These videos are so honest and good-natured, Gary. You remind me of a favorite uncle or brother who wants to make sure friends and family get good guidance and solid advice. Definitely subscribed! Straightforward, kind, friendly and helpful. No overacting or crazy adhd editing lol. Much appreciation!
Possibly the most likeable bloke on RUclips Don't know how I discovered your channel but glad I did. Such well structured and entertaining reviews, great production quality. Keep up the good work you deserve way more traction and I think you will get there
I LOVE these reviews. At least you're honest. I also LOVE you're enthusiasm. You bring SOOOO much joy. I LOVE it when you say" Let's give it a go " YOU KNOW you're going to be entertained. Thank you SOOOOO much Gary.
Hello Gary. Although I'm in the States, I've enjoyed going with you to dine here and there. It's a pleasure for me to hear your assessments at each dining experience. (Processed turkey is unforgiveable!) Your judgements seem sound and fair to me. Dine on!
The most honest, natural and down to earth food reviews ever, so much more watchable than MacMaster overacting and EV rubbish, onwards Gary, love your vids.
macmaster is terrible, laughs all the time at his own unfunny jokes, walking past the camera, and walking with his hand out, is ripped off from another you tuber, hes not got one original idea in his huge head, and hes probably done 50 videos on that stupid car saying the same thing over and over again.
Vey fair comparison, Gary. The meat in the Toby meal definitely looked more appetising than the Weatherspoon's turkey! Toby Carvery definitely the better meal here in my opinion! Great video, which I eally enjoyed.
Imo the food Wetherspoons has really gone downhill the last few years. I’ve been to several across the north and midlands of England and at their pubs over in Dublin, Cork & Waterford. The food is very often low quality ingredients cooked badly. Their breakfast was one of the last things I would eat in spoons but the recent ones I got in Newcastle upon Tyne & in Cork were cold.
@@OpinionatedMonk. I think my 85 year old dad would agree. We love each other, but, our differing political views causes my brother and I to argue alot. My father is incredibly intelligent. Which makes it worse. And he's so fit and he runs rambling clubs! He's the complete opposite to me.
I had spoons turkey dinner every week it was on last year and I’m doing the same this year. That said the Toby meal is closer to a real Christmas dinner but thats not what I’m looking for, I will have the real one on Christmas Day. The Spoons meal is savoury and hits the spot for me, I also get a pint of Brewdog IPA in for the price, or any other beer I fancy. I find it a bit strange when people compare the Spoons meal to a real Christmas lunch, its not and spoons don’t claim it is, they just call it a turkey dinner. Makes a change from perpetual boring pizzas and burgers.
100 % agree with you Gary - Toby hands down. I don't think you can have a roast without roast potatoes. Great review once again. I like getting the feel of other places around the country - you always nail it. That Christmas pud looked so tasty. 👍
Although the Toby you went to skimped on the custard, as I said above - you said that it was a bit thin - either they used “water custard” or used proper custard powder that you have to make with milk, but used water for cheapness!
My friends son got a part time job at W'Spoons whist at Uni. He told us the kitchen is a whole wall of microwaves, freezers with prepped meals with times on, fridge with salad and someone fries eggs.
That opening scene where you made a quick exit from the cops had me in stitches. Nearly spat my brew out! Quality channel and you come across as a top bloke.
I used to eat in Spoons weekly. My favourite was The Wiltshire Cured Ham. And that was good value. It has virtually doubled in price, there is less on the plate, and the quality is poor. If i had a Toby near me it would my regular eatery. Excellent review. I have subscribed
I agree with you. I was a regular Wetherspoons Breakfast Full English Customer over the years but I stopped back in Feb 2020. Granted the 2/3 Spoons I would use on a regular basis was good quality on the food but the Breakfast was all a hit or miss as too whether it would come out looking "Freshly cooked" or just been sat on a hot plate for 30 mins before being dished up. The only real way of getting a freshly cooked one was if you went in at 8am when they 1st start cooking it. Im sure they cook in bulk & it then just sits there on a hot plate until they need to cook more. I never bothered having Breakfast after 11 am as U never know what you were going to get. I tended to keep to the ones I knew locally as I knew they put out "Good Freshly cooked" meals as opposed to just plating up what is on the hot plate. Would much rather wait 20 mins for a freshly cooked Mixed Grill rather than get it in 5 mins & U know its been sitting there for a while.
I've haven't had the weatherspoons Christmas din din, but I've had their fish chips mushy peas and drink (orange juice for me) and I've had curries there, very good, i thought. and very good value 😋
My wife discovered you youtube channel a few days ago and we have watched several shows since. Excellent, down to earth critiques. We live in New Zealand. Made the observation that if we were visiting U.K anytime in the future we would definitely be using your reviews to determine where we would like to eat. Incidentally knew someone who went to one of Rick Steins restaurants many years back. He was quite disappointed and it was very expensive. Seems to be a bit of a common thread.
Your comments are (as always) so accurate Gary. I went to Wetherspoons last night and there were so few chips I had to order an extra bowl. It would cost them barely anything to add a few more chips. Portion size is very important when paying for a "meal", especially Christmas meals, so I will now head off to the Toby Carvery too.
Hi Stephanie. I'm a mystery diner for wetherspoons and have fed back exactly what you experienced in that portions seemed to have shrunk post pandemic.
