WINNER: THE BULL & LAST

Any Highgate locals who bristled in 2008 at the arrival of yet another gastropub soon changed their minds. Exceptional British ingredients are treated lovingly, respectfully and cooked no more than they need be. There are no complications: just small, expert refinements. Sunday lunches are their trump card - so book well in advance. It's worth the trip for the trimmings alone – the Yorkshire puds are the size of wedding hats. What Sundays were made for. 168 Highgate Road, London, NW5 1QS 020 7267 3641

RUNNERS UP

LONDON

Hawksmoor Last year's winner, and the steakhouse's Sunday roast – a char-grilled rump of Longhorn beef with all the trimmings – remains a big crowd-pleaser. Branches at Seven Dials and Spitalfields
 

The Albion Eating at this perennially popular Georgian-style pub feels like being in the country. Just a shame that there aren't a few fields nearby to walk off their Sunday roasts. The Yorkshire puds are unbeatable. 10 Thornhill Road, Islington N1 1HW; 020 7607 7450
 

SOUTH & WEST

The Gun Inn Sunday roasts are what this warm, laidback family-run pub does best. The slow-roast belly of free-range pork is a special, juicy treat. High Street, Findon, West Sussex, BN14 0TA 01903 873 206
 

The Green Man This lovely pub in the picturesque village of Eversholt has a hearty Sunday roast menu that will please all the family. Church End, Eversholt, Bedfordshire, MK17 9DU

Pony & Trap Close to the scenic Chew Valley Lake, this unfussy, good value pub with its emphasis on provenance was awarded a Michelin star last year. The duck-fat roasties are worth the journey alone. Knowle Hill, Newton, Chew Magna,Bristol BS40 8TQ; 01275 332 627
 

Koba It's best known as a snazzy cocktail bar, but venture into this smart Brighton venue on a Sunday and you can try their "Roast Rooster" or a whole, locally caught plaice. 135 Western Road Brighton, BN1 2LA; 01273 720 059

MIDLANDS & EAST

Larwood & Voce Popular Sunday roast venue, with a focus on local produce. The best thing? With 48 hours notice, you can order a whole suckling pig. Fox Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 6AJ; 0115 981 9960

The Bell If you're in the mood for grazing, you can have your Sunday joint served at your table in this handsome country pub. The kitchen even lends out chef's hats to the nominated carver. Alderminster, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 8NY; 01789 450 414

NORTH

The Cross Keys Once a watering hole for foundry workers. Now, a handsome modern boozer with one of the finest Sunday roasts in Leeds. The roaring fires are a big pull in winter. 107 Water Lane, Leeds, LS11 5WD; 0113 243 3711

The Parlour This new Chorlton pub, co-owned by a former Coronation Street actor, is already a firm favourite with locals. You can eat Sunday roasts off your knees on a comfy sofa, too, if you want. In fact, it's encouraged. 66 Beech Road, Chorlton, M4 1LE; 0161 881 4871

Café No 8 Smart, friendly bistro with delicious European and North African-inspired alternatives alongside the traditional Sunday fare. 8 Gillygate, York,YO31 7EQ; 01904 653 074

SCOTLAND

Café Gandolfi This was the first restaurant in Glasgow's Merchant City. Thirty years on, its Sunday lunches remain a thing of city folklore. 64 Albion Street,Glasgow G1 1NY;0141 552 6813

Joseph Pearce's Bar At the grand old age of 110, this is an Edinburgh landmark. After a fine Sunday lunch, why not have a walk through the Royal Terrace Gardens? 23 Elm Row, Edinburgh EH7 4AA 0131 556 4140

WALES

Y Farmers This is the kind of pub every village should have: friendly staff, local ales and good food. Chef Rhodri Edwards offers up four main course options on a Sunday, but the roast Welsh lamb is an obvious choice. Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, Aberystwyth, SY23 4LA; 01974 261 275
 

The Felin Fach Griffin The Griffin has long prided itself on the reputation of its refined Sunday menu that more than does justice to the Welsh larder. There are rooms if you want to make a weekend of it. Felin Fach, Brecon LD3 0UB 01874 620111

NORTHERN IRELAND

Merchant Hotel Enjoy an exemplary, and surprisingly reasonable, Sunday roast in this five-star hotel, complete with its grade A listed, Italianate exterior. 16 Skipper Street,Belfast, BT1 2DY; 02890 234 888
 

The Bay Tree A favourite across the board in this year's awards, the Bay Tree pulls out all the stops with its Sunday roasts. 118 High Street, Holywood BT18 9HW 02890 421 419