Last Updated on December 4, 2024
Boxcar Bar & Grill: Raising the Bar on Sunday Roasts
Here at London Unattached, we’ve made it something of a mission to seek out the best Sunday lunches in London – a task I’ve tackled with great enthusiasm (and a few extra notches on my belt). So, when I arrived at Boxcar Bar & Grill in Marylebone for my first visit, I had no idea what to expect. What I got was a Sunday roast that knocked my socks off – easily claiming a spot among the very best in the city.
Boxcar Bar & Grill is the kind of place you wish you’d discovered before anyone else.
This neighbourhood restaurant tucked away on New Quebec Street, a quiet, yet charming street between Marble Arch and Marylebone – feels wonderfully off the beaten track, even though it’s a stone’s throw from the chaos of Oxford Street. Inside, it’s a lesson in understated cool: exposed brick walls, a wood-panelled ceiling, and copper-topped tables set against soft red leather banquettes. There’s a hint of French bistro, a touch of Manhattan speakeasy, and just enough greenery to keep things fresh.
The kitchen, led by Head Chef Harry Webb, is renowned for its charcoal-grilled cooking and commitment to local produce. Boxcar’s Sunday Roast Menu is undoubtedly a highlight. It offers a selection of premium British meats, paired with a generous spread of seasonal sides – a comforting yet elevated take on a British classic. Served with relaxed charm and a warm neighbourhood vibe, it’s the kind of meal that invites you to settle in and stay a while…and we did!
Before the roasts arrived, I started with a plate of perfectly pan-roasted scallops -plump, golden, and perched on a bed of creamy butter beans. Salty chunks of chorizo added a punch of heat, while wilted cavolo nero brought an earthy balance to the dish. Across the table, my companion was equally delighted with a beautifully presented citrus-cured salmon. Nestled among pickled cucumber and bathed in a light horseradish and dill cream, it was as refreshing as it was elegant – both dishes had us both singing their praises before the mains even made an appearance.
Now, onto the Sunday roasts – generously portioned and designed for one or two to share, served with all the traditional trimmings. However, the menu doesn’t stop there. For those in the mood for something different, there’s an enticing lineup of mains: a 32-day dry-aged burger, lamb shank shepherd’s pie, pan-roasted sea bass, and grilled heritage beets with pumpkin and herb salsa. Each dish looked thoroughly tempting.
But what if your veggie or pescatarian friend fancies a roast dinner, as mine did? When we asked, the kitchen graciously brought out a selection of side veggies and roast potatoes served in separate dishes, so we could both dig in – a thoughtful compromise that worked beautifully. That said, perhaps it’s time for Boxcar to introduce a proper roast option for non-meat eaters. A plant-based centrepiece or a fish-focused roast would undoubtedly go down a treat.
The Herdwick lamb loin was a triumph – succulent, perfectly cooked, and stuffed with a fragrant rosemary and thyme stuffing that added just the right amount of herbaceous punch. Meanwhile, my companion chose the pan-roasted sea bass, paired with shards of sweet, caramelized salsify and tender celery – a dish that managed to be both elegant and satisfying.
But let’s talk about the sides because they were a show in themselves. The truffled cauliflower cheese, topped with a thyme crumb, was indulgent without being overbearing (who could resist?). Roasted carrots brought sweetness, the roast potatoes were perfectly crisp, and the glossy red wine jus tied it all together beautifully. What’s not to love?
All paired with a bottle of Picpoul de Pinet, Domaine des Guillmarine, Languedoc – a dry, crisp wine brimming with flavour, featuring notes of pear, apple, and lemon. Its bright acidity and subtle fruitiness cut through the richness of the dishes beautifully, making it an ideal companion for both the lamb and the sea bass.
To round off the meal, my friend opted for a dark chocolate ganache, perfectly paired with poached clementines and candied pecans – a dessert with just the right touch of Christmas cheer to celebrate the season. Meanwhile, I stayed classic with a sticky toffee pudding, gloriously rich and indulgent, served with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Both were a fitting finale to a meal that delivered comfort and indulgence in equal measure.
If Boxcar Bar & Grill isn’t on your radar yet, it should be. With its inviting charm, thoughtful menu, and one of the best Sunday roasts in town, it’s a dining experience that promises to linger long after the plates are cleared.
Boxcar Bar & Grill
23 New Quebec Street
Marylebone
London
W1H 7SD
Open all day Tuesday to Saturday and serving a roast lunch from midday on Sundays.
Bookings are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome, and the venue is pet-friendly.
For bookings and details, please visit:
Want to earn your Roast Dinner? Read about our latest Sunday Lunch with a Walk in Windsor
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