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Bristol’s The Bank Tavern, a slight pub with a decades-long history, has once again captured international attention for its extraordinarily popular Sunday roast. Reservations for the entirety of 2026 were fully booked in just eleven minutes on January 1st, according to reports, demonstrating the fervent demand for a meal that has been lauded as one of the best in the UK. The speed of bookings surpassed even last year’s record, and was three times faster than ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s concert in Zurich, Switzerland, according to 20 Minuten.

The Bank Tavern, established in the 1800s, has become a local institution, surviving numerous historical events, including riots and two World Wars. Despite its unassuming appearance – described as having “a uniquely inhospitable environment” by the pub itself – the establishment has garnered accolades for its food, particularly its Sunday lunch. In 2019, it was crowned the home of Bristol’s best Sunday Lunch at the Observer Food Monthly Awards, following a similar recognition from the Bristol Decent Food Awards in 2018, as noted on The Bank Tavern’s website.

The appeal of The Bank Tavern’s Sunday roast extends beyond local acclaim. The pub’s menu features locally sourced ingredients, with meat coming from within 30 miles of Bristol, and offers both traditional meat options and vegetarian alternatives. The preparation of the gravy alone takes three days, beginning with roasting the bones, demonstrating a commitment to quality and flavor. The menu changes seasonally, offering options like lamb, pheasant, and venison alongside staples like beef, pork, and chicken.

Pub owner Sam Gregory expressed a mixture of gratitude and anxiety regarding the continued demand. “Each time, the waves of anxiety that come over me are whether we’ll sell out at all,” Gregory told CNN. “There are so many fantastic places to eat in Bristol. We’re incredibly lucky people continue to make the effort to book in with us … We don’t seize that for granted!”

A Traditional British Meal in High Demand

The “Sunday Lunch,” or “Sunday Roast,” is a cornerstone of British culinary tradition. Typically served on Sunday afternoons, it consists of a roasted meat, roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy. The Bank Tavern’s version has elevated this classic meal to a level of exclusivity rarely seen in the hospitality industry. The pub serves three sittings, with the last service potentially as late as 4:15 PM, to accommodate the high volume of reservations.

What Makes The Bank Tavern’s Roast So Special?

Beyond the quality of ingredients and meticulous preparation, Gregory attributes the pub’s success to the dedication of his kitchen staff. “Our chefs love their job,” he explained to CNN. “They are incredibly proud of every plate that goes out. Exactly that comes across to the guests. They taste that everything is prepared with a lot of love and care.” This emphasis on passion and quality appears to resonate with diners, creating a loyal following and driving the unprecedented booking rates.

The Bank Tavern’s popularity also stems from a sense of nostalgia and tradition. Gregory himself recalls the importance of Sunday lunch during his childhood, emphasizing the communal aspect of the meal. “There was never much food in the house, and yet my mother always conjured up a fantastic Sunday dinner – and we all sat together at the table,” he said.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 calendar already fully booked, prospective diners will need to plan well in advance for future opportunities. Reservations for subsequent years are expected to open on January 1st, requiring swift action to secure a table. The Bank Tavern’s continued success highlights the enduring appeal of traditional British cuisine and the power of a dedicated team committed to quality and hospitality. The pub’s story serves as a reminder that even in a world of culinary innovation, a well-executed classic can achieve extraordinary popularity.

What are your thoughts on the hype surrounding restaurants and specific dishes? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!

An avalanche struck the Courmayeur ski resort in the Aosta Valley region of northern Italy on Sunday, February 15, 2026, reportedly sweeping several skiers off piste. Authorities have confirmed the recovery of four bodies, according to reports from The Guardian and BBC News.

The avalanche occurred near Courmayeur, a popular destination for off-piste skiing, and prompted an immediate search and rescue operation. Initial reports indicated that three skiers were initially missing, but the search has now yielded the bodies of four individuals. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.

The incident follows a period of fluctuating avalanche risk in the Alps. Even as conditions had improved in some French resorts, leading to the reopening of ski areas, as reported by PlanetSKI, the situation in Italy remained precarious. The Courmayeur area had experienced significant snowfall in the days leading up to the avalanche, contributing to unstable snow conditions.

The search operation involved mountain rescue teams, helicopters, and specialized avalanche dogs. The recovery of the four bodies brings a somber complete to the initial phase of the operation, though investigations into the cause of the avalanche are ongoing.

News of the Courmayeur avalanche comes after a separate avalanche incident in the same region earlier this month, where three people died, as reported by SeeChamonix.com. This latest event underscores the inherent risks associated with backcountry and off-piste skiing, even in well-established resorts.

Italian authorities have not yet released a statement regarding potential safety reviews or changes to avalanche risk assessments in the Courmayeur area. The investigation into the cause of the avalanche is expected to continue in the coming days.