We Tried Sunday Lunch at The Duke of Wellington in East Keswick – Here’s Why We’ll Be Back

Although I eat out quite a lot, Sunday lunch is not usually something I choose to go out for. For me, it has always felt more like an occasion best enjoyed at home with family and friends. Over the years, I have often been left disappointed by restaurant Sunday roasts — there is never enough gravy, the vegetables are rarely what I would choose, and I can never quite bring myself to ask for mint sauce with beef for fear of judgement (stop judging). If I’m honest, I had become a little over the whole idea.

This particular weekend, however, was different. We had sadly lost our family dog, and I certainly wasn’t motivated to cook. I also felt that getting out of the house might offer a welcome distraction. So, at 1pm, we headed to The Duke of Wellington in East Keswick.

A Village Pub With Deep Roots

Set in the heart of the village, the pub has been part of local life for generations, with a history said to stretch back around 250 years. Like many traditional village inns, it has seen periods of change more recently, including a temporary closure before reopening under new ownership towards the end of last year. It gives the place an added sense of character — a pub with deep roots, now beginning a fresh chapter.

First Impressions Inside

Inside, the pub is warm and brimming with character, with crackling log fires and cosy corners that instantly make you want to settle in for the afternoon. The dining rooms feel inviting and thoughtfully styled, blending rustic charm with a more polished country-pub feel. Exposed wooden floors, solid timber tables and traditional chairs are softened by deep button-backed banquettes, patterned cushions and gentle lighting from vintage-style wall lamps. Framed artwork, trailing greenery and carefully chosen touches give the space personality without feeling overdone. It strikes that difficult balance of feeling smart enough for a special lunch, yet relaxed enough to make you want to linger long after the plates have been cleared.

The Menu and Wine List

We were shown to a table by the window and handed both the Sunday menu and wine list, which immediately set the tone for the afternoon. The menu felt concise and confident rather than overcomplicated, with a small selection of starters, traditional roasts and a handful of thoughtful alternatives for anyone not in the mood for the classic Sunday option. Alongside roast beef, chicken and pork, there were dishes such as beef bourguignon, salmon and vegetarian gnocchi, showing a kitchen keen to cater for different tastes without losing focus.

The wine list was equally well considered, offering an accessible mix of old and new world bottles, plenty available by the glass, and choices ranging from easy-drinking midweek pours to something a little more special for a leisurely Sunday lunch. It struck the right balance — smart without being intimidating, and varied enough to make lingering over another glass feel very tempting.

Starters That Set the Standard

To start, I chose the Whipped Yorkshire Goat’s Cheese (£9) while my husband opted for the Pea, Wild Garlic and Ham Soup (£8). Both dishes arrived beautifully presented, immediately setting a strong tone for the meal and showing that care had gone into every course, not just the roasts.

My starter was a real success. The whipped Yorkshire goat’s cheese was smooth, creamy and full of tangy flavour, balanced by roasted heritage beetroot, candied walnuts and a drizzle of honey. Served with crisp focaccia, it managed to feel both indulgent and fresh at the same time, with sweetness, crunch and richness all working together beautifully. It was one of those starters you fully intend to share a bite of, then quickly decide against.

My husband’s soup was equally impressive and quickly earned his approval. The combination of pea, wild garlic and ham gave it a lovely savoury depth, while the herb crumb added texture and the truffle cream brought an extra layer of richness. It felt comforting and refined all at once — seasonal, full of flavour and clearly made with real attention. He was still talking about it long after the bowls had been cleared, which is always a good sign.

The portions were also wonderfully generous. In truth, I probably should have shown a little restraint and left room for what was to come, but it was simply too good not to finish every last bite.

The Main Event: Sunday Roasts Done Properly

For mains, we both opted for the traditional roast, priced at £26 per person, which includes all the trimmings — and what a generous offering it turned out to be. I chose the beef, while my husband went for the pork. I have always considered myself fairly competent when it comes to cooking a roast at home, but this was the kind of plate that quickly reminds you there are levels to these things. The beef was beautifully cooked, so tender you could cut through it like butter, yet still perfectly pink in the middle. That, to me, is chef-level roasting — and something I will happily admit I have not yet mastered.

The pork was just as successful. Succulent, full of flavour and expertly cooked, it was everything you hope for from a Sunday roast and then some. Between the two dishes, there was not a weak link on the table.

If I am honest though, the accompaniments may have stolen the show. This was a proper feast, complete with cloud-like Yorkshire puddings, crisp golden roast potatoes and an impressively generous selection of sides. Treacle-roasted carrots brought sweetness and depth, the seasonal greens added freshness, and the rich red cabbage tied everything together beautifully.

We also added the cauliflower cheese as an extra, and I would strongly recommend doing the same. Bubbling, indulgent and gloriously cheesy, it arrived looking almost too good to disturb. Almost. My photos do not even do it justice.

No Room for Dessert

By this point, we had absolutely no room left for dessert, so apologies to the sweet lovers among you. I tend to lean far more towards savoury than sweet anyway, but even if I had been tempted, there simply was not space for another morsel. That is very much a compliment rather than a criticism — should you fancy a dessert you can plump for options like caramel cheesecake with fudge ice cream, lemon meringue pie with berry compote or my favourite – a selection of cheeses. There is plenty to go at.

Service That Exceeded Expectations

Service was another real highlight. The team felt young and energetic, but every bit as polished and professional as you would hope for. Check-backs were timed well, drinks were topped up without needing to ask, and there was always somebody nearby should we need anything extra — including more gravy, which my husband very happily did.

For a busy Sunday lunch service in a grassroots village pub, they genuinely knocked it out of the park. Everything ran smoothly, with warmth and confidence, and it far exceeded expectations. In both food and service, it would give many local restaurants a serious run for their money.

It is genuinely lovely to see such a much-loved and historic village pub brought back to life by a team who so clearly care about getting it right. Front of house were spot on, and the kitchen team clearly know their onions. Long may this place continue to thrive — they seem to have all the ingredients exactly where they need to be.

Final Verdict

If you are planning to visit for Sunday lunch, I would highly recommend making a reservation. At £26 per person including all the trimmings, it also feels like very strong value for money considering the quality of the cooking, the generosity of the portions and the level of service throughout.

Word is clearly getting around, and rightly so. Tell them I sent you.

The Duke of Wellington: Main St, East Keswick, Leeds LS17 9DB

T: 0113 547 4090

The Duke of Wellington East Keswick: At a Glance

Location: Main Street, East Keswick, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Cuisine: British gastropub / traditional pub dining
Vibe: Cosy, country pub, smart-casual
Price Range: £30–£55+ per person (approx., depending on drinks and extras)
Sunday Lunch: £26 per person, main course including all the trimmings
Our Bill: Approx. £108 for two (2 large Shiraz, 2 large Pinot Grigio, 2 starters, 2 roasts, cauliflower cheese extra)
Best For: Sunday lunch, family meals, relaxed dates, village pub dining
Standout Dishes: Sunday roast
Vegetarian Options: Yes
Booking: Highly recommended, especially Sundays
Opening Hours: Varies by day – check directly before visiting
Parking: On-site
Service Style: Friendly, polished and attentive

Joanne Brook-Smith is a writer and editor with two decades of publishing experience. She launched Crave Magazine during the Covid period to create a fresh, inspiring space for food, travel and lifestyle content

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