The Going Out Awards

Best Sunday Lunch – sponsored by Flower Unlimited

From the many Sunday lunch specialists on Muesli Mountain to the award-winning country pubs in the South Downs, Sussex is the place for a Sunday roast all year round.

We’re looking for pubs and restaurants with atmosphere – from blazing log fires in the winter, to attractive sun-trap gardens in the summer – on top of a good value roast lunch packed full of local produce and high on taste.

THE SHORTLIST

Connaught Pub, Hove

The ever-popular Sunday night quiz gets plenty of people into the Hove pub but it is the roasts which really get people through the doors.

With Redlands Farm chicken ballotine and roast aubergine, pine nuts, tomato and halloumi wellington, The Connaught’s roasts are feted across the city for the variety as well as quality.

Preston Park Tavern, Brighton

Residents near Preston Park know the contemporary gastropub is a hidden gem.

The modern approach to design, light and airy with white walls and wood floors, is reflected in the menu.

Bar snacks on Sundays include Irish rock oysters and smoked mackerel pate on toast, while the roasts use meat from Barfields of Fiveways and are all served with duck fat roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Shakespeare’s Head, Chatham Place, Brighton

Best known as the place to go for a slap-up sausage and mash – there are 14 different meat varieties, ten types of mash and four tasty gravies to try – this lively and cosy boozer also does a mean Sunday lunch.

They serve generous portions which come with a large helping of sides, including mashed parsnips and homemade Yorkshire pudding, which would have the Bard singing sonnets.

The Foragers, Stirling Place, Hove

In eight years at the helm, Paul Hutchison has turned The Foragers into a much- loved local pub and also a respected foodie destination.

As well as an AA Rosette for its food, it has a string of other awards including best pub in the Brighton And Hove Food And Drink Awards 2013.

Sundays are hugely popular and its roast uses vegetables grown and picked in Sussex and meat from Clayton Farm near Mayfield.

The Pump House, Market Street, Brighton

The Pump House is one of Brighton’s most historic buildings. A stone fireplace in the bar bears the initials of Miss Elliot who bought the building in 1766, and its cellar dates from medieval times.

Nowadays the kitchen serves hearty British pub food, including excellent roasts.

The meals benefit from being served in perhaps the most distinctive lounge in the city.

AND THE WINNER IS... Shakespeare’s Head, Brighton

Shakespeare’s Head managers Dan Hellary and Leane Creane have only been running the pub for seven months, but their plan to bring in new chefs has been rewarded with the award for Best Sunday Lunch.

It might be best known for its bangers and mash but Czech chefs Pawel and Milan have worked wonders with the roasts.

“We never thought we would win it so we’re over the moon,” says Hellary.

“The chefs are passionate about their food and they start preparing early in the week and never rush.

“We try to make the pub a great place to come on Sundays when it is a bit cold outside so you can get a cosy corner to hide away in and have a nice relaxing Sunday lunch and bloody Mary. We make a real effort because we want everyone to have good one before they go back to work.”

THE SPONSORS - Flower Unlimited

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We have fresh flower and plant deliveries from Holland - we can also provide an extensive range of tropical and exotic flowers from our Brighton & Hove shop.

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www.flowersunlimitedbrighton.co.uk

Call: 01273 796000

VOTING

Voting has now closed. The winners will be announced in The Argus on Friday December 12.