Reviewing an ALL YOU CAN EAT VS EXPENSIVE SUNDAY ROAST!

Welcome back to the channel. I'm doing another comparison video today and it's featuring Roast and Toby Carvery with an All You Can Eat vs Expensive Sunday roast. Now, me and the cameraman filmed this video last week but we decided to wait until Sunday before we uploaded as you know... it's roast dinner day. Hope you enjoy the video!
Please don't forget to like and subscribe to the channel!
/ @garyeats

[@imconfused1237]

I’ve seen a growing trend over the years, where restaurants and ‘gastropubs’ pretend that the Sunday roast is some exquisite display of culinary craftsmanship … and then charge you a ridiculous price for it. It’s all nonsense. I’ve been going to Toby for I dunno, 20 odd years and you cannot beat it for value. And what’s more, I always tip the waiting staff there as they’re genuinely rushed off their feet. I’d rather do that, than some sneaky 15% ‘service charge’ aka profit. It’s a great review fella - enjoyed the vid!

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much. I'm going to say that's one of the truest comments that I've seen on here so far. I think Gastropubs tend to overdo what is a rather simple dish as well. Thank you for commenting. Really agree with that, been thinking it myself.

[@nickhirst999]

I'm replying to both 'imconfused' and Gary here in one fell swoop! I give you both 5 stars! To the former because I couldn't agree more! Pretentious? Moi?!.

[@KrisKk08]

For us non-Brits, the Sunday roast is Super yummy though so if one doesn’t have a little British granny at home making it for us..where do you suggest we go because if a tourist wants to go to a Toby Carvery while sightseeing in London, the closest one is 45 minutes away?

[@scarlett918]

The first roast, at ..Roast... in my opinion is daylight robbery lol..Absolutely criminal with the service charge. The yorkshire pudding looked to me over done. The portion was on the small side, a very expensive disappointment! The meal at the Toby looked amazing, thats a proper English roast, nothing fancy, just what you would expect and of course you can eat as much as you like. The gravy was thick , perfect! The Toby wins hands down..

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Scarlett and agree with your assessment on Toby. Thanks for watching!

[@booth2710]

i agree about the Yorkshire pudding. It looks scorched and looked a bit like an old baseball glove

[@ritadonnelly8820]

don't look great

[@nath9091]

Edit: Post below is incorrect as several people pointed out you can go back for seconds. Kept for chain of flow. Toby isnt actually all you can eat. They serve you the meat portion and then everything else (sides) is everything you can fit on one plate (no seconds). So you can absolutely stuff yourself with one plate but you cant go back for more if you didn't take enough the first time.

[@happinesstan]

@@nath9091 You absolutely can go back for more of the veg and Yorkshires, you just can't get more meat.

[@GaryEats]

Hi everyone. Me and the cameraman filmed this video last week, but I thought I’d wait to upload it until today as it’s Sunday. Really enjoy doing these types of reviews but mostly because I really want to hear what you all think and what place you prefer in a similar way to the Full English breakfast video. Also - I already know some of you will be saying Gary you always get beef and why didn’t you get any other meat at the Toby? For fairness of review, I must get as similar as possible! Hope you all enjoy the video and let me know what one you prefer the look of down below. PS. I mentioned that the roast potatoes were cooked in goose fat, I meant beef fat!

[@DrFrankLondon]

Roast is a very nice place, I don't know if your were unlucky, but when we went, the gravy was spot on. Never been to Toby's Carvery, but maybe we have to give it ago, but my wife is a bit against all you can eat places, so have to convince her first. Another fantastic video, mate and speak to you soon.

[@GaryEats]

Hi mate. I thought gravy was good but just a touch thin for my own personal taste but some may like it like that, no problem. Glad you enjoyed it there, the ambience and service is second to none. Always too kind and very supportive, speak soon!

[@andyh-u2b]

You mean "the camera man and I" in English

[@GaryG1974]

Hi Gary, this is such a difficult comparison to make. If someone is looking for a relaxed Sunday roast with minimal fuss and value for money, then Toby wins without question. However, if someone is looking for the ambience and waiter service of a fine-dining restaurant, then I would say Roast is their place. Both have their place for different occasions.

[@GaryEats]

I don't disagree with you Gary. One is a special occasion, one is an every day type of feast! Hope you enjoyed the video nonetheless mate.

[@poppyk6182]

Toby Carvery is excellent value for the money. Hands down! 😋

[@GaryEats]

Yep!

[@ikiddyounot]

Easy pick here - Toby Carvery’s plate looked amazing, and at such a reasonable price! And to think you can go back for as many helpings as you want 😂

[@GaryEats]

Good choice!

[@daves570]

Is that even for the meat?

[@CarlosFandango1975]

Our local one is all you can get on your plate rather than keep going back for more. You can tell the regulars who stack the spuds round the outside and meat in the middle then load it up like a pyramid

[@Ziggylyle]

No comparison Gary, Toby meal looks excellent at a quarter of the price.

[@GaryEats]

Completely agree with you. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

[@blackvulcan100]

Funny how price does not reflect what you get, went to a very posh venue for my wife's birthday meal cost for two £160.00 just not worth the money.Noticed the owner get into his top of the range Jag, enough said I think.

[@TheDennys21]

@@blackvulcan100 it's kinda similar with cars, for the price you would expect a Ferrari to never break down but it does and on the other side a Toyota costs like any other normal car but it never breaks down.

[@Heygoodlooking-lk9kg]

@@blackvulcan100 prezactly,,,,, who are the mugs?

[@xarisstylianou]

That beef is never mrare also the Yorkshire is also over done so much money for second rate meal I hope Tobsy is better !!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👿👿👿👿

[@garythompson3585]

Hi Gary, fantastic review. I go to Toby Carvery quite often with my family and pay around £62 fot 5 of us. The same in Roast would be £232 and I'd have to buy them all Mars Bars afterwards to fill them up. No contest for me. Love your channel.

