Set just behind Bond Street, The Duchess offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere in a particularly hectic part of Central London. We sat down to our table in the upstairs dining room, with a low hum of conversation around us and accommodating yet chilled waiting staff, this was exactly the laid-back setting we needed for our somewhat hungover Sunday lunch.

The menu offers a real twist on classics, with options such as; haddock croquettes with truffle hollandaise and Nduja cacklebean Scotch egg with house piccalilli for starters, and everything from bangers and mash and burgers to a full sharing roast for 4 people for the mains. I’m always on the lookout for pubs that do a decent vegetarian Sunday roast, a proper roast, I have an aversion to all things cauliflower steaks, stuffed peppers or any other vegetables masquerading as a main for the plant-based option. I’ll opt for a wellington or hearty nut roast every time, so I was delighted to see the vegan main was that of a pastry kind.

I started with the roasted butternut squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds. Served with a swirl of truffle oil and a chunk of delicious fresh sourdough bread, sometimes you find a place that does amazing soup and this is certainly one of them. My guest ordered a super retro crab & crayfish cocktail served with avocado, spring onion, and orange Marie Rose sauce. She was as happy with her option and we both remarked at how 80’s dinner party it felt, very cool.

My main was a roasted butternut squash & forest mushroom en croûte. I know what you’re thinking, double butternut squash? But I was super happy with it, it certainly tasted like it was fully in season and suited the dreary winter day. The salty vegetable filling and the crispy pastry were the ultimate comfort food. Served with roasted potatoes, carrots, purple sprouting broccoli, and braised red cabbage, they don’t scrimp on the sides here which is a real bonus. I’m not usually someone that is hugely fussed by gravy but it was coated in an insanely moreish roasted red wine gravy, finishing off the plate perfectly. My dinner partner opted for the Cambrian chicken supreme which she was as equally chuffed with. Accompanied by a bottle of the Argentinian Catena Malbec and followed by the sticky toffee pudding with a salted caramel sauce, we rolled out of the venue ready for an afternoon nap and rid of our ghastly hangovers.

Worth the trip to Marylebone from East London, The Duchess is a great spot for a central London Sunday roast, seemingly a world away from tourists despite its location. Laid-back dining with attentive waiting staff, there is a diverse menu catering for a variety of dietary requirements and preferences.

Address: 39 Duke St, West Central, London W1U 1LP

Website: www.theduchesspub.co.uk

Written by Jordan Crowley

Photography courtesy of The Dutchess