Few traditions feel more comforting than gathering for a proper Sunday roast – and even better when the whole family can come along. Across the UK, a new wave of pubs is proving that welcoming children and serving excellent food don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
From countryside inns with sprawling gardens to city pubs with cosy corners and roast dinners worth writing home about, these are the spots where everyone – toddlers, teens, and grandparents alike – can tuck in happily.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Menus, prices, and availability may vary by location. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. The Black Boy
Ever noticed how the best Sunday roasts often come from pubs that look like they've been serving them for centuries? Tucked away in the West Midlands village of Knowle, this historic inn has been welcoming families since the 1500s, and they've clearly perfected their recipe over the years.
The sprawling garden is an absolute godsend when little ones need to burn off energy between courses, complete with play equipment that'll keep them entertained whilst you savour that last Yorkshire pud. Inside, the atmosphere strikes that rare balance between cosy traditional pub and genuinely child-welcoming space, with staff who actually smile when your toddler drops their sippy cup for the third time.
2. The Plough Inn
Did you know the New Forest has over 140 miles of walking trails? Perfect for working up an appetite before settling into this gem of a country pub. Nestled amongst ancient woodland, The Plough Inn serves up hearty Sunday lunches that taste even better after a morning ramble with the family.
Children are genuinely welcomed here, not just tolerated, with a dedicated kids' menu that doesn't rely on the usual chicken nuggets and chips combo. The pub sources much of its meat locally, meaning your roast beef might have been grazing nearby just days earlier, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest ramblers.
3. The Bull At Hinton
Wiltshire's rolling countryside hides some proper foodie treasures, and this 16th-century coaching inn ranks amongst the finest. What sets The Bull apart is their commitment to proper scratch cooking whilst maintaining a relaxed, family-friendly vibe that doesn't make you feel like you're dining in a stuffy restaurant.
Their Sunday roasts have earned quite the reputation locally, with meat cooked to perfection and vegetables that haven't been boiled into submission. The outdoor space provides brilliant entertainment for restless children, and there's even a small play area that means parents can actually finish their meal whilst it's still warm, which feels like a genuine luxury these days.
4. The Fox And Hounds
Just a stone's throw from Windsor Great Park sits this charming Surrey pub that's become something of a Sunday institution for local families. The location alone makes it worth visiting, positioned perfectly for a post-lunch stroll through one of Britain's most spectacular royal parks.
What really impresses is how they've managed to create separate spaces that work for different crowds without anyone feeling segregated or unwelcome. Families with younger children gravitate towards the conservatory area, which opens onto the garden during warmer months. The kitchen team clearly understands that kids' palates vary wildly, offering smaller portions of the main menu alongside traditional children's options, which is refreshingly sensible.
5. The Eagle And Child
Liverpool's pub scene is legendary, but finding one that balances Scouse character with genuine family friendliness can be tricky. This Victorian beauty manages both effortlessly, serving Sunday roasts that honour traditional northern cooking whilst keeping things accessible for all ages.
The atmosphere buzzes with conversation and laughter rather than rowdy behaviour, creating that warm community feeling Liverpool pubs do so well. Portions here are properly generous in true northern style, and the gravy alone could win awards. Staff seem genuinely fond of children rather than merely tolerating them, which makes all the difference when you're trying to enjoy a meal with unpredictable little ones in tow.
6. The Crooked Billet Inn
Yorkshire folk take their Sunday roasts seriously, so any pub that's earned a reputation in these parts must be doing something right. Situated in the brewing town of Tadcaster, this characterful inn serves up proper Yorkshire portions with all the trimmings, including Yorkshire puddings so enormous they practically need their own postcode.
The rustic interior feels authentically old-school without being uncomfortably antiquated, and there's plenty of space for families to spread out comfortably. What parents particularly appreciate is the relaxed timing, they're happy to serve Sunday lunch throughout the afternoon, which means no panic if naptime runs over or the morning outing takes longer than planned.
7. The Crabtree
Finding a genuinely family-friendly pub in London that doesn't compromise on food quality feels like striking gold. Perched right on the Thames in Fulham, The Crabtree offers something most city pubs can't: proper outdoor space where children can watch boats glide past whilst parents enjoy their roast.
The Sunday menu showcases quality British ingredients without the pretentious presentation that makes you nervous about letting kids near it. During warmer months, the riverside terrace becomes the place to be, offering that rare London luxury of space and fresh air. Booking ahead is absolutely essential here, particularly for larger families, as word has definitely spread about this riverside gem.