[@GaryEats]

Very good point Gary and one that I agree with you. Thank you so much - glad you like it.

[@stevenhull5025]

£62.00??? That is my weekly shop for two weeks.

[@rundattmedia2106]

​@@stevenhull5025weekly shop for two weeks? How is that weekly? 😂

[@N1120A]

@@stevenhull5025 for 5 people?

[@meandshe735]

yes, we've done that one@@blacknight1003

[@danidoyle1117]

I LOVE this. It's like Alan Partridge has been paid to direct my Dad to do an infomercial for the Travel Tavern.

[@GaryEats]

Lol the amount of times I've been referred to as Alan Partridge already is worrying.

[@danidoyle1117]

@@GaryEats I said that Alan Partridge was directing, wasn't a direct comparison!

[@PaulGrayUK]

Whilst the more expensive is better, it is the being able to eat until comfortably full and Toby ticks that box every time.

[@GaryEats]

Fair comment Paul!

[@OBELISK3210]

& don’t forget it’s 1/3 less of the value too with still flavoursome taste & quality.

[@hmu05366]

@@OBELISK3210definitely not quality , only huge quantity of cheap food

[@OBELISK3210]

@@hmu05366 well the carvery I worked at in the kitchen was quality food brought in bulk hence why it’s cheap to buy a Sunday roast. Everything is British made.

[@tfairley1187]

@@hmu05366how can you call it ‘cheap’ food? The meats aren’t processed, the potatoes are proper, ok the veg might be frozen but end of the day it’s still cooked fresh

[@andreasvet4461]

I find Tobys to be the most hit and miss of all the chains. A good one is fab and excellent value but others can be really disapointing. Roll of the dice. Great comparison review there Gary.👍

[@GaryEats]

Thank you my friend.

[@williamlyons3261]

Yeah I find weekdays best for Toby roast at the weekends so busy food quality suffers

[@sonnyjuke]

Yes they are a bit random, cauliflower cheese I've had hasn't seen the cheese

[@davidlinger4804]

Very valid point, Toby are so hit and miss

[@johnmccormack4498]

First place was a fairly miserable portion size and no excuse for watery gravy. Tobys was terrific value for money, what a plate! If you told me the prices were reveresed, I'd have believed you!😂

[@GaryEats]

Haha John. Yeah, you wouldn't believe the price of Roast having seen the plate!

[@dougieb2159]

Completely agree! The portion sizes were ridiculously small and the service charge at 6 pounds seemed excessive

[@mackyjack3929]

Yorkshire pudding looked cremated 😂

[@jesusdelacruz9458]

In the first place, I initially thought the yorkshire pudding was the beef 😆

[@lucyj8204]

@@mackyjack3929 Honestly I think I'd have sent it back.

[@johnoconnor7536]

Other reviewers do pick at their food so they can get numerous reviews done on a single day. You are authentic and eat the meal in its entirety to give a comprehensive review. Over 6K subscribers in no time at all. Well done.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks John. My appetite isn't big enough to do multiple places in one day! Really appreciated my friend.

[@jerryoshea3116]

Yes,he reminds me of the old travel shows,where u did feel like u were getting a genuine review👍.. And there's a American Travel guide ( He travels all over the world& he's a Pro& very knowledgeable) but one thing with him ( his name is Rudy Maxa ) he likes his Grub& has a very healthy appetite,so he takes his food review very seriously,not just as a support prop for his show!

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

and over 50k 3 months later! so happy for gary, quality content pays off i'd say👍

[@madhatter61]

A proper reviewer. Really gets in there and properly tastes it.

[@madhatter61]

Toby is incredible value. It's good tasty food for a very reasonable price. It's not the best but it's good. One point, don't some he quality is as good as sťonehouse carvery just because it's thet same parent company

[@rf5210]

The best roast dinner is always the one you make at home. Nice video mate!

[@GaryEats]

Spot on. Thanks for watching!

[@jwsoton9300]

Very fair review Gary and I totally agree. I certainly won't be paying £36.50 for a Roast dinner and if I did and they tried charging me another £1 for extra gravy I may have accidentally poured it over the manager..! Toby obviously isn't the best but value for money it is great👌👍

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much!

[@fogartym77]

Got a 50% off coupon for Toby last week. We got 2 eat in meals and 2 takeaway roast dinners. £24.50 for all 4. Brilliant. The takeaways are packed really well with the Yorkshire pudding and gravy in separate containers. I had the beef and turkey. No fat at all. Lovely food.

[@GaryEats]

I should have researched more about the 50% discount. I didn't know it existed! Brilliant value!

[@MikeNewland]

Do this myself with a mate regularly.

[@Sarah-ft8jr]

The fats the best part!

[@MichaelJoseph-vb5ml]

​​@@GaryEatsdownload the app. If you're free. I'll try and meet up with you and show you a few apps which you could use. I'll even treat you to a pint.

[@MichaelJoseph-vb5ml]

@@GaryEats I have a 25% discount at the moment. I can email it to you if you want. You can use it

[@wanderer7755]

Went Roast years ago and I see they are still at it with the fancy watery gravy Rule #1 - don’t want a “jus” - give me proper gravy. Rule #2 - Don’t skimp, leave the jug. 🤣 Toby wins the day for me

[@GaryEats]

I've seen a few people comment the same as you. Agreed and Thanks for watching!

[@djgeneralbounce]

Thick gravy isn't "proper" gravy though. It's just instant gravy. Gravy made from scratch is thin.

[@hmu05366]

@@gailstephens777why would you want to add cornflour to a jus you’ve made for hours and ruin it? Please show me one single chef that recommends packet bisto over a handmade sauce??

[@JuanCarlosBatallaCallau-bu6hi]

Sunday roast at Toby Carvery this afternoon has been one of the highlights of our current stay in London. We loved the short walk from the metro station to the charming cottage where the carvery is located, the friendly service and the affordable food. Gary, you are a terrific restaurant guide and there are no surprises as you always make it clear what the dining experience is going to be like and how much it is going to cost.

