We try the pub Sunday roast voted best in Bristol by readers

As the weather is getting colder, there is no better excuse to cosy up at the pub, preferably next to an open fire, and enjoy an excellent Sunday roast with family and friends. That calm and festive atmosphere is in abundance when you step through the doors of The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer.

In a recent Bristol Live poll, readers unanimously voted the Sunday roast at this King Street pub the best in Bristol. With so many pubs serving great roasts, that's quite an achievement so we booked a table immediately to see for ourselves what all the fuss was about.

With 36 taps on regular rotation, themed ‘tap takeovers’ and also a great selection of wines and spirits, you’re not short of a unique tipple whilst you wait for your food.

We kicked off our meal with two starters. I ordered the deep fried Camembert (£6.50) served with cranberry and port sauce. While my partner ordered the ham hock and cheddar croquettes (£6.75), paired with black garlic aioli and crispy leeks. Although the Camembert was enjoyable, I did experience food envy after trying the croquettes.

The rich savoury filling of ham hock and cheddar, combined with the sweetness of the garlic aioli, created a perfect flavour profile. Both dishes set the bar high for the meal to follow.

Keen to sample all of the meats available, my partner ordered The Volley Triple (£20), whilst I opted for the shoulder of lamb (£17). We both agreed that of the three meats offered - lamb, pork and beef - the lamb was the highlight. Tender, juicy and packed with flavour, it was the natural winner. However, if you’re a big fan of crackling (as I am) the pork comes with a generous portion striking the balance between crispy and chewy.

Although an overlooked element of a typical Sunday roast review, I believe no roast is complete without the perfect veg. Thankfully, the spring greens are a standout, fresh and peppery, they offer a great contrast to the richer elements of the meal.

The cauliflower cheese (£5) is another triumph, the smooth bechamel was wonderfully cheesy, and topped with a satisfying golden crust. It also maintained a great bite to the cauliflower avoiding any sogginess. Similarly the roasted carrots and parsnips sit atop a deliciously sweet puree, cutting through the savoury flavours of the dish.

And roast review is complete without a fine analysis of the potatoes. The roasties had a crisp, salty skin with a fluffy interior and were even more delicious covered in the gravy. The gravy, we were told, takes five days to make.

Starting on Tuesday evening by slow-roasting bones for the broth and then adding in vegetable skins throughout the week of prep, before finally adding red wine and seasoning ready for Sunday service. The depth of flavour from the process was unmissable. I was glad to have a ginormous Yorkshire Pudding to soak it all up.

The stuffing (£5) was also impressive. Made with sage and onion, it boasted a satisfying crunch and a well balanced flavour without being overpowering. It would make a great accompaniment if you’re feeling particularly festive but wasn’t a stand out dish.

Although we were unsure we had room for dessert we found it difficult to say no to the chocolate orange mousse (£6), which turned out to be the perfect conclusion to such a filling roast. Light, airy and decadently flavoured it was a lovely sweet treat to share.

What really sets The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer apart is the commitment to making everything in-house (except the chips), from the gravy to the desserts. The food, paired with the excellent service overseen by General Manager Carl, results in a Sunday roast that feels both nostalgic and refined, offering exceptional attention to detail.

Whether you’re a local or passing through Bristol for Christmas, it’s a meal worth savouring. So, yes, Bristol Live readers who voted for this Sunday roast certainly got it right!

The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, 17-18 King Street, Bristol, BS1 4EF. Tel: 0117 9118626.