Bull & Gate

Best Sunday Roast with Cozy Ambience

In the gallivanting warren of Kentish Town, just a stone's throw from the station, lies The Bull & Gate—a bold testament to the vivacity and complexities of what a quintessential British pub can aspire to. Upon entering, you’re greeted with a delightfully anachronistic interior; it's as if someone tossed a grand English manor’s drawing room and a spunky modern bazaar into a blender—and yet, it works beautifully. Flickering fireplaces punctuate the space, offering pockets of warmth, both literal and metaphorical, although they do little to stave off the icy prices at the bar (oh, what we endure for a cheeky pint).

Undoubtedly, The Bull & Gate delivers a blizzard of charm across its multiple levels. Whilst sampling their famed Sunday roast may sound like a pious undertaking, it’s one your taste buds will thank you for. The roast beef— displaying a robustness I thought reserved for national treasures—leaves no room for second-guessing why patrons rave about it. Vegetarians and vegans aren’t left in the lurch either, with options like the spinach and vegan feta Wellington raising eyebrows and expectations alike. Bask in the attentive care of staff such as Elliot, whose whimsical banter is an accessory to an already stellar hospitality experience. Though waits lingered longer than lovely, the smorgasbord of delectable characters the staff provides ensures this Bull trooper keeps you giddy—and perhaps a tad merry—until it’s time to bid adieu once again. — Penelope Savory