[@GaryEats]

Great to hear you’ve been enjoying it Juan 👍🏼

[@jamesfahy2935]

You can't beat Toby for value. I have rarely been disappointed in the quality of the food.

[@GaryEats]

I have to agree with you. Rarely have a bad meal there.

[@robertleach9120]

I must admit Gary that my wife & I are HUGE fans of Toby Carvery's and both times we've visited the UK (2018 & 2023) we made sure we went to at least 1 Toby Carvery (Middlesbrough was our choice as it was a nice way to end our stay in my home town). Considering the cost and being on a budget when on holiday, Toby Carvery is better value for us as it is 25 pounds for two compared to over 70 pounds for Roast (Borrough Market). All things considered Toby wins for us. Thankyou for another great video Gary.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Robert. Have to say that I do like the Toby as well as it's good value for money!

[@jacobcohen9205]

I've eaten in Roast and was underwhelmed for what it cost. Give me Toby every time.

[@GaryEats]

It wasn't the best, especially at that price!

[@griffofella740]

Excellent review, much better doing them on different days. 15% service charge is taking the mick, either they aren't paying their staff enough or they just want you to pay extra for your meal without stating the real price on the menu. If the service is of a quality you enjoy it should be up to you to tip the staff. Toby all day for me, great value.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much. I learned a valuable lesson last time.

[@emjane74]

Ask them to remove the service charge, you can't be forced to pay it. I always get it removed and tip the server in cash. Otherwise if the servers see any of their tips on payday they get taxed on it.

[@standup4urrights438]

The question is ? If you tip the waiter,waitress,hopefully they get it but with a service charge,what happens to that and where does it end up??? Who's pocket?..

[@davidfinch5062]

I only tip for exceptional service.

[@johnretired3383]

Great review, not all Toby carvery’s are the same, it depends on the management & how they look after their staff! We go to a Toby probably every 2 weeks for a mid week roast, good food @ a very reasonable price ( just gone up from £9.49 to £10.49) now we are retired, it gets us out to a restaurant/pub for a couple of hours & I’m amazed by how much some people can eat!!! No fixed service charge which I like so I can decide how much tip I give depending on service etc.

[@GaryEats]

Spot on. They can be very hit and miss.

[@stephenholmes1036]

Very true hit or miss

[@stewartsteinecke7301]

Both my local Toby's are disgusting. I wouldn't want to go even if someone else was paying.

[@mooncakerabbithender7203]

Toby carvery every time for me. I love the fact that we get to choose our vegetable's and their gravy is lovely. I visit the Toby in Cruise Hill its on a golf course and the service is wonderful. Learnt not to go on a Sunday as it gets noisy and busy with families and children. The Roast I think is a tourist attraction. disgraceful having to pay extra for a little amount of thin gravy, and weak horseradish, that Yorkshire was looking burnt , I didnt know what it was ha! Plus the Toby has two kinds of gravy to choose from and deliciously tasty .Thankyou for sharing

[@GaryEats]

More than welcome :)

[@stuartjomes7289]

I concur ...Toby Cauvery all day long...All your paying for with a lot of these fancy restaurants is the ambients. Great review 🎉

[@GaryEats]

Thanks for watching Stuart!

[@alexhill9423]

I would say that the quality offered in these fancy spots is better as well as the fact it's table service.. But by no means 4 times the cost better.

[@hmu05366]

@@alexhill9423yeh but that’s the case with everything. You pay 3-400% for something that is 30% better. Same with everything.

[@markomarten]

Toby have really improved in recent times, they are great value. Naturally Roast as a restaurant is going to have some extra things to help it standout but are they worth the extra? It’s probably fair to say they are both good but in different ways, Roast is not your average place to eat and the 100 day old meat is what makes the difference as it were. Toby is decent quality at a great price with plenty of value to match. For a birthday treat then Roast might be worth a bit extra but Toby are the winners in my book, there’s plenty to like and very little to complain about. I hope you enjoyed both of the meals, great video.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Mark!

[@janechapman4719]

Blimey Gary now over 6000 subscribers just shows how good your content is

[@GaryEats]

Thank you so much Jane!!

[@SuperJimbell]

Love the honesty here as its the most important part of reviewing food..some other channels blast crazy headlines totally incomparable with the content,great job as usual Gary.

[@GaryEats]

I appreciate that mate. Very kind of you!

[@reetpateet8656]

I am a massive Yorkshire pudding fan, and I loved the ones from Toby! Sadly it’s now closed by us!😢 That one from Roast looked like a rock!!

[@GaryEats]

The best part of a Sunday roast is the Yorkie!

[@michaelevardson3318]

Posh yorky looked overcooked should be golden brown and cup shaped

[@rosier69]

I know it won't mean much, but that must be one of the best reviews channel I have come upon in a long time. Informative, straight to the point, without unnecessary history lessons. It seems like you love doing it. I hope you will continue creating this type of content and get rewarded in return, not only by a great tasting food. My only grasp is, that now i want to go straight away and try those places :D . Good luck and all the best.

[@GaryEats]

That's extremely kind of you. Thank you for that :)

[@petersums]

Loved your fair appraisal of the Toby, Gary. So nice to see a review which doesn’t look down on a budget eatery. My wife and I visit that particular Toby every Monday with my mother-in-law (we’re actually driving off in the yellow Juke at the end of your video!) and Yes, Jas can be very generous with the meat 😀

[@GaryEats]

Of course Peter. I prefer budget options anyway, I just review different places for content. Glad you enjoy and thanks for watching!

[@JayTheDodo]

Which Toby Carvery is this please? I went to one before and it really wasn't a good experience, however this one looks really nice.

