A good Sunday roast in South London should be about more than what arrives on the plate.
Of course, the food matters. But the best Sunday lunches are also about having time to sit down with family or friends, enjoying a drink, chatting without rushing and spending a few relaxed hours somewhere that feels welcoming.
That is where the traditional local pub still has an important role to play.
At Skehan’s in Nunhead, Sundays combine Chico’s Sunday roast with the atmosphere of an independent local pub, giving people the chance to turn lunch into a proper Sunday afternoon.
What Makes a Great Sunday Lunch in South London?
The best Sunday lunches tend to have a few things in common.
The food needs to be good, the surroundings need to be comfortable and there should be enough time to actually enjoy being there.
For many people, that means:
- A proper roast dinner
- Good company
- A relaxed atmosphere
- Something good to drink
- A welcoming local setting
- Somewhere you don’t feel rushed out after eating
It’s the combination that matters.
A Sunday lunch isn’t usually something you squeeze into half an hour between other plans. It’s an opportunity to slow down.
Sunday Roast South London: Is the Food the Most Important Part?
It’s certainly one of them.
A good roast should feel like a proper Sunday meal rather than simply another pub lunch.
At Skehan’s, Chico’s Sunday Roast is served on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm, giving diners a generous window in which to make their plans.
But the food is only the starting point.
The idea is to make Sunday lunch part of the wider experience of being at the pub.
What Makes a Sunday Roast Feel Like a Proper Local Pub Experience?
There’s something different about having Sunday lunch somewhere that genuinely feels like a local.
You might recognise people when you walk through the door. You can settle down with a drink before lunch, take your time over the meal and stay for a while afterwards.
At an independent pub like Skehan’s, the atmosphere isn’t designed to feel like a formal restaurant.
It’s a pub.
That means Sunday lunch can be as sociable, relaxed or informal as you want it to be.
Sunday Lunch South London: Who Is It Really For?
One of the best things about a Sunday roast is that it works for different occasions.
A Sunday Roast With Family
Sunday lunch has traditionally been an opportunity for families to spend time together.
Rather than preparing everything at home and dealing with the washing up afterwards, going out allows everyone to sit together and enjoy the afternoon.
Sunday Lunch With Friends
A Sunday roast can also be an excuse to catch up with friends.
There’s no need for a special occasion. Sometimes a good meal and a few drinks are enough.
A Relaxed Sunday for Two
And you don’t need a large group.
A Sunday roast can be a simple way for two people to get out of the house, enjoy some good food and spend a couple of hours somewhere comfortable.
Why Does the Pub Matter?
A restaurant can provide an excellent meal, but a good local pub offers something slightly different.
The atmosphere tends to be less formal.
You can arrive for lunch, order a drink, settle in and feel comfortable staying for the afternoon.
At Skehan’s, that pub environment is particularly important because the venue is about much more than food.
It’s an independent, family-run pub with more than 25 years of history in the local community.
Sunday lunch therefore sits naturally alongside everything else that happens there throughout the week.

What Can You Do After Sunday Lunch at Skehan’s?
This is where a Sunday at Skehan’s can become more than simply a roast dinner.
You don’t necessarily have to leave as soon as you’ve finished eating.
Depending on the day’s programme, you can enjoy the pub atmosphere, have another drink, spend time in the garden or enjoy the music and community that are such a big part of Skehan’s.
The pub also has live sport, so a Sunday visit can work particularly well for anyone who wants to combine lunch with watching a match.
The important thing is that there is no pressure to turn Sunday into a quick meal.
Sunday Roast Near Peckham: Why Consider Nunhead?
For people searching for a Sunday roast near Peckham, Nunhead is an easy area to include in your search.
Skehan’s is close to Peckham and Peckham Rye, while offering a very different atmosphere from a typical town-centre venue.
Its location also means you can make a Sunday lunch part of a wider afternoon around South East London rather than travelling into central London.
Sometimes the best local discoveries are just beyond the area you normally search.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Sunday Roast?
If you’re deciding where to have Sunday lunch, it can be useful to think beyond the menu.
1. Is the Food What You Actually Want?
A roast should be the main attraction, so look for somewhere where the food is taken seriously.
2. Will You Feel Comfortable Staying?
A good Sunday lunch shouldn’t feel rushed.
Think about whether the venue offers the kind of atmosphere where you would happily stay for another drink afterwards.
3. Is There Something for Everyone?
If you’re visiting with family or friends, consider what else the venue offers.
Music, sport, a garden or a good selection of drinks can make a difference when you’re spending several hours together.
4. Does It Feel Like Somewhere Local?
There’s something particularly enjoyable about finding a pub that feels connected to its neighbourhood.
Independent pubs often have their own character, regular customers and traditions that you won’t find in a large chain.
A Different Kind of Sunday Roast in South London
A great Sunday roast in South London doesn’t necessarily need to be complicated.
Good food, good company and a welcoming pub can be enough.
At Skehan’s, Chico’s Sunday Roast forms part of a much bigger Sunday experience: an independent local pub in Nunhead where people can eat, drink, catch up with friends and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling that they need to hurry home.
That’s perhaps what a Sunday lunch should be.
Not simply a meal, but a reason to slow down for a few hours.
FAQs
Where can I have a Sunday roast in South London?
Skehan’s in Nunhead serves Chico’s Sunday Roast on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm. The pub is close to Peckham and Peckham Rye.
What makes a good Sunday lunch?
A good Sunday lunch combines enjoyable food with a relaxed atmosphere, good company and enough time to actually enjoy the experience rather than feeling rushed.
Is Skehan’s near Peckham?
Yes. Skehan’s is in neighbouring Nunhead, making it a convenient option for people looking for a Sunday roast near Peckham or Peckham Rye.
Can I stay for drinks after Sunday lunch?
Yes. Skehan’s is a local pub, so you’re welcome to stay and enjoy a drink after your meal.
Does Skehan’s have anything else on a Sunday?
Skehan’s wider programme includes live music and live sport, although individual Sunday events can vary. It’s worth checking what’s on before your visit.