Hi Richt... I really appreciate this. Wetherspoons Norwich is just a few minutes from my flat but the chip portions are terrible. Like really really bad. When I go there with my friend we always have to buy a portion of extra chips to make the plate normal but it takes all the value from the meal for us. Otherwise staff are usually great and drink prices are really good (the coffee machine with its refills is fabulous). Please can you let them know@@richt71
With Wetherspoon's I find the chip portions vary tremendously from place to place and should surely be standardized. Here in Swindon you always get a good portion.
Hi gary , been to toby a few times, never disappointed. They used to do curry nights at mine but don't anymore , shame really , the curry was quite good . One thing I cannot abide is small children with large plates stacked to the brim with good food , only for them to waste it and not eat it . I think this is why toby now ration the meat soo much . Overall Toby is a nice meal experience.
Just recently discovered your channel, and it’s very enjoyable to watch,good honest food reviews,your presenting is warm and friendly keep up the good work
Gary, Tobys has a big place in my heart we would always bring my Grandad here before he died so I spent most of the video listening to the old eastend women in the background talking and it reminded me of everytime I visited with old pops. Cheers!
My new favourite food channel. There is something really likeable and sincere about you mate. Love the no nonsense approach to your videos. Hope you pay North East England a visit sometime.
I agree with your judgement, its no contest really. Wetherspoons do some things very well - a Christmas dinner isn't one of them. Maybe if they served that with a glass of wine for a tenner it would be ok. Looking forward to more Christmas dinners!!!
Very fair review Gary and spot on with your choice. Even though I don’t like them I would have thought a Christmas dinner would have to have sprouts included. Definitely roasties. Great review. 👍
Hi Gary, Rather than go through individual items, i think Toby wiped the floor with Wetherspoons on this one, at every level. Funny i mentioned Christmas on my last comment and here we are. So, may i possibly say and be the first, Merry Christmas and happy new year . All the best, see you on the next one.🎄
Just came across your channel, really enjoy it, I went to the Toby Carvery in Dudley last week, it was the best carvery I have eaten, I had Turkey and beef which melted in the mouth😋😋 I think you were unlucky that it wasn't very hot, ours was so hot I had to use the napkins to hold the serving spoons, will definitely eat there again, opposite to Wetherspoons, I have never enjoyed a meal in there, you can get better, cheaper food in the local cafes
Great reviews. I always look forward to going to Toby Carvery, but when I get there, I always pile my plate up, even though I try not to, and feel so stuffed I regret eating it! The food is never great, Just acceptable. Really like your vlogs, good honest reviews!
My neck of the woods Gary, wish I had seen you... Thanks for mentioning the kids menu at Toby. I have been away with work so missed about 6 of your episodes, time to binge watch... Thank you as always. Delighted to see such an increase in subscribers, a reflection of you and our cameraman.
Gary, just discovered your channel & have subscribed, excellent reviews, really enjoying your approach, no pretence & a man who clearly lives good food, thanks for your efforts, much appreciated
Nice one Gary, funny enough after watching your last visit to Toby my wife said yesterday lets go for a cavery so she took me to my local Toby, you are spot on with your review, the food was a plenty and nicely cooked, it wasn't piping as you mentioned so you really do need to smoother it with red hot gravy, can't really comment about spoons as ive not been, the turkey was definitely proceesed but haven been in the catering trade for over 50 years until my retirement this year i would never criticise a place ive not visited especially when i know how hard catering staff work, as usual Gary a brilliant honest review, you are the best on RUclips, cheers mate.
Interestingly Spoons got it right by not including Yorkshire puddings but missed the roasties , while both got it wrong by not offering Brussel sprouts. Have to say Toby Carvery gets my vote all day long and to be fair I don't have to put the Yorkshire on the plate do I 😁 Enjoying your down to earth approach to the vlogs compared to other drama queens on RUclips 👍
Congrats, Mr Gary on this lovely Christmas video. It's an older one, a bit more serious - but still wholesome and charming. If I'm honest, none of the food was very appealing to me...but I sincerely believe that Christmas dinner (however enjoyed or celebrated) is made special because of the love that goes into it, and the people you share it with. It could be beans and microwaved spuds - but it'll taste like foie gras, wagyu or caviar when the company is there to reminisce and spread cheer. (maybe a bit of exaggeration - but I think you know what I mean). I continue to come across old and new videos that I haven't seen, and it makes me wonder where you find the time....but I'm so grateful that you do. Such humour, such a gentleman, and so thorough - you are the only reviewer I watch. I'll thank you again for eating with a fork and spoon, and using adjectives other than "delicious."Bless you a million times for the loyalty you show your fans. It can't be easy, but it looks like you are having a great time. As always - Cheers from across the pond. GODSPEED, and I can't wait to see what comes next!! (More paint-stripping? LOL - I continue to re-watch that recent episode as it still brings me to tears with laughter). 🇨🇦 🍻🇨🇦
Hi Gary Great Review I think with all these places-chose the right dish. The Witherspoon's roast looked like a greasy spoon standard though. They do some good inepensive plates of food though.
My local wetherspoon's in Ireland used to be cheap & cheerful, lately it's neither. Really enjoyed your review as always and excellent work from the cameraman as always also👍🇮🇪
Hi Gary. Great post as always. You needed more gravy on your carvery than that, mate! Can't believe Toby don't serve bread sauce anymore; that makes an Xmas dinner for me. I still like a Toby Carvery on a cold day, tho', honest comfort food! Wetherspoon's offering looked like hospital food, frankly. Keep it up, pal 👍.