[@petersums]

@@JayTheDodo it’s Worcester Park (near the A3, Tolworth,,SW London) It is nice - especially in Summer eating outside. In reality though, it’s quite a small one and doesn’t usually put out a large selection of veg - typically 8. I also learned today that Jas (the over-generous carver) is leaving soon :(

[@JayTheDodo]

@@petersums Thanks so much, appreciate you getting back to me. We can only hope another generous carver replaces him.

[@jamesbaker429]

You are paying for the refit ,town centre location and extra service staff(twice),both cooked to excellent standard except quality of beef but as you said horse radish poor taste but stuffing well seasoned,the Yorkshire big on first but boardering incinerated you could have had two at the Toby nutrition similar just the depth of your pocket difference.

[@simonjones7766]

The meal at the "roast" did look very nice,but at that price,no...plus 15% service charge! ..... i agree with you,got to be the toby carvery every time! 👍🏻 great comparison gary! 😁

[@GaryEats]

Exactly!! Thank you Simon - much appreciated!

[@juliemcgarty4764]

Can't beat Toby carvery love your videos shows how good you are with all your subscribers

[@GaryEats]

So kind of you to say Julie. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

[@robcoles8493]

Loving this comparison Gary. I havent been to Roast in years but i remember it was fantastic. Your meal looked very good but you are paying for the location and the service - so it was good to hear that those aspects were top notch. As for the Toby - i love them - decent unpretentious food at a reasonable price in a nice atmosphere. I would happily go to either - but Roast would need to be a special treat at those prices!! Great review.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks so much and I agree with you. Glad you had a good experience with Roast.

[@margaretmaskell9985]

Toby is good for an everyday roast meal. I go there to meet up with the girls and it’s fine. Roast is more for a special occasion or a hot date.( Though my days of hot dates are long gone😂) I would eat at both of them.

[@karenclancey2557]

No way £36 for the roast , Toby what a lovely meal at a great costing the meal looked more wholesome than the expensive meal . Very good review. I do love a good roast.👏👏🙏🏼🤩❤️

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Karen. Much appreciated!

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

£41.40 when you include the 15% service charge and I bet the bottle of water pushed the cost close to £50.

[@opindras.bangerh129]

Toby's Carvery all day long. Whatever Toby's Carvery across the nation you go to, you know what to expect. Excellent meat and great selection of veg - value for money 10/10

[@GaryEats]

Nice stuff 👍🏼

[@leemacgregor]

Nailed Gary !! yes totally agree!! The comparison videos are a winner !

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Lee. Means a lot mate!

[@fishnchips2423]

£36 quid for a roast, no way, and that yorkshire pudding was well over cooked mate. Now, can't go wrong with a Toby, well cooked with good flavour and the price makes it affordable for all. With Tobys, I get to eat so much I never have enough stomach space left for a dessert.

[@GaryEats]

I make you correct, especially on the last part. Never have room for a dessert after Toby! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

[@johnoconnor7536]

@fishnchips Don't forget service charge brings to £50. Imagine if 4 at a table. Getting into the realms of £300 to £400 with starters, desserts and wine etc. ouch!

[@kathryncoles3652]

You could get a nice grass fed joint to cook at home for the price of Roast.

[@johngibson3837]

In Yorkshire we have thick gravy,if it suits the meal, but never a burnt pudding it's a wrong an is that

[@michaelb2388]

​@@johnoconnor7536I guess maths wasn't your strong point. £36.50 + 15% service charge = £42

[@alexandriajohnson6656]

Here in New England, Toby would be considered a quality family restaurant. And our family would be such steady customers that we would have a "family table/booth" reserved for us. 😅

[@GaryEats]

Very nice.

[@SteveKershaw-q7w]

I would go for Toby, great value, thanks Gary, great stuff

[@GaryEats]

Absolutely Steve. Good choice!

[@sbdiaries]

Hi Gary thanks for sharing 👍 you cannot beat a good Toby roast ❤❤❤

[@GaryEats]

Hi there. Thanks for watching!

[@stephaniewhite9526]

The comparison videos are wonderful. Definitely Toby for me. Value in a cost of living crisis is very important and the food at Toby looks great.

[@GaryEats]

Totally agree with you Stephanie. Completely agree on the latter, I only go to these types of places to review!

[@cliveoconnell3245]

Toby is great value but I’ve never ever had beef that thick. Mine is usually carved so thin you can see through the slices. Vegetable always overcooked or drying under the lamps.

[@stevenhull5025]

Living crisis?? How can one afford to even eat out???

[@finnmcginn9931]

Ive been my mother in laws personal handyman/ landscaper/gopher in Canada for 23 years. Ive been paid handsomely in Sunday Roast for my efforts. Thess both looked excellent, cheers

[@GaryEats]

Glad you liked them!

[@NickJay]

I absolutely LOVE Toby Carvery! I've been many times for the eat as much as you like breakfasts and a few times for the carvery/roasts. Never disappoints, always tasty and good value for money! I haven't been for a while because of some current health issues but I definitely need to back!

[@GaryEats]

Glad to hear it Nick.

[@hmu05366]

Maybe the health issues came about because you were pigging out in toby carvery all the time?

[@coffeeguy6673]

Toby Carvery for me Gaz, I've eaten at a few in my time, always good food and value for money in my opinion. Enjoying your videos, subbed n liked. 😋👍

[@GaryEats]

Nice one mate. Much appreciated, have a good week!

[@jay-lm4we]

It would be Toby all day long for me, especially with a family. Really enjoy your content 👍🇮🇪

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Jay. Much appreciated mate 👍

[@battleheights]

Toby's appeared to be excellent value for money and from your comments good flavour. I am in New Zealand and a meal like that would have been more expensive with less choice and probably not as nice which is ironic as we are a major exporter of beef and lamb and have abundant fresh produce. Love your channel

[@GaryEats]

Hello to New Zealand. Thank you very much!

