Modern British cuisine is the hallmark at RAREBIT, a cozy restaurant and grocery market tucked into Elephant Park in South London’s Newington neighborhood. With an inviting bar, an all-day kitchen and an eclectic pantry, RAREBIT is a favorite among locals for one of the city’s most celebrated Sunday roasts.
The Sunday roast is a beloved British ritual: a generous, once-a-week meal built around roast beef and Yorkshire pudding — a light, puffy flour-and-egg batter — finished with a rich gravy. Typical accompaniments include crispy roast potatoes, buttered greens, braised red cabbage, maple-roasted carrots and parsnips, and swede mash. At RAREBIT, the Rare Breed sirloin is the standout, while alternatives such as Tamworth pork belly, supreme of chicken or a Hasselback heritage squash (gluten-free options available) offer satisfying variety.
© Debra Bokur
RAREBIT places strong emphasis on local sourcing. The kitchen features charcuterie from London Smoke & Cure, seasonal produce from Natoora, cheeses from Neal’s Yard Dairy, breads and pastries from Flor, and coffee from Climpson & Sons. This commitment to local suppliers shows on every plate and in the pantry shelves, enhancing both flavor and provenance.
Begin your meal with a St. Germain elderflower prosecco cocktail or a glass of Champagne, and consider a starter of Welsh rarebit or Cornish crab on toast. Save room for dessert: choices include spiced plum crumble with clotted cream ice cream, a Neal’s Yard Dairy cheese board, and a rotating selection of artisan ice creams and sorbets such as honeycomb, rhubarb sorbet, fior di latte and hazelnut.
© Debra Bokur
If you can’t make it on Sunday, the regular menu still offers plenty to enjoy, including the popular Rarebit Bottomless Brunch. The café is also a great spot for coffee and a sweet treat any day it’s open. Don’t forget to browse the grocery pantry before you leave: you’ll find artisan jams like strawberry & rosewater from London Borough of Jams, elderflower & cucumber spritzers from The Uncommon Wine of England, sparkling British raspberry lemonade by Heartsease Farm, cheeses, black olive paste and other pantry favorites perfect for bringing home.
RAREBIT is closed on Mondays. You’ll find it at 11 Sayer St., a short walk from Elephant & Castle tube station on a lively side street lined with cafés and shops. For Sunday roast service, booking a reservation in advance is recommended to secure a table.