I would buy a Wetherspoon's meal if in a new place, as the prices are reasonable and the food at least consistent. However, for a Sunday dinner or a Xmas dinner I would choose a Toby as they are just better at that kind of thing.
Another great video, Gary. Also a brilliant idea to compare Xmas dinner just as we all think about our works night out 🙂. Though tbf if my boss to me to Wetherspoons for Xmas I would resign 😂.
What great reviews you produce! We are planning a trip to the UK and these are very helpful. We have had bad unimpressive experiences on other trips (pubs where the meal was microwaved) Thanks from Melbourne Aust.
Wetherspoons is fine for a cheap meal but I recently watched a US youtuber visit London for the first time and get fish and chips as 'the' English dish from the wetherspoons in Leicester square. They weren't impressed by our standard fish and chips. There are many great chippies throughout London for great fish and chips cheaper, fresher and better than wetherspoons.
Not sure citizens from the U.S. would know what to look for in good Fish n Chips as not really a go to fast food there unlike the UK (and here in Aust. (give me piece of flake and chips any day!)@@richt71
Just seen this review Gary and as ever so well presented and balanced. With respect to value for money and good service it’s hard to fault a Toby. Use whenever one is nearby to an away football trip ground and every time the staff are extremely polite and helpful.
And the end ! LOL - been away all week so I have been catching up this Friday night. / That looks like a nice plate of food ! / And now the second venue ... / Have resisted Toby in the past, I need to revisit this! / Thanks Mark.
Late to the party, but it’s no question that the Carvery was better. Well cooked real turkey and gammon and unlimited nicely cooked sides. I’d probably have asked for a fresh Yorkshire pud. ;)) Their dessert Christmas pudding looked delicious, and I’ll never pass up on custard now that I’m an expat. It’s November so Christmas is around the corner - time enough for me to go online and order some Brit Christmas goodies. As an expat. I miss mince tarts and such. Cheers !
Christmas dinner should have roast potatoes (preferably goose fat), honey roast parsnips, Brussels sprouts with chestnuts, pigs in blankets, carrots, stuffing (not boring sage and onion but something special) and of course Turkey as well as gravy and cranberry sauce and bread sauce. Witherspoons food is all microwaved.
Well thats the difference also a carvery is what it says. Weather Spoons is pub grub. I always preferred the carvery when lived in North Cheam but now live in Canaries do miss it.
Thanks for the review Gary.. It’s all about timing at Toby’s! If you want hot food that is.. Never been very generous with the meat but super value if you like your veg and gravy. Bigger plate a must😊
Gary, I can tell you're a southerner. You should ALWAYS fill your Yorkshire pudding with gravy. By the way, a Yorkshire pudding does NOT belong on a Christmas dinner. Really enjoying your videos. All the best.
Another great and very fair review, Gary. A shame that the Toby carvery charged extra for pigs in blankets, one could have been included, especially as you were charged the weekend price. Hubby Joe loves a decent piggy. Yorkie did look dry, maybe more gravy could have helped? Noticed that both had no sprouts. Love a sprout! Wetherspoons - no roasties, what the hell? Turkey looked dreadful, as did the parsnips. Only redeeming thing, came with a glass of Pinot. Congratulations on 10k!!!
Thank you so much Team Gary.I could have predicted the outcome of that meal sadly. I used to find Wetherspions good value with half decent food but that was in the past. Your summary was spot on. Great upload as usual sir 😁😁😁👍👍👍
This is such a good idea Gary. Always nice to see a bit of Christmas in mid November. I never eat Christmas dinner in restaurants but I was lucky enough to have one in a Toby last year and it was nice and bearing in mind the price it was excellent. Looked very good in the Toby you're in. I'm not a huge turkey breast fan. I prefer the dark meat but that looked nice. Not too thin, which is the key to a real Christmas dinner. The Yorkshire pudding had spent too long under the lights. Now I love Christmas pudding and that looked good and dark!!! I like mine with rum butter.😁 The Wetherspoons Turkey looked awful. Cut thin and processed. I am deeply unimpressed with that offering . Toby Carvery wins by a mile for me Superb review Gary. You have helped people on a budget make an informed choice. Thanks for that.
Thank you Andrew! Never too early for a bit of Christmas cheer. Wins by a country mile! Thank you as always mate. Hope you're doing well, all the best.
Great comparison review. My first thoughts on both were “where’s the sprouts” sacrilege 🤣. I agree toby was better value - yep you get a drink at spoons but the Xmas pud and superior turkey trumped it. Looking forward to your next one - we’re going to Peckham Levels and Peckham Market place at the end of the month - both look as though could be interesting to review 👍
Jeez Gazza - a big Yorkshire pud and you didn’t immediately fill it up with gravy? Wetherspoons was like a pre-packed ‘TV Dinner’. All were lacking on the traditional Brussel sprouts!
In a perfect world , I''d take the stuffing and pigs in blankets from Spoons on a plate with the turkey, gravy and veg from Toby and of course the Christmas pudding as well . So much fun to watch your comparison videos. 😋
Loving the channel Gary, you're a real character. It's like watching Alan Partridge and MasterChef at the same time. Do you tend to season the food generally? I've seen you chomp through several plates of roast dinner and fish and chips, yet never seen you salt them...(?)