[@andrewburton9643]

Can't beat a Toby for tasty food and great value. Even though the first one, food looked great albeit a bit pretentious the way it was presented, can't justify that price. Keep up the great videos 👍

[@GaryEats]

Totally agree and thank you Andrew!

[@JameelQ]

Roast restaurant, was just expensive for the amount you got and that Yorkshire pudding looked cremated, you sure that place is not owned by Tom Kerridge 😂 Toby Carvery, now that's what I call a proper roast dinner and the price is perfect 👍🏽

[@GaryEats]

Haha. That made me laugh.

[@Paul-oj5il]

We don't have Toby in Cornwall so it's always a go to when we are away & see one,great value for money.Mainly what you pay for in London is the atmosphere etc,the food is not always up to scratch

[@GaryEats]

I think Toby carvery is excellent value Paul

[@scruff520]

Ive just come across your channel Gary, i must say its refreshing to have honest reviews with good and bad places, oh and ive subscribed. Thank for the great review.

[@GaryEats]

You’re very kind - thank you.

[@martinquinn9007]

First one looked nice but 35 quid. So for family of 4 that be £140 just for Sunday dinner

[@GaryEats]

Completely agree with you Martin.

[@lmak7285]

Tony carvery all day long on this one

[@GaryEats]

Cheers for watching mate.

[@leemayell7570]

Yet another great video Gary, in my opinion the Toby wins hands down, maybe not the greatest ever but consistently good and excellent value for money. Your videos are consistently very good, please keep up the great work.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you so much Lee. I will continue to bring you more videos. I agree with you on your Toby vote!

[@katybennett5001]

Absolutely no question Gary, you made the right choice! Toby is unbelievable value in this current climate. I will defend Toby until my last breath honestly

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Katy!!

[@RJJ198]

I have never had a bad meal at Toby Carvery, I have even had a Christmas day meal there. The meat is always cooked, as well as the veg. whether a week day meal or weekend (Price varies between weekdays and weekend), I consider it value for money, considering you can top up your plate with as much veg as you can eat. A good assessment of a much-loved carvery. Thank You.

[@GaryEats]

More than welcome and thank you :)

[@jassey169]

I do like the fine dining restaurants and gastro pubs you visit as I like these type of places and quality of food , although I do agree the Toby carvery is very good value for money, thanks for the comparison, it's very interesting. My favourite is roast beef medium rare just like you Gary x🤩

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Jassey! I like to review a couple of places that haven't been done before. Really glad you enjoy them - thanks for watching!

[@TheRip72]

They are not really competing against each other but both have a place. One provides a decent meal at a decent price, the other provides something you may view as an occasional treat. Twice the price is rarely anywhere near twice as good for anything. This is 'the law of diminishing returns' & certainly applies here.

[@uktony1525]

Gary, I could not justify the Roast price but regularly enjoy the Toby carvery meal. You were so right in your summing up.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Tony. All the best.

[@robpierce4712]

I love review channels such as yours and am subscribed to many. I have just recently stumbled upon yours and have to say kudos to both you and your cameraman! Viewing the videos with your wonderful descriptions, the excellent camerawork, and superb editing, I almost feel like I can smell, taste, and experience the meals! Cheers~

[@GaryEats]

That’s very kind and appreciated Rob take care and have a great week ahead 👌

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

Hi Toby meal every time it’s so nice to get what you want and get filled up I have a chronic disease so I can’t have most cooked meats so I go for turkey which I can have glad you enjoyed it and the price is excellent well worth it

[@GaryEats]

Spot on. I hope you’re okay Michelle and sorry to hear that.

[@paulc7535]

£36 is a fair old wedge for a roast dinner. If it was amazing then well worth it. Having said that your video has me wanting a roast dinner right now. As always a very good and balanced view. Toby isnt amazing but its ok and is good value.

[@GaryEats]

Hope you enjoyed it Paul. You may have to wait until next Sunday now mate!

[@KT-sr3ko]

No contest Gary. Being stingy with gravy annoys me. We had a roast at a local pub last week and my mrs asked for more gravy for me - no problem and no charge. The only problem with Toby are the kids running about and some of the people eating a weeks worth of food to get their moneysworth. Love your reviews!

[@GaryEats]

Indeed. A good assessment. Thanks!

[@M15Guys]

I'm with you on the first horse radish - I like it to be more hard hitting ! However, the thin gravy would have been my thing (more of au jus) so I would have preferred this to the Toby Carvery gravy. But you are right - the Toby Carvery dish looked brilliant - so much tender beef and great value for money. Excellent video - thanks for posting !

[@GaryEats]

More than welcome and thank you for your lovely comment. I do prefer thick gravy so maybe I’m a little biased. All the best.

[@steveedwards8490]

The world divides. Thin gravy or thick gravy? I'm a thin gravy man. Thin (not watery!) gravy is tasty because it's usually made properly with a heavy hand on the vino and not on the flour. Thick gravy is for people who like Bisto.

[@fitz303]

Toby all day long! Loving your reviews mate

[@GaryEats]

Glad you like them!

[@fitz303]

@@GaryEatsWatching Witherspoons now, I always managed to get good eggs I think you just got a bad egg man. Keep up the good work, and come to Ireland sometime!

[@GaryEats]

Typical eh! I'm in Ireland next year. (I'm half Irish so I would love to come back over).

[@fitz303]

@@GaryEats I thought there was a bit of the Irish look about you! Come calling soon!

[@suebennison]

My local Toby can be hit and miss with quality. I go early when the food is fresh but even so, one cannot dispute the amazing value for money. THAT is what we all want. So if a dinner out costs a hundred quid, if you have had amazing food and fantastic service then it is worth every penny. Sadly, paying more does not always equal feeling satisfied when you leave a restaurant. At a Toby, you have no reason to complain because you are not being overcharged. In fact, it baffles me how they make a profit. Big up Gary. Keep going.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Sue!

