How Pavement Signs and Sunday Roasts Are Rescuing Local Hospitality

By carrie gilbertson07/08/2025

How Pavement Signs and Sunday Roasts Are Rescuing Local Hospitality

By Carrie Gilbertson

Carrie Gilbertson is the founder of The Urban Mill and Commercial Director at Displaysense, with over 20 years of experience in the retail display and hospitality industry. She's powered by Yorkshire tea, roast potatoes, and a strong belief in British business.

There’s something about a traditional British Sunday roast that just can’t be beat. Whether you're in central London surrounded by curious tourists or nestled in a sleepy countryside village with that unmistakable roast aroma wafting through the air - a classic roast is the UK’s unofficial weekend ritual.


Research from Statista shows 41% of UK households eat a roast dinner at least once a week, with autumn and winter being peak roast territory. At Displaysense HQ, one colleague even has a hard rule: No roasts between May and September. The rest of us think she’s missing out.

Pro Tip: Fed up with BBQs and salads? As soon as the leaves turn brown, the roast season begins. Add “Kids Eat Free” or “Bottomless Gravy Sundays” to your sign and you’ll be serving full tables before you’ve even poured your first pint.

Why Pavement Signs Still Matter in a TikTok World

We spoke to 20 independent hospitality venues across the East Midlands to see how traditional signage still holds weight - even in a social-media-driven world of foodie vlogs, influencers, and mouth-watering content.

"The best Sunday roast in Leicester!!"
- Lesley Galloway, Google Review for The Queen of Bradgate

"We added a chalkboard pavement sign and saw weekend bookings increase by 20%. It’s the old-school invite that works."
- Manager, independent pub in Rutland

"People walk by, see our roast sign with a Yorkshire pud the size of a saucer, and they turn straight in. We call it our ‘gravy magnet’."
- Assistant Manager, family-owned bistro in Bishop’s Stortford


Pro Tip: QR codes are back in fashion. Use yours to link directly to your Sunday menu or your TikTok reel of steaming roasties hitting the plate. Instant engagement.

In fact, according to research from HIT Training, 1 in 3 customers are now influenced by food bloggers on platforms like TikTok before choosing where to eat. Influencers like Tyler Butt Eats serve up honest reviews that often go viral overnight — helping smaller businesses get the exposure they deserve.

When TikTok Isn’t Enough: Standing Out in a Crowded Market

Let’s be real - not everyone can go viral on TikTok. If you’re on a high street filled with competitors, or tucked away on a quiet corner off the main road, you need to grab attention the old-fashioned way too.

Slimline A1 pavement sign – black double-sided poster board with windproof water base for outdoor use
Pro Tip: If you're not on the main drag, place your pavement sign at a busy junction (with permission!). Add an arrow, witty line, or even a “Roast Loading…” graphic - works like a charm.
"Sundays Are For Roasts, Not Regrets."

Clarkson’s Roast Controversy

Even Jeremy Clarkson recently weighed in on the UK’s obsession with roasts. At his Diddly Squat Farm restaurant, his carvery roast became so popular he had to limit portions and switch tactics. Why? People couldn’t get enough. In his words: "We had to change course or we’d run out of Yorkshire puddings by noon!"

Clarkson continues to bang the drum for British produce and farmers - and the humble roast has become a flagship for the movement. It’s not just a meal; it’s a statement of support for local food and local hospitality.

The Best Roasts in the UK Are Getting Noticed

Venues like The Hawksmoor - twice voted the UK’s best roast destination - are proof that a properly marketed roast can become a national treasure.

“You’ll struggle to find a roast with more loyal fans than Hawksmoor. They’ve turned gravy into gold.” -Time Out London

Want your roast to be the talk of the town?
Explore our pavement signs now


In Summary: It’s More Than Just a Meal

If you’re in the hospitality trade, don’t underestimate the power of the humble pavement sign. It’s not just a wayfinding tool - it’s your silent brand ambassador, doing the heavy lifting 7 days a week.

Pro Tip: Rotate your sign messages each week. One Sunday it’s “Kids Eat Free”, next week it’s “Gravy Like Your Nan Used To Make”. Keep it fresh, relevant, and a little bit cheeky.

FAQs

How many people in the UK eat a roast each week?

74% of UK households enjoy a roast at least once a week according to a 2024 YouGov study. Sunday remains the most popular day for the traditional dinner.

Do pavement signs work for all types of hospitality venues?

Yes. Cafés, pubs, carveries, tearooms, and even takeaways benefit from visible, branded signage outside their venue. It’s especially helpful if your business isn’t on a main road.

How should I design my pavement sign to boost footfall?

  • Use bold text and high-contrast colours
  • Feature mouth-watering imagery - especially of your Sunday roast
  • Update messages weekly to keep content fresh
  • QR codes linking to your full menu or online booking

Are there any TikTok accounts helping promote roasts?

Definitely! Try EatingWithTod or TylerButtEats - they give straightforward, honest food reviews and shout out hidden gems with great carveries.

Pro Tip: Add a QR code that links directly to your Sunday lunch menu or TripAdvisor reviews. Diners will scan on the spot — and that’s half the conversion battle won.

Ready to win over more hungry locals and tourists? Browse our full range of pavement signs - built to brave the UK weather and turn heads.

 

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