Last Updated on May 23, 2025
East London Eats: Sunday Roast at The Brush, Shoreditch
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
At London Unattached, we’re always on the hunt for standout Sunday lunch spots, so an invitation to The Brush, East London’s latest grand café-style restaurant, felt like just the thing. Set on the ground floor of the striking new art’otel London Hoxton, it’s a vibrant all-day venue that brings together the easy elegance of a European café with the energy of Shoreditch. Part lounge, part cocktail bar, part dining room – it’s the kind of place that shifts effortlessly from lazy lunches to late-night drinks, all with a distinctly East London edge.
Just a short walk from Old Street station, art’otel London Hoxton is a bold new addition to Shoreditch’s ever-evolving landscape. Opened in April 2024, the hotel fuses contemporary design with a creative spirit, featuring striking interiors and artworks by Signature Artist D*Face. Its location at the intersection of Old Street and Great Eastern Street places it at the heart of one of London’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, known for its vibrant street art, independent boutiques, and eclectic dining scene.
The Brush Grand Café is a striking space, circular in shape, with soaring ceilings and a mezzanine balcony that looks down over the restaurant below. It’s all sleek black pillars and floor-to-ceiling windows, giving it a bold, modern edge softened by warm caramel leather chairs and the gleam of black marble tables, each set with a playful pop of yellow from the salt and pepper pots. A splash of pop art adds a burst of personality, while a DJ spinning disco tunes brings a laid-back energy. There’s also an outdoor terrace made for sunnier days, though, regrettably, the weather wasn’t playing along during our visit.
Seated by the window at The Brush, we had a prime view of this buzzy corner of East London – a perfect spot for a leisurely Sunday lunch. The line-up of Bloody Marys was too tempting to pass up; if there’s one drink that truly belongs to Sunday, it’s this. Whether you fancy yours with Ojo de Dios Mezcal, Plymouth Gin, or the classic Absolut Blue vodka, there’s a version to suit every mood. We went for the classic, which arrived with a bold hit of spice, a celery salt rim, and the perfect garnish: plump green olives and a crisp stick of celery. Punchy, savoury, and exactly the right way to begin. Of course, there was also the option of Prosecco, an array of cocktails, or a well-curated selection of soft drinks from their extensive menu.
The new Sunday Roast menu by Executive Chef Ryan Matheson is short, confident, and hits all the right notes, whether you’re a meat lover, pescatarian, or veggie. It’s a proper celebration of the Sunday tradition, with options like roast striploin of beef with thyme gravy, half a corn-fed chicken with pan drippings, or a whole grilled seabass with burnt butter and capers (designed for sharing). There’s also a Mushroom Wellington with roast onion gravy for the plant-based crowd. Whichever you choose, all roasts come with the full works.
My generous portion of roast chicken was everything I love about a Sunday roast -beautifully moist, tender, and packed with flavour. Accompanied by perfectly crisp beef-fat roast potatoes, sweetly caramelised roasted carrots and onions, and vibrant, tenderstem broccoli, it was a plate full of comfort. The highlight, however, was the massive, spot-on Yorkshire pudding – light and airy with just the right amount of crunch on the edges.
My companion opted for the Mushroom Wellington, and it didn’t disappoint. The juicy mushrooms were perfectly encased in a golden, flaky pastry, wrapped in vibrant greens that added a lovely earthy depth. Just like my roast, it came with all the trimmings. On the side, a bowl of rich, creamy cauliflower cheese added an indulgent touch, and jugs of steaming hot onion gravy.
We paired our meal at The Brush with a bottle of Château du Poyet Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie – a classic white that was dry, crisp, and delicately fruity, with subtle citrus notes and a lovely mineral edge. Light and refreshing, it was an ideal match for the range of flavours on our table.
And finally, for something sweet, who was I to resist a Vanilla Crème Brûlée? I’m a bit fussy when it comes to brûlées, but this one was perfect: creamy, smooth, with just the right crack of caramelised sugar. My friend went for a bowl of decadent chocolate and salted caramel ice cream, the ideal indulgence to round off the meal. Two cups of strong black coffee followed, and just like that, our Sunday was well and truly sorted. It was a Sunday done right, from start to finish.
The Brush is more than just a spot for a great roast – it’s a contemporary dining venue that’s quickly drawing in a young, vibrant crowd. With its sleek design and relaxed yet energetic atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for those looking to enjoy excellent food in an equally stylish setting.
Sunday Roast served every Sunday from 12 – 4 pm
The Brush East London Grand Café,
84-86 Great Eastern Street,
London EC2A 3JL
(inside art’otel London Hoxton).
Opening Hours: Open daily from 7:00 to 22:00 or 23:00, serving breakfast through to late-night drinks.
Nearest Station: Old Street (Tube).
https://www.thebrushhoxton.co.uk
Check our roundup for more ideas for the Best Sunday Roast in London
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