UK pub where roasts 'sell faster than Glastonbury tickets' books up for all of 2025

One of the Bank Tavern's legendary roast dinners (Image: BristolLive)

A pub known for its coveted Sunday roasts experienced an unprecedented rush as its bookings for all of 2025 were snapped up within minutes.

The Bristol establishment opened reservations just days into the new year at 10am and by 10:13 am, it was fully booked.

The elated team shared on Instagram: "2025 Sunday lunch is fully booked. You crashed our website and everything went in 13 minutes.

"Thank you for your continued support of our pub - this is a bit mental. If someone cancels a booking, it automatically reappears as a slot on our website - so keep checking periodically. We look forward to welcoming you all this year! ".

The surge of online traffic caused technical troubles soon after the slots were released.

The pub's Instagram story promptly informed potential diners: "Please bear with us. We are aware of this and are working to fix the problem. Please keep refreshing and trying."

Patrons of The Bank Tavern voiced their reactions on social media, with some expressing joy over securing a spot, while others lamented their lack of success. A hopeful customer commented: "That's insane... hopefully I will secure a 2026 roast."

Another frustrated would-be diner shared: "Second year in a row I have attempted to book a roast dinner and got nowhere, I had so many issues with the booking system. So frustrating being from Bristol but can't get a booking."

A third exclaimed: "Oh no! I slept through my alarm! " while a fourth eagerly stated: "Pile up the roast potatoes... because I am ready!"

In related news, Ilona Maher, the renowned US rugby sensation gearing up for her debut match with Bristol Bears Women this month, recently graced The Bank Tavern with her presence, savouring one of their sought-after roast dinners.

The American rugby union player, who is set to shine at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has just embarked on a three-month stint with the Bears starting January.

The 28-year-old athlete, boasting a staggering 4.6 million Instagram followers and 3.3 million TikTok fans, took to social media to share her culinary adventure at The Bank Tavern. In her post, she's seen indulging in a hearty roast, declaring: "This is what I came here for. I'm so excited."

Seated amidst festive decor with a generous serving before her, she hinted at her hearty appetite by adding: "You can probably get me another one."