As the nights get darker and the temperatures slump, hearty British classics will be returning to pub menus up and down the country.

Lamb shanks, sausage and mash, but most importantly proper Sunday Roasts.

Okay admittedly they're always on the menu, but you have to agree they taste better when it's dark and cold outside rather than glaringly hot.

The Sunday Roast is traditionally a large joint of meat, be it roast beef, lamb, pork or chicken with roast potatoes and vegetables.

The traditional Sunday Roast is believed to have begun way back in 15th-century England during the reign of King Henry VII. Every Sunday, after church, his royal guards would enjoy a ritual of freshly roasted beef, this is where the affectionate term “Beefeaters” came from.

But enough about that, it's time to get stuck into what really matters: Where's the best roast near you?

Top 6 roasts around Cumbria according to Tripadvisor:

Plough Inn Wreay

Address: Wreay Gardens, Carlisle CA4 0RL 

Rating: 4.5/5 from 1,070 reviews

Reviews: One customer said: "We had Sunday Lunch here. The food was excellent, very large portions. Staff were very friendly. Lovely place to eat. We will definitely be going again."

Another said: "We visited The Plough Inn for dinner while staying in Carlisle. The staff were really helpful and the food was AMAZING! We had the crab cakes and 'Geordie' bon bons to start and roast beef for mains."

Crofton Hall Coffee Shop and Eatery

Address: Unit 4/5 West Park The Old Stable Block, Crofton, Carlisle CA5 6QB 

Rating: 5/5 from 254 reviews

Reviews: One customer said: "Excellent venue in an old setting. Staff are so friendly and attentive, nothing is too much trouble for them. Sunday Lunch was delicious, and value for money. Highly recommend this place."

Another said: "We visited today and were greeted warmly by very friendly staff, the place was very clean and the food was delicious, most definitely recommended visiting, and we will definitely be back."

The Clickham Inn

Address: Blencow, Penrith CA11 0BP 

Rating: 5/5 from 894 reviews

Reviews: One customer said: "Great roast dinner. I phoned last second and a friendly man said they will accommodate us. Very nice staff, log fire, cosy atmosphere, tasty food and drinks. I felt at home! Thank you very much!!!"

Another said: "Excellent food and service. Great vegetarian options. Dog friendly. Will definitely be back for another visit".

Butchers Arms

Address: Main Street Penrith, Crosby Ravensworth CA10 3JP 

Rating: 5/5 from 502 reviews

Reviews: One customer said: "2nd time at this fabulous pub! Great food, lovely friendly staff, good atmosphere, we will definitely be going back soon! Our favourite pub around now by far!"

Another said: "Wonderful food and lovely, friendly environment! Plenty of choice on menu and the restaurant is dog friendly in the pub part."

The Pheasant Inn

Address: Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale LA6 2LF 

Rating: 4.5/5 from 584 reviews

Reviews: One customer said: "We stayed at The Pheasant for two nights and had dinner on both night - the food was amazing, staff were fab we will definitely be booking to stay again."

Another said: "What a gem of a find, after a fabulous trip through the glorious Trough of Bowland we arrived 30 minutes early. Absolutely no problem, we were warmly welcomed and served an amazing afternoon tea. Thoroughly recommend a visit here".

Recommended reading:

The Old Bank

Address: 34 Fisher Street, Carlisle CA3 8RH

Rating: 4.5 out of 504

Reviews: One customer said: "Best place in carlisle. Remember to book a table as it’s amazing and the menu is out of this world, we love this restaurant and can’t sing its praises enough. Chef is so creative and it’s so welcoming and quirky x".

Another said: "A great little find. Fantastic food and friendly service, a cosy little restaurant with some amazing twists on classic pub meals. Definitely will be back."