During my visit to The Toucan (which you can read about here), I had an unexpected and delightful encounter. Seated next to me was a gentleman who overheard my curiosity about Guinness cocktails. As it turned out, he wasn’t just any fellow cocktail enthusiast—he was the owner of Homeboy Bar in Islington. We struck up a conversation, and before leaving, he handed me his business card, inviting me to check out his bar.

Intrigued, I did a bit of research and quickly discovered that Homeboy has earned multiple international and domestic awards for its cocktails and bar service, instantly catching my interest. But what truly sealed the deal for me was learning about their Irish Sunday Roast, complete with unlimited roast potatoes. The timing couldn’t have been better—my brother’s birthday was that weekend, and with my dad’s Irish heritage, Homeboy felt like the perfect place to celebrate.

Great Irish Hospitality

Homeboy prides itself on true Irish hospitality, and I can’t emphasise enough how warm and welcoming the staff were. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a birthday message for my brother, setting the tone for the evening. Despite its unassuming exterior, Homeboy has a surprisingly spacious layout that extends further than it first appears. Inside, the décor is cosy and relaxed, exuding modern pub vibes while paying homage to its Irish roots through carefully chosen decorations.

This is an essential aspect of Homeboy’s charm. Hearing that it’s an award-winning cocktail bar might make some assume it’s pretentious or exclusive, but nothing could be further from the truth. When we arrived, it was quiet, but as the evening went on, more people filtered in, creating an atmosphere where it felt like friends and family were gathering to enjoy quality time together.

Homeboy's Award Winning Cocktails

Naturally, I had to try one of their cocktails—and with such a wide selection, it was a challenge to choose. The cocktail menu is inspired by music, presented in the style of old vinyl records, which immediately drew me in. Each drink comes with 3-4 tasting notes, giving you a clear idea of what to expect and helping you find the perfect tipple for your mood. On the wall, they highlight five signature cocktails, staples that have been served since they first opened, including:

• Whisky Smash

• Taoiseach

• Irish Coffee

• Wogan

• Blackthorn No. 2

The server kindly took the time to explain the significance of their five signature drinks, and I decided to go with the Taoiseach—a sweeter, fruitier twist on my favourite cocktail, the Manhattan. Made with Irish whiskey, Triple Sec, pomegranate, and both Angostura and orange bitters, it was an absolute delight and the perfect aperitif to start the evening.

On another visit, I’d love to explore more of their unique creations, like the spicy, apple-and-honey flavoured Sympathy for the Devil, the mineral-infused martinis (one with a blue cheese twist!), or the Strong Hand, a boozy rum-based cocktail with sour Ribena flavours. As expected from an Irish bar, they also offer an extensive range of whiskeys, and of course, every pint of Guinness is poured with care.

The Ultimate Irish Roast

The highlight of our visit—and the reason we were here—was the much-anticipated Irish roast dinner, complete with the irresistible offering of unlimited roast potatoes. The food menu at Homeboy is simple yet classic, featuring hearty pub and Irish favourites like sausage rolls, burgers, and a rich Irish Guinness stew. This simplicity allows Homeboy to truly master their craft, focusing on quality over quantity. But for this occasion, we couldn’t resist the roast.

Now, what makes it distinctly an Irish roast dinner? For one, there's no Yorkshire pudding, which might be considered sacrilege to some, but Homeboy makes up for it by offering three different types of potato on a single plate. You get perfectly crispy roast potatoes, smooth and creamy mashed potatoes, and an "Irish pud"—an extra crispy, thin smashed hash brown that adds a unique twist. True to their Irish roots, Homeboy’s menu jokingly warns that the peas and cabbage have ‘probably been overcooked’ and cheekily advises, “don’t take the piss” when ordering more spuds. But there’s no need to worry—the vegetables were spot-on, and the extra portions of potatoes were abundant.

There are three roast options: dry-aged Irish roast beef, free-range roast chicken (which I believe is deboned), and a mushroom and beetroot vegan parcel. All three of us opted for the roast beef, and it was devoured with gusto. The plate arrived with plenty of rich, hearty gravy, plus an extra gravy boat per portion for good measure. The beef was generously portioned and perfectly cooked, catching the envious eyes of the tables around us. The Irish pud soaked up the gravy beautifully, while the crispy roast potatoes were so addictive that we ended up ordering two more portions.

If I had any criticism, it would be that our table felt a bit cramped, especially with the abundance of food in front of us. But the roast itself was expertly prepared, with each element thoughtfully executed to ensure a satisfying and memorable meal.

Final Thoughts on Homeboy

Homeboy’s Irish Sunday Roast offers exceptional value, especially with the added bonus of unlimited roast potatoes—crispy, perfectly seasoned, and utterly addictive. The generous portions of tender, flavourful beef, rich gravy, and the delightful variety of three types of potatoes make this roast a standout. Their cocktail menu, featuring creative and expertly crafted drinks like the Taoiseach and Sympathy for the Devil, is just one more reason why Homeboy fully deserves its multiple international cocktail and bar awards.

Beyond the food and drink, Homeboy’s vibrant yet cosy atmosphere sets it apart. Whether you’re relaxing to live music from a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights or enjoying more traditional tunes on Thursdays and Sundays, there’s always something to elevate the experience. And if you’re not there for the roast or cocktails, the genuine Irish hospitality alone is reason enough to visit. The attentive, friendly service truly makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.

Whether for a memorable meal, a few drinks, or just to soak up the welcoming vibe, Homeboy in Islington is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic, well-rounded experience and the ultimate Irish roast in London.