Convivial Sundays at Young’s Pubs

To some, a good Sunday means staying cosy indoors, keeping your comfies on all day, and slouching in front of a box set. To others a good Sunday is about getting outdoors into the wild, seeing as many people as possible, and feasting on a roast. My perfect Sunday is a combination of the two – one that mixes friends, open air meandering and mooching, frequent stop-offs at cosy pubs along the way, and unashamedly wearing your comfies out in public.

Living in East London, The Owl and Pussycat on Redchurch Street is where I love a Sunday congregation to begin, just after midday. It’s a pub that has a soulful buzz every day of the week – the heated garden in the back becoming a haven for dog-wielding locals on weekends especially. Once our collective has gathered – and a round of savoury Bloody Mary’s is in hand – Sunday officially begins. Nibbly bits are an essential addition; I’m especially partial to their padron peppers with sriracha mayo, and the moreish ox cheese croquettes with plum ketchup.

Whistles wetted, we then embark on a Sunday stroll – often wielding comedically oversized bouquets of flowers from Columbia Road Market, and a collection of every Sunday paper under our arms – down Brick Lane, passed the Gherkin and Monument, towards the Thames. Crossing London Bridge is always a thrill: Tower Bridge resplendent on the left, Tate Modern on the right, and The Shard glinting in the sun – or rain – directly in front.

We then stroll down Bermondsey Street towards The Woolpack – where the cosy, laid back vibe and upbeat bohemian crowd – always create a cheering atmosphere that I instantly relax into. As a friendship group of big eaters, their Sunday ‘showstopper’ roasts cater to everything we’re after – and we shamelessly pick at bits from everyone else’s plate as we slowly graze our way into the afternoon; flavourful West Country beef rump, crunchy sage and onion stuffing, vegan wellington, maple chantenay carrots, and airy cloud-like Yorkshire puddings devoured with a ‘big red’ like their plummy-vanilla’d Château Bourdicotte Bordeaux or the jammy-spiced Argentinian Malbec.

A plural of puddings to share is the only way to end this perfect Sunday for me and their Sticky Toffee Pudding, Cherry Crumble and the intense Chocolate Cake tick every box. Luckily, the stretchy-elasticated comfies look is never frowned upon by the staff – but very joyfully welcomed.