Thanks mate. Of course, I try to get an overall taste and then season afterwards but maybe I should do that and show in videos as it makes sense to show the viewer.
@@GaryEats Not a bad idea! That's it, whether or not your meals require extra seasoning is often something I wonder about. Please don't get me wrong, it's not like you don't mention seasoning, but elaborating may add yet another layer of nuance to the incredibly good job that you already do. Cheers!
Nice one Gary - great comparison video. I had the Wetherspoons Christmas dinner on the 15th November - the first day of their Christmas menu. I could be wrong, but I think in recent years they removed the traditional Christmas lunch from the menu - and they just opted for the festive burgers etc - so I was very pleased to see it back on the menu. It arrived with me promptly - about 15mins from placing the order and I thought it was pretty decent overall - I particularly liked the stuffing, gravy and the cranberry sauce. If honest, my turkey seemed decent amount and I don't recall thinking my portion was too thin, but maybe depends on the chef/venue on the day. I've not had the Toby Carvery version in many years and so am now keen to give that a try. Cheers.
Toby’s Carvery hands down! The turkey and ham looked so tender and you could get as much gravy as you wanted. Yorkshire pudding looked like it turned to dust when you bit into it. The other place you went to served processed turkey kind of reminded me of the lunch meat you buy at the deli. And so stingy with the gravy. For me the gravy is a must for the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Thank you for the video.
Been in here many times, food was always very good ,That dinner looked very good and good value also . Yes Toby dinner and the pudding would be my choice . Good review again Gary .
That’s correct. However I’m surprised they don’t just buy them in cooked and deep fry - like the chips. I used to work there and this would definitely be possible to do.
Clear winner for me was the Toby. Quality of meat, how the gammon was cooked, and the veg looked good. I always fill the yorkie with gravy so no dryness issues 😂 pudding looked good too ... spoons, I'd give that a miss .... scarper it's the rozers 😂😂😂
Thanks for this Gary! great video! I've had plenty of good memories at my local Toby! and this video helped me relive them, that meal looked delicious! Hope you're doing well!
Thanks for that Gary. Toby was the clear winner for all to see. My local Toby aren’t serving their Christmas menu yet. It’s just as well the police officers didn’t hear you murdering that Christmas song 😂😂😂 Well done mate.
I think it's worth considering that if you're going for a few pints afterwards the Wetherspoon bill will be a fair bit cheaper. I wouldn't go for the Christmas dinner anyway though; I'd save that for Xmas day and just get a wrap or something
I work at that Tobys!! Thank you so much for the visit and the review!!! Hopefully everyone else that enjoys the video comes and visits!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
You're more than welcome Ray. That would be great!
real me too, should try sticky toffee next time it’s banging
@@phoebe831 yesss omg its the best 😂❤️
Toby provides a pretty solid Sunday Roast ( even though I will ask them to warm my Plate if possible) it's very good value!
How do you know his name Gary??
These videos are so honest and good-natured, Gary. You remind me of a favorite uncle or brother who wants to make sure friends and family get good guidance and solid advice. Definitely subscribed! Straightforward, kind, friendly and helpful. No overacting or crazy adhd editing lol. Much appreciation!
Haha thank you!!
Possibly the most likeable bloke on RUclips
Don't know how I discovered your channel but glad I did. Such well structured and entertaining reviews, great production quality. Keep up the good work you deserve way more traction and I think you will get there
That's extremely kind of you, I'm very appreciative.
100% agree with you Gary is like tonic ❤
I LOVE these reviews. At least you're honest. I also LOVE you're enthusiasm. You bring SOOOO much joy. I LOVE it when you say" Let's give it a go " YOU KNOW you're going to be entertained. Thank you SOOOOO much Gary.
I'm glad 11 months on my comment was right! I'm sure he had less than 10k subs then
Hello Gary. Although I'm in the States, I've enjoyed going with you to dine here and there. It's a pleasure for me to hear your assessments at each dining experience. (Processed turkey is unforgiveable!) Your judgements seem sound and fair to me. Dine on!
Thank you very much my friend, All the best to you in the States.
Processed Turkey, better than Chlorinated Chicken ughhhh😂
That turkey looked like those when I was young that would come in the plastic bags and you cooked them in boiling water here in America.
I like the way you explain things so clearly . It’s all useful info too. You make the world a better place
Thank you Jimmy :) that's very nice of you to say.
The most honest, natural and down to earth food reviews ever, so much more watchable than MacMaster overacting and EV rubbish, onwards Gary, love your vids.
Thank you Steve. Very nice of you to say mate and I’m glad you’re liking the videos!
I agree, The MacMaster is absolutely terrible.
With the state of his barnet you should give him credit he actually goes outside.@@15dollardietcoke
I dont get how macmaster has so many subs and views must be all braindead. Gary you are doing a great job keep it up!
macmaster is terrible, laughs all the time at his own unfunny jokes, walking past the camera, and walking with his hand out, is ripped off from another you tuber, hes not got one original idea in his huge head, and hes probably done 50 videos on that stupid car saying the same thing over and over again.
