It's very rare that I get a Sunday off from work, so when I do, we like to either go out for Sunday lunch or cook a roast at home. Recently we took a trip to the Toby Carvery down the road from us. As you can imagine, being a Sunday, and serving roast dinners, the place can get very busy. We noticed it was easier to get a table for two rather than a larger table very quickly.
There isn't the option to be able to book in advance, however if you should need to wait for a table, you have the option of sitting in the bar while one becomes available.
*The pub*
Being owned by Mitchells and Butlers (the same company who own the Harvester restaurants), the two Carvery pubs I have eaten in in the past, have the same kind of layout and style as the Harvester restaurants. Laid out to be half pub, half restaurant, you have the choice of either staying in the pub, or travelling through to be seated should you wish to eat. There aren't any bar snacks on offer here however.
The two pubs I have eaten in are decorated very similar, as I would imagine the whole chain follows. There is a very red feel going on within this chain, which goes from the carpet, to the staff uniforms. All in all it's a cosy atmosphere, however there appears to be a lot of tables to suit a very busy lunch sitting. I wouldn't go as far to say you feel rushed, but when manoeuvring through the tables to get food, it can be a bit precarious with a hot plate in your hand.
*How it works *
Once seated by your waiter / ress, you will be able to order drinks which will then be brought to your table. There is the usual pub selection of beers, wines and soft drinks etc available here. Nothing out of the ordinary, with average pub prices to suit.
Despite being a carvery, there is a still a menu which does include other choices for those who don't want a roast. There is limited choice, and varies from season to season, to include salads, or curry options. I have not tried the pub menu as we go to the carvery because we want a roast dinner.
Depending whether or not you are going to choose a starter, it will be time to start queuing up for your lunch. There is an average choice of starters, ranging from pate on toast to prawn cocktail. The one time I chose to have a starter, I couldn't finish my roast, and it ruined the lunch for me.
To get your food, you need to queue up in a line at the carvery point. This is a large open area, covered with lots of food. The meat is cut and served to you by one of the chefs, and then as you make your way along the line you can choose to add as many different vegetables as you wish. The meat portion usually consists of around three slices of meat. Personally this has always been enough for me as I add more vegetables.
Meats on offer are usually beef, gammon and turkey. You can choose up to two different meats as part of your meal, but if you smile sweetly at the chef, they may let you have a bit of all three.
As I mentioned it can get busy, and you may find yourself queuing for quite some time, so do plan it well. Once you have reached the end of the food line, there is the selection of sauces you may wish to add to your plate, such as gravy, horseradish sauce etc. All sauces, and vegetables are stocked at regular intervals, and all mine in experience have tasted fresh, albeit sometimes have been either a bit under or over cooked. Staff will however remove empty plates from your table at the end of your meal. You are however permitted to return to the carvery more than once should you want to, to restock on vegetables and Yorkshire puddings. I have never managed more than one large plate full of food, as usually I'm very greedy and overload my plate quite a lot.
*Children *
When it comes to children, they get a half price carvery, and still get to choose exactly what they want to eat. This can be a good thing as you know the kids are going to eat all they choose, as they are getting the foods they like, however, sometimes it can lead to them not having a lot on their plates to refuse if they happen to be fussy eaters. As there isn't a separate kids menu, this is the only option here for food.
*Price *
A typical Carvery is 6.95gbp. This in itself is an averagely priced roast dinner which you will find in any pub. Portion sizes to suit the price are down to the individual as you can get a huge portion for your money, or if you're not a huge eater, then you may not serve yourself so much.
*Choice *
There isn't a huge choice if you don't like roast dinners, but to be fair I really don't think you would go if you weren't after a roast. For vegetarians there is no choice whatsoever, unless you were going to have a salad. This is very poor for a restaurant, but it's their only downfall.
*Puddings*
Once you've finished stuffing your face with that huge roast, you wouldn't possibly think there is room for more? Sometimes I manage it, sometimes I don't. There is a good choice of puddings, from ice creams, sponges, and crumbles. Typical English desserts. Toby offers a bottomless custard jug with their desserts. They say if you finish it they'll top it up again for free. You really need to like custard to take them up o this offer. Personally I can't stand the stuff.
* Service *
The staff always seem to be attentive, and quick to bring extra drinks, and the bill etc. They do appear to be very busy all the time, and it's probably a bonus for them that they don't have to serve the main courses, which frees them up to attend to peoples needs.
On principle if I am feeling rushed I would sit at the table for a lot longer, but thankfully I don't get the feeling they are trying to get rid of you even when it's peak Sunday lunch time.
I have eaten here mid evening once as well, purely because it was convenient at the time. Whilst the restaurant was a lot quieter, the service was still good, with the same amount of staff around.
* Cleanliness *
All the tables and surrounding areas have always been clean when I have visited. Tables get cleared very quickly once a person has left, but this is usually because there is a waiting time for a table.
*Overall*
If you like a roast dinner, this is a nice place to go. It certainly beats cooking at home and having to do the washing up. The carvery will only work for your party however if you are all wanting a roast dinner, and this can be where the downfall is should you have a fussy eater or vegetarian with you.
They appear to be very child friendly, providing high chairs, but I have noticed this doesn't help towards the limited walkway space in an already crowded pub.
More details
Family Friendly
Good
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