in common – tradition, culture and bringing people together.

This article was written in December 2025

• The takeaway treats that have become national treasures
• Four UK classics remade overseas
• Food traditions from across the world
• A brief history of the humble school dinner
• What is seasonal food?