I was enjoying listening to the gossiping ladies in the background ALMOST as much as your review haha 😂
Haha well I won't take that as an insult. I had to turn the mic down as they were really going into great detail!
Shewas so damn irritating 😮
They were talking about deaths in the family. She lost her brother at 51. 😮
@@lilyaust5633 apparently he died of covid dont ya know
I know it was so sweet listening to them 😂❤
Vey fair comparison, Gary. The meat in the Toby meal definitely looked more appetising than the Weatherspoon's turkey! Toby Carvery definitely the better meal here in my opinion! Great video, which I eally enjoyed.
Glad you enjoyed it Nick!
Very fair comments
“Every restaurant he goes, he always takes the weather (rain) with him…” 😂
Indeed Samuel!!
Wetherspoons dinner looked like a microwave meal whilst Tobys at least looks like a roast dinner
Spot on.
Imo the food Wetherspoons has really gone downhill the last few years. I’ve been to several across the north and midlands of England and at their pubs over in Dublin, Cork & Waterford. The food is very often low quality ingredients cooked badly. Their breakfast was one of the last things I would eat in spoons but the recent ones I got in Newcastle upon Tyne & in Cork were cold.
It is
@Kiangaf Perhaps that is what happens when they expand and establish themselves. The costs increase and slowly the standard drops.
@@Kiangaf Blame that on Brexit and not being able to get the staff and produce 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Let's be honest, we all want this guy to be our dad.
New favourite channel by a country mile.
Lol! What a lovely thing to say. Thanks.
Like him to be my friend ❤😂
@@GaryEats😂you look a bit like my dear old Dad he died in 1984 🥰i am 66 so your a lot younger 🥰🥰
@@user-ye2ge4zo5lhennypenny💞💞💞😂
@@OpinionatedMonk. I think my 85 year old dad would agree. We love each other, but, our differing political views causes my brother and I to argue alot. My father is incredibly intelligent. Which makes it worse. And he's so fit and he runs rambling clubs! He's the complete opposite to me.
Let’s be honest here. The Weatherspokns Turkey looked like something you’d get at a school canteen! It looked like luncheon meat for sandwiches.
Yep.
It comes straight out the microwave
My school kitchen would have done much better!
That’s pretty much what it is - see my missive above! Particularly the last paragraph!
I had spoons turkey dinner every week it was on last year and I’m doing the same this year. That said the Toby meal is closer to a real Christmas dinner but thats not what I’m looking for, I will have the real one on Christmas Day. The Spoons meal is savoury and hits the spot for me, I also get a pint of Brewdog IPA in for the price, or any other beer I fancy. I find it a bit strange when people compare the Spoons meal to a real Christmas lunch, its not and spoons don’t claim it is, they just call it a turkey dinner. Makes a change from perpetual boring pizzas and burgers.
100 % agree with you Gary - Toby hands down.
I don't think you can have a roast without roast potatoes. Great review once again. I like getting the feel of other places around the country - you always nail it. That Christmas pud looked so tasty. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it Paul. Too kind mate.
Along with Beard Meats Food, you guys are the best! Love your videos and edits. Super excited I found your channel!
Welcome aboard! Thank you mate and I love Beard's videos as well so that means a lot.
Spoons looked like a plate of slop. Toby Carvery's roast dinners are legendary. Never had a bad meal and always come out stuffed.
Indeed.
Wetherspoons is known as Wetherslops in Cornwall. Wish we had a Toby’s down here, nearest is Plymouth 100km away!
Toby Carvery - 'Home of the Roast'
Wetherspoons - 'Home of the Microwave Ready Meal'
Enough said
Lol. Spot on!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
So bloody true and the boss who owns the crap pubs is a nonce.
Although the Toby you went to skimped on the custard, as I said above - you said that it was a bit thin - either they used “water custard” or used proper custard powder that you have to make with milk, but used water for cheapness!
My friends son got a part time job at W'Spoons whist at Uni. He told us the kitchen is a whole wall of microwaves, freezers with prepped meals with times on, fridge with salad and someone fries eggs.
The Toby meal is the clear winner for me. Well done for showing people what they get for their money. 👍
Spot on Peter!
That opening scene where you made a quick exit from the cops had me in stitches. Nearly spat my brew out! Quality channel and you come across as a top bloke.
LOL. Thank you!
I used to eat in Spoons weekly. My favourite was The Wiltshire Cured Ham. And that was good value.
It has virtually doubled in price, there is less on the plate, and the quality is poor.
If i had a Toby near me it would my regular eatery.
Excellent review. I have subscribed
Thank you Davie. Glad you’re liking the videos and thanks for subscribing!
I agree with you. I was a regular Wetherspoons Breakfast Full English Customer over the years but I stopped back in Feb 2020. Granted the 2/3 Spoons I would use on a regular basis was good quality on the food but the Breakfast was all a hit or miss as too whether it would come out looking "Freshly cooked" or just been sat on a hot plate for 30 mins before being dished up. The only real way of getting a freshly cooked one was if you went in at 8am when they 1st start cooking it. Im sure they cook in bulk & it then just sits there on a hot plate until they need to cook more. I never bothered having Breakfast after 11 am as U never know what you were going to get. I tended to keep to the ones I knew locally as I knew they put out "Good Freshly cooked" meals as opposed to just plating up what is on the hot plate. Would much rather wait 20 mins for a freshly cooked Mixed Grill rather than get it in 5 mins & U know its been sitting there for a while.
