A handful of British culinary traditions have lasted through the ages; tea drinking, pancakes, mince pies and the most comforting, in my book, is the Sunday roast. I’ve had a few and can say with some experience that you would be hard-pressed to find a better Sunday roast (except possibly your mums) than that served at The Broadcaster restaurant.
Broadcaster restaurant by iconic Television Centre in White City c. Brendan Beder
This rambling three-tier restaurant in White City is attached to the iconic Television Centre that was once the home of the BBC opposite West London’s gargantuan shopping mall Westfield. You may want to shop and then drop at The Broadcaster for a wholesome, hearty late afternoon lunch.
It has a fabulous roof terrace with a glass roof, long windows, lush foliage, a dinky bar, and ambient lighting that combine to create a romantic setting with attractive views, especially after dark.
The bistro-pub with an attractive green-tiled bar under a featured wood ceiling, is on the ground floor. Long floor-to-ceiling windows mean plenty of natural light at lunchtime even on the dull wintery day we arrived. Its bright wooden floors contemporary wood furniture and light walls give the dining room a cheerful, relaxing vibe.
The Broadcaster bar
The Broadcaster roof top terrace
We got there one Sunday in January suitably hungry for our roast and warmly welcomed by smiling faces and then we were shown to our seats in a cosy corner of the bistro. Menus arrived as well as a complimentary glass of prosecco – a nice touch – to sip on while we perused the modern British offerings including fish and chips, burgers and steaks as well as the roasts.
We loved the ball of baked sourdough, whipped butter, and sea salt eaten with our starters of beautifully pink and juicy gin-cured Chalk Stream trout made mouthwatering with grapefruit slices and pickled cucumber. The fresh British burrata was served with girolles (curly mushrooms), sprinkled with Wiltshire truffle and served with toast.
The menu offers a trio of roasts; herb-fed chicken breast and aged Dexter beef roasts as well as vegetarian mushroom and beetroot Wellington all served with Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, as many duck fat roast potatoes as you can handle and gravy,
However, the “sharing roast Chateaubriand was winking at us. This dish was a generous 650g dry-aged beef, served as medium-rare pink slices of meat along with roast potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire puddings.
Chateaubriand for sharing
As sides, we ordered creamed spinach and smoked cheddar topped with sourdough crumbs and a plateful of tenderstem broccoli flavoured with chilli and topped with sliced almonds.
The chef was generous, but the chateaubriand was far too much for two people. Nevertheless, we still eyed up the dessert menu and rounded off this fine meal with chocolate rat and vanilla bean cream and sticky fig and toffee pudding.
There is an eclectic drinks menu too with crafted cocktails, beers and a myriad of wines. I didn’t push the boat out though drinks-wise sated by the restaurant’s own happy vibe and the Prosecco.
VERDICT: The Broadcaster restaurant delivers a quality Sunday roast experience. Go with friends or with the family and enjoy a lovely afternoon out.
The Broadcaster, 89 Wood Lane, London, W12 7FX