Donkey and Buskins Lunch – Best Vegan Sunday Roast?

We visited Donkey and Buskins in Layer de la Haye, Colchester, on 16th March 2025.

We’ve been to Donkey and Buskins a few times now, and it has become a proper family favourite. It’s a cosy pub with a welcoming feel, and they’re also very dog-friendly. Just make sure you book in advance if you’re bringing your dog along, as it can get busy.

What we had

Mushroom and Chestnut Wellington (£18.90)
The Mushroom and Chestnut Wellington was served with roast potatoes and a good selection of seasonal vegetables.

It was hearty, filling, and cooked really well. Proper Sunday comfort food, basically. The portion sizes here are absolutely massive too. Even for a big eater like me, it’s a genuine challenge to finish everything.

They also have vegan gravy, but you need to ask for it when ordering. The Wellington can be ordered by non-vegans too, so it’s worth double-checking to make sure you get the vegan gravy with it.

It is on the pricier side, but the quality has been top notch every time I’ve been, so I do think it’s worth it.

They don’t offer a vegan dessert, but honestly, if you’re having the roast, you probably won’t need one anyway. Unless you’ve got a second stomach hidden away somewhere.

Final thoughts

This is still easily the best vegan roast I’ve had around Colchester so far.

It’s a proper hearty, satisfying Sunday meal in a cosy pub atmosphere. The quality has always been consistent, the staff are welcoming, and it’s a great option if you’re bringing the family and the dog along.

It’s also good to support a local pub serving decent plant-based options, rather than just the usual “here’s some chips, good luck” situation.

If you know any other good vegan roast options around Colchester or Essex, I’m always up for trying somewhere new.