I've haven't had the weatherspoons Christmas din din, but I've had their fish chips mushy peas and drink (orange juice for me) and I've had curries there, very good, i thought. and very good value 😋
My wife discovered you youtube channel a few days ago and we have watched several shows since. Excellent, down to earth critiques. We live in New Zealand. Made the observation that if we were visiting U.K anytime in the future we would definitely be using your reviews to determine where we would like to eat. Incidentally knew someone who went to one of Rick Steins restaurants many years back. He was quite disappointed and it was very expensive. Seems to be a bit of a common thread.
Yes, Rick doesn't have a great reputation with restaurants here but I've got another one coming soon
Your comments are (as always) so accurate Gary. I went to Wetherspoons last night and there were so few chips I had to order an extra bowl. It would cost them barely anything to add a few more chips. Portion size is very important when paying for a "meal", especially Christmas meals, so I will now head off to the Toby Carvery too.
I feel like there must be a chip rationing going around recently as I’ve had the same fate in many places! Thanks Stephanie, enjoy your carvery!
Hi Stephanie. I'm a mystery diner for wetherspoons and have fed back exactly what you experienced in that portions seemed to have shrunk post pandemic.
Hi Richt... I really appreciate this. Wetherspoons Norwich is just a few minutes from my flat but the chip portions are terrible. Like really really bad. When I go there with my friend we always have to buy a portion of extra chips to make the plate normal but it takes all the value from the meal for us. Otherwise staff are usually great and drink prices are really good (the coffee machine with its refills is fabulous). Please can you let them know@@richt71
@@richt71 what did wetherspoons say about your feedback?
With Wetherspoon's I find the chip portions vary tremendously from place to place and should surely be standardized. Here in Swindon you always get a good portion.
Hi gary , been to toby a few times, never disappointed. They used to do curry nights at mine but don't anymore , shame really , the curry was quite good . One thing I cannot abide is small children with large plates stacked to the brim with good food , only for them to waste it and not eat it . I think this is why toby now ration the meat soo much . Overall Toby is a nice meal experience.
Good to hear mate. Glad you enjoy it!
Just recently discovered your channel, and it’s very enjoyable to watch,good honest food reviews,your presenting is warm and friendly keep up the good work
Welcome aboard! Thanks mate 😊
Fairly new to your channel Gary but really loving your reviews. No drama, very informative and you seem a really decent chap. Keep up the good work!!
Welcome aboard Duncan. Glad you're enjoying them :)
That Tobys Carvery dinner looked delicious & great value for money
Agreed!
Gary, Tobys has a big place in my heart we would always bring my Grandad here before he died so I spent most of the video listening to the old eastend women in the background talking and it reminded me of everytime I visited with old pops. Cheers!
Lovely stuff Jim. Yes they were really going for it!
My new favourite food channel. There is something really likeable and sincere about you mate. Love the no nonsense approach to your videos. Hope you pay North East England a visit sometime.
Thank you Stevie. I'll be going everywhere don't worry :)
I agree with your judgement, its no contest really. Wetherspoons do some things very well - a Christmas dinner isn't one of them. Maybe if they served that with a glass of wine for a tenner it would be ok.
Looking forward to more Christmas dinners!!!
Yep. Spot on!
Very fair review Gary and spot on with your choice. Even though I don’t like them I would have thought a Christmas dinner would have to have sprouts included. Definitely roasties. Great review. 👍
Thank you Philip 😊
Hi Gary, Rather than go through individual items, i think Toby wiped the floor with Wetherspoons on this one, at every level. Funny i mentioned Christmas on my last comment and here we are. So, may i possibly say and be the first, Merry Christmas and happy new year . All the best, see you on the next one.🎄
Thank you David! Have a great Christmas this year both you and your family 😊
Stumbled across your channel recently Gary and I’m loving it. Keep up the good work my friend.
Thank you my friend. Glad you're loving the videos!
Another cracking video Gary! Really enjoying the channel from the Netherlands, a little bit of home!
Hello there. Bedankt! All the best.
Absolutely love this channel, came across it by accident. Just love the alan partridge’ness of Gary and the content is excellent. Keep it up mate!
Lol, I've had that comparison too many times on here. Thank you mate, very kind of you Jamie.
So close to 200K, so happy for you guys you deserve it - only 800K to go 😄
That’s very kind, thank you, Jamie
Just came across your channel, really enjoy it, I went to the Toby Carvery in Dudley last week, it was the best carvery I have eaten, I had Turkey and beef which melted in the mouth😋😋 I think you were unlucky that it wasn't very hot, ours was so hot I had to use the napkins to hold the serving spoons, will definitely eat there again, opposite to Wetherspoons, I have never enjoyed a meal in there, you can get better, cheaper food in the local cafes
Welcome aboard my friend. Glad you like the channel mate and good to see you commenting!
Love your vlog from across the pond. I hope you bought a Christmas dinner for camera man. Have a Merry Christmas
Thank you Beverly. Hello to across the pond. How is it over there? You too!
Great reviews. I always look forward to going to Toby Carvery, but when I get there, I always pile my plate up, even though I try not to, and feel so stuffed I regret eating it! The food is never great, Just acceptable. Really like your vlogs, good honest reviews!