[@stevekirkby6570]

The 'Roast' looks incredible. Wow. Very high quality and shows you get whatyou pay for. Obviousy, the meat is going to vary somewhat, due to being cut from a joint. Yes, I too like strong horseradish - but you can't complain, as they likeley moderate it to suit all palates.... I prefer the thinner gravy to the one shown in the all you can eat. Can't say I like the look of the all you can eat beef, but as you say it tasted good. Your plate full is massive! Far too much for me to enjoy comfortably, and stunning for the price. Horses for courses, as they say. Oh, but hate service charges. Just pay the staff properly.

[@GaryEats]

I thought both were good and the roast potatoes at Roast were to die for but VFM wise, it just doesn't compare. Great comment Steve!

[@stevekirkby6570]

@@GaryEats Yup, it's a balancig act between price and quality - also of course 'the occasion'. If your having a romantic day out with your loved one then the Roast is the place - if its a Sunday Lunch with the extended family then sure, the Toby wins. Budget allowing of course.

[@richardwells1212]

Toby all the way. I have a pretty good appetite and at Toby I can have as much as I want on my plate. All the food at ROAST looked lovely but small portions and I would leave that place feeling hungry still and at that price that would be wrong so Toby wins for me. Great review once again.

[@GaryEats]

Much appreciated Richard. For those with big appetites, Roast just won't be enough. Thanks for watching!

[@TheFutura8888]

Hey Gary, went to blacklock after your review and the All in platter was outstanding! I'm definitely planning on checking out blacklock for its sunday roasts

[@GaryEats]

Great to hear my friend. So happy you enjoyed it, what did you think of the chops? I will be going there soon as well, glad you liked it!

[@TheFutura8888]

@@GaryEats chops had plenty of flavour and not over / under seasoned which I liked. One thing I forgot to order was a side of gravy, so will definitely pop in again for more.

[@GaryEats]

So glad you enjoyed it! The chops are incredible.

[@russes088]

Thanks to the KZbin platform- honest reviewers such as Gary are reaching an appreciative audience. Love your channel Gary- keep up the great work!

[@GaryEats]

I appreciate that! Thank you

[@robknight5150]

hi Gary Great Chanel My wife and I go to a Toby Carvery EVERY Sunday. We switch between a couple of different ones. The service is second to none 2 x regular meals plus 1 glass of wine £31. 50 Unbelievable, great food !!! Sometimes you may have to dig the veg out the bottom of the dish. Always a good meal.

[@GaryEats]

Hi Rob. Thanks mate, glad you like the channel. It's brilliant value isn't it? You cannot knock it especially during the time we're in.

[@joshuamorris575]

Hi Gary, have only recently come across your channel, Like the way you tried to keep an equal comparison. 👍 Think I’d be sticking with Toby Carvery, don’t like it when a meal arrives and you can see more of the plate than the food. Great Content!

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Joshua 👍 I don't disagree with you mate, thanks for watching!

[@davidspear9790]

To be fair, the upmarket roast was very pretentiously presented, but looked a lot bigger when spread over the whole plate. Mind you, the Yorkshire Pudding took about 25% of the plate space and the beef slices looked like they had been sliced off a steak.

[@rickb3645]

There are several things to keep in mind here... The Borough Market business "Roast"... Is an upmarket restaurant catering for those with higher than average food quality expectations... And it's patrons obviously either don't mind or care about paying their prices... Or their service charge of 15% being applied to the bill... But paying over £40 per head for a Roast Dinner here... Isn't within the price range of the majority of diners... In just the same way as anyone that uses a budget supermarket for their weekly shopping... Wouldn't be able to afford the prices being charged at a much more exclusive supermarket like Waitrose... Where the same branded products in your shopping trolley in Waitrose... Would be significantly more expensive than in a budget supermarket... And where the overall ambiance of the store... And the staffs attentiveness to their customers... Would generally be of a higher standard in the Waitrose supermarket... But you must accept that the price of £9.49 for the Toby Carvery Roast Dinner... Is an absolute bargain. Everything on the plate there looked very nice... You had more than enough Roast Beef... Plus you could return to the Carvery Station and top up with as much of the other items on offer like... Roast Potatoes... Mashed Potatoes... Stuffing... Vegetables and Gravy... They only limit the various meats available... And the Yorkshire Puddings... Apart from those items... Anyone can return to the Carvery Station to add more food to their plate... So it's a no-brainer really... The Toby Carvery Roast Dinner is easily the better value for money meal overall... I'm sure that the 100 day old matured Roast Beef Joint at "Roast" was delicious... But for most people that go out to a Toby Carvery for a Roast Dinner... It's all about the price... A family of four can each have a Roast Dinner... For less than the price of just one Roast Dinner at "Roast"... When you think about the cost and effort involved in Buying... Preparing... Cooking... Serving... Washing and clearing away the dirty dishes... And the energy costs involved in cooking a Roast Dinner with all the trimmings at home... It makes a lot of sense for people to choose a Carvery Roast Dinner by eating out at a Toby Carvery.

[@GaryEats]

Good assessment, Rick. Enjoyed reading that!

[@seeker1432]

@@GaryEats Still no excuse for tiny servings, Especially the gravy. Pay top cash, Expect reasonable plate.

[@Heygoodlooking-lk9kg]

I'll never understand why ppl go to a up market supermarket and pay more for exactly the same product as they can just down the road at aldi,,, wait, I know why, cos they're snobs who think they are too good to bargain shop, which makes the stupid

[@melanieevans1574]

I wouldn't pay £36 for Roast. The roast potatoes looked great but as for the rest ... I can make better at home, especially the gravy. For a comforting Sunday dinner if you can't be bothered to cook hands fown I would choose the Toby!

[@GaryEats]

Fair enough Melaine. Thank you!

[@paulmaguire2737]

Well done Toby Carvery...great value. Like the fact you can have a mix of meats at Toby if you like (Pork, Beef, Lamb, Gammon, Turkey.)

