The Sunday roast is enjoying a national renaissance, according to new data revealing a sharp rise in interest across the UK.
The research, conducted by food experts at Lucia, analysed Google search data for “Sunday roasts” between 2022 and 2024. The findings show that the UK saw a 172% increase overall.
Warrington in England and Aberdeen in Scotland share the top spot, with a 100% surge in average monthly searches.
Other regions also showed strong gains, Plymouth saw an 86% rise, Wakefield 75%, and Blackpool 67%, indicating that interest in the classic dish is far from confined to one corner of the UK. Even cities like Liverpool, Luton, and Wolverhampton posted significant increases.
| Location | Percentage Increase 2022-2024 |
| Aberdeen | 100% |
| Warrington | 100% |
| Plymouth | 86% |
| Wakefield | 75% |
| Blackpool | 67% |
| Birmingham | 60% |
| Luton | 57% |
| Wolverhampton | 56% |
| Liverpool | 51% |
| Lichfield | 50% |
Reacting to the findings loannis Bouloukos, Area Head Chef at Lucia said:
“The fact that the UK has seen a massive surge in Sunday roast searches says a lot about our national appetite, not just for food, but for flavour, ritual, and a meal that means something.
“In a world of rushed lunches and microwave dinners, the Sunday roast still holds its ground as a culinary cornerstone. Whether it’s the perfectly crisp potatoes or the satisfaction of mastering your own gravy, there’s something proudly indulgent, even defiant about dedicating a day to a meal done right.”
loannis, then went on to share their top tips on how to make a perfect Sunday roast.
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat
“Start with high-quality meat, whether it’s beef, lamb, chicken, or pork. Look for well-marbled cuts for beef, or a whole chicken with plenty of skin for crispiness. Ask your local butcher for the best seasonal options.”
- Season Generously and Rest the Meat
“Don’t hold back on seasoning. Use a mix of salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, or thyme to create layers of flavour. After roasting, always let the meat rest for at least 15 minutes to lock in the juices.”
- Crispy Roast Potatoes Are a Must
“Parboil your potatoes, then rough up the edges before roasting them in hot oil or goose fat. For extra crunch, sprinkle a bit of flour before roasting, and turn them halfway through for even crisping.”
- Nail the Gravy
“A rich, homemade gravy pulls everything together. Use your roasting tray juices, a splash of wine or stock, and reduce it down for deep flavour. Add a spoonful of marmite or redcurrant jelly for a tasty twist.”
- Balance with Sides and Timing
“Perfect your timings so everything lands on the table hot. Serve with a variety of vegetables, roasted carrots, buttered greens, and of course, Yorkshire puddings. Keep textures varied and flavours complementary.”