You and me both! Thank you Simon - much appreciated 😊
My neck of the woods Gary, wish I had seen you... Thanks for mentioning the kids menu at Toby. I have been away with work so missed about 6 of your episodes, time to binge watch... Thank you as always. Delighted to see such an increase in subscribers, a reflection of you and our cameraman.
Hello Seb. Much appreciated and thanks for your kind words. Have you been to this Toby? Too kind of you mate. Have a smashing weekend!
Yes Gary, I have been there a few times. Funny enough, I've also been to the Wetherspoons in Surbiton about 5 years ago.
Gary, just discovered your channel & have subscribed, excellent reviews, really enjoying your approach, no pretence & a man who clearly lives good food, thanks for your efforts, much appreciated
Welcome aboard! Thank you mate, I’m glad you’re enjoying them and apologies about my singing.
Nice one Gary, funny enough after watching your last visit to Toby my wife said yesterday lets go for a cavery so she took me to my local Toby, you are spot on with your review, the food was a plenty and nicely cooked, it wasn't piping as you mentioned so you really do need to smoother it with red hot gravy, can't really comment about spoons as ive not been, the turkey was definitely proceesed but haven been in the catering trade for over 50 years until my retirement this year i would never criticise a place ive not visited especially when i know how hard catering staff work, as usual Gary a brilliant honest review, you are the best on RUclips, cheers mate.
Thanks Harold. Very kind of you to say - glad you enjoyed your carvery!
Gary I’m with the Toby , much of a traditional Xmas dinner great price as well . Another great review honest and fair.🙏🏼❤️👏
Thank you Karen! 😃
I do love your very fair reviews Gary. We will definitely try the Toby carvery.
Thanks Peter 👍 glad you’re enjoying them mate.
Great video. The Toby Carvery looked really good, it just needed pigs in blankets, but the meat was so much better.
Thank you mate!
Love the extremely loud conversation in the background. "NOICE TO GET OWT, INIT?"
I do apologise about that. We did cancel the noise and turn the mic down but they were very loud.
Interestingly Spoons got it right by not including Yorkshire puddings but missed the roasties , while both got it wrong by not offering Brussel sprouts.
Have to say Toby Carvery gets my vote all day long and to be fair I don't have to put the Yorkshire on the plate do I 😁
Enjoying your down to earth approach to the vlogs compared to other drama queens on RUclips 👍
Thank you mate. I'm glad you're liking the calm style of reviews.
Congrats, Mr Gary on this lovely Christmas video. It's an older one, a bit more serious - but still wholesome and charming. If I'm honest, none of the food was very appealing to me...but I sincerely believe that Christmas dinner (however enjoyed or celebrated) is made special because of the love that goes into it, and the people you share it with. It could be beans and microwaved spuds - but it'll taste like foie gras, wagyu or caviar when the company is there to reminisce and spread cheer. (maybe a bit of exaggeration - but I think you know what I mean). I continue to come across old and new videos that I haven't seen, and it makes me wonder where you find the time....but I'm so grateful that you do. Such humour, such a gentleman, and so thorough - you are the only reviewer I watch. I'll thank you again for eating with a fork and spoon, and using adjectives other than "delicious."Bless you a million times for the loyalty you show your fans. It can't be easy, but it looks like you are having a great time. As always - Cheers from across the pond. GODSPEED, and I can't wait to see what comes next!! (More paint-stripping? LOL - I continue to re-watch that recent episode as it still brings me to tears with laughter). 🇨🇦 🍻🇨🇦
This was a very old video and you can see I was very nervous still
Toby every time. Never been disappointed, even when we've had to wait for a table.
Yep! A good place for food.
Hi Gary Great Review I think with all these places-chose the right dish. The Witherspoon's roast looked like a greasy spoon standard though. They do some good inepensive plates of food though.
Glad you enjoyed it Paul. Wetherspoons Christmas dinner was really poor.
Incredible work as usual Gary. Toby is I believe on the whole a bit better then the spoons, which can be all over the shop.
Thank you Dale 😊
My local wetherspoon's in Ireland used to be cheap & cheerful, lately it's neither. Really enjoyed your review as always and excellent work from the cameraman as always also👍🇮🇪
Thanks for watching! Kind of you Jay!
The Spoons meal looked a bit sad in comparison to the Carvery. I would definitely choose the latter.
Good choice!
We visit our Toby Carvery every week and we LOVE IT! Good food and great value and my family all come out well fed and happy 😊
That’s wonderful to hear Olivia
Hi Gary. Great post as always. You needed more gravy on your carvery than that, mate! Can't believe Toby don't serve bread sauce anymore; that makes an Xmas dinner for me. I still like a Toby Carvery on a cold day, tho', honest comfort food! Wetherspoon's offering looked like hospital food, frankly.
Keep it up, pal 👍.
I kept the gravy portion on the small side as I had to eat another one afterwards! Thanks mate 😊
Congrats on the 100k Gary, great review as usual. Toby one does look really good!
Thanks so much 👍
I would buy a Wetherspoon's meal if in a new place, as the prices are reasonable and the food at least consistent. However, for a Sunday dinner or a Xmas dinner I would choose a Toby as they are just better at that kind of thing.
Completely agree with you!
Just discovered your channel, man of the people. Great video. Subscribed 👌
Awesome, thank you Paul. Extremely kind of you.