[@GaryEats]

Fully agree Paul and excellent value too thank you 😊

[@David_Baxendale]

When I'm back in the UK I usually head to a Toby for roast unless I know somewhere that is better (and there is one in the area). I know (ok, roughly, it can't be the same every time) what I'll get and the value is good. This video made me hungry 😁

[@GaryEats]

Good stuff David!

[@brewsterkits]

Roast, the pud was burnt and the gravy was thin, but it was ok mainly,I give it an 8, I like Toby it's usually good, sometimes it's not hot enough and the puds can dry out, the gravy is good so is the meat, always tasty and good value I give it a 9.5

[@GaryEats]

Nice assessment. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

[@jfergs.3302]

Nice comparison. I've had a few Toby's, and usually 'big up'. Get a bit of all the meats, yorkshire, sausage, and all the veg. And of course if you're still hungry there's the bottomless veg option, you can go back and back. As most have said, amazing value, and a really good, and filling meal. Now i've never been to Roast, but they seemed short on a number of things... 1 carrot, not much beef, and their biggest sin, thin gravy. They should call it jus, the posh title for watery gravy. And of course price-wise, there is no comaprison. That said, if I were in the area I would give Roast a try. If only to sample those roasties that you praised so highly. You can't beat a fantastic roastie :)

[@GaryEats]

Thank you! Yes, I will say the best part of Roast were the roasties. They were excellent!

[@hilaryanderton]

I had a few roasts at Toby places and they’ve always been good value for money. The problem for me was the number of children running riot round the place.

[@GaryEats]

Indeed.

[@MarcProbert-y9h]

You mean a family... 🤬 that's what happens.. tell you what let's put the children in a non arrogant section for all.

[@janwong9437]

@@MarcProbert-y9hhow about you and your kids have respect and consideration for others diners or better still take them to a park for a picnic where they can run about without disturbing and annoying people . Pubs and restaurants are not playgrounds.

[@MarcProbert-y9h]

@janwong9437 how about you give your head a wobble and get real. Who you to tell a family where they can and can't go. ?? Children are just that children. I agree to an extent.. but what gives you or anyone else to go as far as to what you have..

[@MarcProbert-y9h]

@janwong9437 just for the record I will take my child where ever I want hopefully it's right next to your miserable arse..

[@KPP365]

Toby Carverys has never let us down. Great food 😋

[@GaryEats]

It’s great for the price I fully agree 👍

[@HowtoMakeThings]

Keep it up Gary. Loving your style and presentation- keep true to your own formula.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you mate. All the best.

[@stevebriggs2645]

Great review again Gary.Toby looked delicious and top value.Roast not so good, burnt 🔥 Yorkshire pudding and only 3 roast potatoes wouldn't fill a fly in my opinion 😮 .

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Steve 👍 Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@simonjones7766]

I am with you there steve,i love my spuds too! And you never seem to get enough on a "served" roast dinner

[@wanderer7755]

Agree the Yorkshire’s were charcoal

[@lukedrive2869]

Never been to a Toby before but it looks nice and the food looks pretty good. You can take your family and eat for the same price as lunch at the so called posh restaurant. I thought the posh one was more pretentious than impressive. The beef was medium rare going to medium well. I thought the Yorkshire was overdone and didn’t like the veg being stuffed in a little pot! Lastly I preferred the beer garden than looking over the market! Great video Gary.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Luke. Much appreciated. It's probably one of the nicer Toby's that I've ever been to!

[@martindunstan8043]

Totally agree on your point about being pretentious, just because I don't want to eat out of a bucket it doesn't mean I want a lone whole sunbathing carrot lying on a beach towel of beef on my plate with what looked to be an asteroid of a Yorkshire pudding entering the Earths atmosphere in the corner🤣 over fancy by far. Toby all the way on this one👍

[@rogerpoole8253]

Trouble with Toby is there is no consistency between restaurants, my in-laws always want to go to Toby carvery and it's always a bit hit and miss tbh

[@GaryEats]

I agree sometimes it can be a letdown other times it can be fantastic value Roger

[@HowtoMakeThings]

It’s a small thing but you saying “Let’s give it a go” strikes a chord with me. Me and my eldest son (who has grown fast) used to play and say “I really wanna give it a go “ and it’s something that gets uttered from time to time. You’re the first person I’ve heard saying something similar and just makes me smile and reminisce.

[@GaryEats]

That's a really lovely story and I'm glad I could bring back some fond memories for you. Let's give it a go!

[@PooleyX]

That Toby beef was leftover from the day before. You can see how it's dried out. That's why he was trying to give it all to you. Absolutely guarantee it. And it certainly couldn't be said it's cooked medium! The Roast Yorkshire was borderline burnt. Real gravy is a lot thinner than Bisto. That was horseradish cream. It doesn't have to be super spicy. I'd still rather have the Toby than the Roast, especially at less than a third of the price.

[@alexhill9423]

I was always a weird kid. Instead of nagging my parents to take me to mcdonalds, I always begged them to take me to Toby's. Always loved Toby's

[@GaryEats]

Nice. I like Toby as well.

[@davidfinch5062]

Why go to McDonalds, do they serve food?

[@Mat-eq8mk]

I think Roast looks fantastic. Love the location and interior. Those roasties were fresh out of the oven. That's so hard to do in a restaurant. Even with the slight flaws, I thought it was well worth the money and that infuriating service charge that everybody now sticks on. I'd also happily eat at Toby, but the thing is: Roast was better than I could make at home and Toby wasn't, so I'd pay the extra. Cheers for another great vid!

[@GaryEats]

Yes it was lovely! You're more than welcome :)

[@djgeneralbounce]

That's exactly why people should go and eat out in the first place really - to eat something you wouldn't make at home. Now tbh, a lot of people can't be bothered to make a roast dinner without short cuts like Aunt Bessie's Yorkies or whatever, so a Toby is good in those cases. But I'd go to Roast over Toby personally.

