ON a cold Sunday evening, there is nothing better than tucking into a roast dinner.

But after a week of working, you might not want to go all out and cook it yourself.

Deciding where to go for a roast is also a challenge as you need to choose a restaurant which serves lashings of gravy and the best Yorkshire puddings.

For our readers who enjoy a Sunday roast, we've compiled a list of five of the best rated Sunday roasts in the area.

Queen Victoria, Maldon

Maldon and Burnham Standard: The Queen Victoria Pub in MaldonThe Queen Victoria Pub in Maldon

This traditional pub also serves home cooked food and boasts a five-star rating on TripAdvisor.

Reviews of the pub, run by James and his team, are full of praise for its roast beef dinners.

One happy TripAdvisor reviewer, who gave it five stars, said: "Amazing efficient and easy collection service and the roast beef dinners were amazing, very happy wife."

Another five-star reviewer added: "We were not disappointed, staff friendly, welcoming and very efficient, food absolutely wonderful, roast beef for me and roast pork for my other half - plenty of it and lovely and hot."

The Bell, Woodham Walter

The Bell is an historic inn with two log burners to keep you warm in the winter months.

Its Sunday menu changes from week to week, but always receives plenty of praise from visitors.

One TripAdvisor reviewer called it the best roast dinner in Essex.

They said: "Had a roast dinner there and it was absolutely delicious.

"The roast beef was unbelievable, perfect amount of vegetables as well all cooked to perfection. 

"The staff are so friendly always made sure we had enough to drink, checked to see if the food was ok, very welcoming."

They added: "Price was very reasonable too all in all the perfect Sunday roast. The Bell is one of the best."

Rubino Kitchen, Maldon

Hidden away on Chigborough Farm is this intimate restaurant which is a former fisherman’s lodge.

It was awarded the Michelin Plate award for good cooking, which mixes English and Italian influences.

A review of its Sunday lunch on TripAdvisor says: "This was a perfect Sunday lunch, beef, Yorkshire pudding and a really good selection of vegetables; beef just melts in your mouth. 

"Portion size is perfect as was the lovely dessert of rice with poached pear. 

"This is certainly a treat and excellent value for money as the quality is top notch. Already booked to return."

The Ship Inn, Burnham-on-Crouch

Maldon and Burnham Standard: The Ship Inn in Burnham. Photo - Google MapsThe Ship Inn in Burnham. Photo - Google Maps

This pub and restaurant is in the heart of Burnham in the High Street.

It serves fine food and classic pub lunches, backed up with a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor.

A five star reviewer commented: "Came for Sunday dinner with my wife and her parents.

"What an absolute fantastic dining experience. From the moment we arrived, until we paid the bill it was all excellent.

"They have a special Sunday menu, which still has a good choice. I especially enjoyed the pink beef. Nice starters and lovely roasts - complimented by a good choice of desserts," they continued.

"Wonderful experience and definitely will be dining here again."

The Victoria Inn, Burnham-on-Crouch

This dog friendly pub has it all - outside seating, a pool table, dart board and it shows all sporting events.

It is also known for great Sunday roasts.

Many of its Google reviews, with an overall 4.4 star rating, praise its Sunday roasts.

One happy customer rated it five stars, and left the review: "Loved the Sunday Roast. Great service, great taste, great price and just about managed to fit it all in.

"If you're in or around Essex its an absolute must. Thank you."