The Oarsman, Marlow – The Ultimate Sunday Roast Experience Worth Travelling For

Introduction: A Sunday Tradition at The Oarsman

There are few things in life more comforting than a perfectly executed Sunday roast and for us, The Oarsman in Marlow has become a bit of a ritual. Nestled right in the heart of Marlow, this upmarket yet wonderfully welcoming gastropub strikes that rare balance between sophistication and warmth.

We’ve been coming here for about three years now, and it’s safe to say The Oarsman has stolen our Sunday hearts. It’s not just the food, though the food is consistently exceptional – it’s the familiar faces, the attention to detail, and the way the place hums with energy on a Sunday afternoon.

As soon as we walked through the door this weekend, the familiar buzz of conversation and the glow of soft lamps made us feel instantly at home. Dogs lazed contentedly by the bar, glasses clinked cheerfully, and the scent of slow-roasted beef and rich gravy drifted through the air.

Arrival & A Hug from Patricia

We were greeted by Patricia, who we hadn’t seen since May, and she made a beeline straight for us with the warmest smile. She gave us both a big hug and asked how we’d been, the kind of genuine, heartfelt greeting that instantly sets The Oarsman apart.

Because we’re regulars, they always try their best to seat us in one of the cosy booths and even though the restaurant was buzzing and every table seemed full, they still managed to make it happen. That thoughtful touch is one of the many reasons we keep coming back.

As we settled in, Patricia laughed when I told her we had to come today because Charlie had a terrible roast somewhere else last week “only one roast potato,” Charlie sighed dramatically, “a complete crime!” Patricia promised to make it up to her, and as always, she absolutely did.

The Atmosphere: Upmarket Comfort

The Oarsman manages to capture the feel of a traditional British pub while elevating it with refined, design-led details. There’s a quiet sophistication here, rich wooden textures, brass accents, well-placed lighting that gives every table a soft golden glow.

You can tell everything has been chosen with care. From the tactile napkins to the elegant cutlery, it’s traditional hospitality done with a modern twist. The bar area is dog-friendly, and it’s not uncommon to see a content golden retriever stretched out under a table while their owner enjoys a glass of red.

It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger and on Sundays, everyone does.

Starters: A New Favourite – Crisp Lamb Ribs

We don’t usually order starters because the roast is famously generous, but this time something new caught our eye: Crisp Lamb Ribs with Pickled Chilli (£12).

They arrived glistening, beautifully golden with a delicate crisp edge, balanced by a subtle heat from the pickled chilli. The meat fell off the bone, melting in that indulgent, comforting way that makes you close your eyes mid-bite. It was rich, salty, spicy, and completely addictive, the perfect prelude to what was to come.

The Main Event: The Roast to End All Roasts

When Patricia appeared with our Roast Beef (£27), I could feel the excitement bubbling up. Each plate was a work of art, the beef perfectly pink in the centre, draped over layers of flavour and colour: glossy carrot purée, buttery cabbage, and that deep, glistening jus that only The Oarsman can get right.

Then came the potatoes. And not just any potatoes, The Oarsman’s signature layered roast potatoes, like delicate crispy rostis stacked into perfect golden squares. They’re not your classic fluffy roast, but rather a crisp-edged, buttery creation that shatters beautifully when your fork meets it. Honestly, they could serve these alone and I’d be happy.

Patricia, bless her, had remembered Charlie’s potato trauma and brought over one extra roast potato just for him, presented on a little side plate with a smile. “Hopefully this makes up for last week’s disaster,” she laughed. It was such a lovely, thoughtful gesture, completely unprompted and they had no idea we review roasts. That’s what genuine hospitality looks like.

We also couldn’t resist adding sides of Cauliflower Cheese and Roasted Honey Truffle Parsnips, both absolute musts. The cauliflower cheese came bubbling and golden, with that irresistible combination of sharp cheddar and creamy béchamel. The parsnips were caramelised perfection, sweet, earthy, and perfumed lightly with truffle.

The Wine: A South African Love Affair

We always order the same a bottle of South African Chenin Blanc. Ever since our trip to South Africa last year, we’ve been completely hooked on their whites. The Oarsman’s Chenin has that perfect balance of tropical fruit, crisp acidity, and gentle minerality that pairs beautifully with the richness of the roast.

It’s one of those wines that cuts through the gravy and potatoes without overpowering the meal. And again, it’s another detail The Oarsman gets right: a wine list that feels carefully curated but still comforting and familiar.

Dessert: Because There’s Always Room

Even after the feast, we found ourselves giving in to dessert because at The Oarsman, you always find room for dessert.

Charlie went for her favourite Affogato (£9), which she’s obsessed with. We recently learned “affogato” literally means “drenched with” in Italian, which makes perfect sense when you see the hot espresso cascade over the vanilla ice cream. It’s simple, strong, and utterly satisfying, that ideal post-roast pick-me-up.

I opted for the Ginger Cake (£9) warm, sticky, spiced just right, and served with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream. It’s comfort on a plate, nostalgic yet elevated. If autumn had a flavour, this would be it.

Service & Hospitality: Warmth That Feels Like Family

There’s something truly special about the team at The Oarsman. Patricia and the staff never fail to go above and beyond, not in a rehearsed, “trained service” way, but in that rare, natural way that makes you feel part of their Sunday family.

It’s the little things, remembering our favourite table, bringing extra gravy before we even ask, topping up our wine with a smile. Every detail feels considered, every interaction genuine. You can tell the staff are proud of what they do and that passion translates directly onto the plate.

Final Verdict: A Sunday Well Spent

Every visit to The Oarsman reminds me why it’s one of the best Sunday roasts in Marlow, if not the best in Buckinghamshire.

From the pink, tender beef to those irresistible layered roasties, everything is cooked to perfection. The service is faultless yet familiar, and the atmosphere strikes that golden balance between refined dining and cosy pub comfort.

If you’re after a Sunday roast that feels both indulgent and heartfelt, The Oarsman delivers every single time. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to bring friends, order another bottle, and settle in for the afternoon.

And honestly, any restaurant that brings extra roast potatoes unprompted deserves a standing ovation.

About The Oarsman, Marlow

Address: 46-48 Spittal Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1DB
Website: theoarsman.co.uk
Dog-Friendly: Yes, in the bar area
Price Range: Starters £12 | Mains £27 | Desserts £9
Speciality: Exceptional Sunday roast & curated wine list
Best Time to Visit: Sunday afternoons (book in advance, it’s always busy!)

If you love discovering brilliant Sunday spots like The Oarsman, make sure you also check out one of my other absolute favourites, The Griffin in Amersham. It’s another warm, character-filled pub that nails the classic roast with its own unique charm. Between the two, you’ll have your perfect Sunday sorted.