[@lizg5574]

Now you're making me hungry! I am English but live in New Zealand. There are few places where you can get the sort of meal you showed from Toby over here. The one that was local to me, closed down almost 20 years ago, and there is nothing to compare to replace it. That means, eating out for us, has to be a special event, as it's all pretty expensive. I would love to find a carvery here whose food is on a par with that Toby you went to. The one place near me that does the smorgasboard style doesn't do much hot food, mainly salads, cheaper Asian foods and desserts - so going there is perhaps once every 5 years - and for what you get, it's expensive. Thank you for being so thorough in explaining and describing. I am enjoying your channel and will be exploring all your old vlogs! Take care - and have a wonderful Christmas! x

[@GaryEats]

That's what I want to hear! Hello to NZ. Have a wonderful Christmas yourself and have a fantastic month.

[@rommain3669]

Why am I addicted to your videos? Been watching a lot of them recently.

[@GaryEats]

That is very kind to say, and I appreciate you watching the videos

[@arussell508]

ive recently discovered your videos, its great to find a chilled, laid back youtuber. i very much enjoy your videos.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks very much mate. Means a lot!

[@Big_conn]

I really enjoyed this video to be fair. Feel like it flowed really well and the editing complimented it really well. Great reviews on both of the meals. I like how in depth you go in each part of the meal, then combine things, then do an overall review. Just all round a good video, fair play!

[@GaryEats]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nigelwilliams9307]

Another great vid. It all looked good. The last time we went to an 'all you can eat' they asked us to leave after 6 hours. We were fairly stuffed.

[@GaryEats]

Haha great stuff Nigel!

[@Onooky47]

New to the channel, great work Gary, some of the places you have visited are close to me which is nice to see! I have been to Roast 3 times, last time was November 2022. I had vouchers and treated myself to the beef wellington.....honestly i wasn't 100% impressed. The beef on the wellington was brown not pink, this likely left under the lamps on pass. The roast potatoes were similar looking to yours but were chewy and sent them back, more returned and were the same. Annoyingly i ordered scotch 3 times, each time ordered with no ice and each time they were served with ice! Little things i know but when you are paying top dollar for food and service that is littered with mistakes its very frustrating especially when they charge the automatic service charge. I would still eat there again, the starter i had with the above wellington was scallops and they were bloody lovely and the sides that went with it were very tasty too. Good work Gary 😊

[@GaryEats]

Yes, I think you had a similar experience to me - thanks mate!

[@ricatkins4918]

The Toby Roast🥳that’s what I want to see on a Sunday, or for that matter whenever 😊

[@GaryEats]

Got a special upload for you coming!

[@alankwood]

I had toby many times when I lived in England.. Certainly good value for money and good if going with friends or realatives First time I've seen you so I'm subscibed now !!

[@GaryEats]

Cheers Alan. I agree with you and much appreciated.

[@GoodyTFT]

the fact that you reply to every single is incredible! as an aspiring creator, you are an inspiration to us all! keep up the phenomenal content and work!

[@GaryEats]

You’re far too kind. Thank you and I do try my best, sometimes it can be difficult to reply to everyone!

[@GoodyTFT]

@@GaryEats you're truly going above and beyond, it's genuinely inspiring. You're awesome!

[@derekrussell7651]

The food that you ordered in Roast looked great and you described it as being tasty. I do feel that due to the price of over four times of that of Toby carvery, I would only consider eating there as a one of treat for myself and guest etc. But that's it. Probably whilst on a short mini break etc. The Toby carvery food...all of it just looked so appetising and tasty. It literally made my mouth water and my tummy rumble for food. It looked great value for money and at a price that I would not consider as a treat but rather as a good experience to return there to eat in the future. Great review from you...😊

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Derek 👍🏼

[@tiggiegillespie4356]

I love Toby, you’re definitely correct that it’s very good value for money and I wish I lived close to one.

[@GaryEats]

It really is!

[@marke.blewer1279]

Hi Gary, welcome back to London, after your trip up North. I wish you could make your mind up whether you are using a knife or a pen. You are constantly changing your grip, but are clearly happier with the penholder grip. This might explain why you end up ripping with your fork, rather than cutting with your knife most of the time. It is clearly difficult to exert enough power to cut using the penholder grip. I went to Roast, many years ago and like you, found that everything was top quality, but something was missing. I was impressed with The Toby Carvery, it looked an excellent plate of food for a tenner and clearly won on the value for money stakes. Good to have you back amongst us, keep up the good work.

[@GaryEats]

Hello. Back in London but not for long - back on my travels again next week! Apologies if it gets annoying that I keep switching. Your assessment of the food is absolutely spot on. Thanks for watching!

[@Mounhas]

I don’t eat out, occasionally pick up fish & chips as mine never so good. The Toby Carvery looks to be incredible value, if one was within a reasonable distance I’d certainly eat there. Alas, the nearest is 100km away. 🙂

[@GaryEats]

Thanks for watching!

[@flower-ss2jt]

If your gravy is thick it only means there is more flour in gravy. A thin gravy has less flour. Proper gravy is made by removing the meat/chicken and most of the fat from the dish. Then mixing some flour in the roasting dish with remaining fat and cooking the roux (fat and flour mixture) till the flour is cooked. Then you gradually add giblet water if chicken, or water from the veg if meat, and stir briskly till all the flour is absorbed by the water. That is how Granny Makes Gravy. If you add Bisto to water for gravy - it is merely a brown liquid. And fairly thick and can form a skin!

[@GaryEats]

Thank you for your info again, always very intriguing comments 😊

[@BrazilSaint]

Or xantham gum, used to thicken and make sauces more gelatinous so they stick to food better.

[@flower-ss2jt]

@@BrazilSaint Ah, like me you avoid the 'thick' gravies with additives!