Another great video, Gary. Also a brilliant idea to compare Xmas dinner just as we all think about our works night out 🙂. Though tbf if my boss to me to Wetherspoons for Xmas I would resign 😂.
Thank you Michael. Hand in your notice immediately mate 😂
What great reviews you produce! We are planning a trip to the UK and these are very helpful. We have had bad unimpressive experiences on other trips (pubs where the meal was microwaved) Thanks from Melbourne Aust.
Glad it was helpful! Have a good time when you come over.
Wetherspoons is fine for a cheap meal but I recently watched a US youtuber visit London for the first time and get fish and chips as 'the' English dish from the wetherspoons in Leicester square. They weren't impressed by our standard fish and chips. There are many great chippies throughout London for great fish and chips cheaper, fresher and better than wetherspoons.
Not sure citizens from the U.S. would know what to look for in good Fish n Chips as not really a go to fast food there unlike the UK (and here in Aust. (give me piece of flake and chips any day!)@@richt71
Another fair review Gary. Agree 💯with your assessment. When I was a kid pigs in blankets weren’t a thing, maybe I had a deprived childhood 😂
Haha. I was gutted about the lack of pigs in blankets at Toby!
Just seen this review Gary and as ever so well presented and balanced. With respect to value for money and good service it’s hard to fault a Toby. Use whenever one is nearby to an away football trip ground and every time the staff are extremely polite and helpful.
I think Toby offers great value, Gary
It is never too early for a festive menu! Both had their good points and bad points I think, Gary😊. A fair review as always.
Thanks for watching Sheila 😊
And the end ! LOL - been away all week so I have been catching up this Friday night. / That looks like a nice plate of food ! / And now the second venue ... / Have resisted Toby in the past, I need to revisit this! / Thanks Mark.
Welcome back! How was your trip Mark? Thank you mate.
Pure madness ! Every Xmas din dins shoukd have yorky puds , pigs in blankets , roasties , sprouts etc as standard
I don’t disagree with you!
Yorkshire pudding with turkey? Don't know about that.
@@terranceparsons5185 Heathen
Late to the party, but it’s no question that the Carvery was better. Well cooked real turkey and gammon and unlimited nicely cooked sides. I’d probably have asked for a fresh Yorkshire pud. ;))
Their dessert Christmas pudding looked delicious, and I’ll never pass up on custard now that I’m an expat. It’s November so Christmas is around the corner - time enough for me to go online and order some Brit Christmas goodies. As an expat. I miss mince tarts and such. Cheers !
Christmas dinner should have roast potatoes (preferably goose fat), honey roast parsnips, Brussels sprouts with chestnuts, pigs in blankets, carrots, stuffing (not boring sage and onion but something special) and of course Turkey as well as gravy and cranberry sauce and bread sauce. Witherspoons food is all microwaved.
Completely agree with you!
Stop, you're making me feel hungry. What a plate full. The Christmas pudding looked so moist. Lovely grub.
Well thats the difference also a carvery is what it says. Weather Spoons is pub grub. I always preferred the carvery when lived in North Cheam but now live in Canaries do miss it.
I think Toby provides excellent quality and value for money, David
Food in spoons ,it wasn’t the best at times ,but it seems to have gone poorer and smaller .
Yep!
Thanks for the review Gary.. It’s all about timing at Toby’s! If you want hot food that is.. Never been very generous with the meat but super value if you like your veg and gravy. Bigger plate a must😊
Absolutely Robin. Completely agree!
Gary, I can tell you're a southerner.
You should ALWAYS fill your Yorkshire pudding with gravy.
By the way, a Yorkshire pudding does NOT belong on a Christmas dinner.
Really enjoying your videos.
All the best.
Lol. I actually had it with some gravy afterwards and it was still a bit dry in all honesty but you’re not wrong - a mistake on my behalf!
I was involved in a massive punch up outside of there a couple of years ago, around Christmas time also. Great review. thanks
Bloody hell Louis. I know some people don't like Toby Carvery but no need to go berserk! Thanks mate.
@@GaryEats 😂
Another great and very fair review, Gary. A shame that the Toby carvery charged extra for pigs in blankets, one could have been included, especially as you were charged the weekend price. Hubby Joe loves a decent piggy. Yorkie did look dry, maybe more gravy could have helped? Noticed that both had no sprouts. Love a sprout! Wetherspoons - no roasties, what the hell? Turkey looked dreadful, as did the parsnips. Only redeeming thing, came with a glass of Pinot. Congratulations on 10k!!!
Thank you Fiona! Agreed on the pigs in blankets.
Thank you so much Team Gary.I could have predicted the outcome of that meal sadly.
I used to find Wetherspions good value with half decent food but that was in the past.
Your summary was spot on.
Great upload as usual sir 😁😁😁👍👍👍
Thank you as always Kev. Yes, not the best at all sadly!
This is such a good idea Gary. Always nice to see a bit of Christmas in mid November.
I never eat Christmas dinner in restaurants but I was lucky enough to have one in a Toby last year and it was nice and bearing in mind the price it was excellent.
Looked very good in the Toby you're in. I'm not a huge turkey breast fan. I prefer the dark meat but that looked nice. Not too thin, which is the key to a real Christmas dinner. The Yorkshire pudding had spent too long under the lights. Now I love Christmas pudding and that looked good and dark!!! I like mine with rum butter.😁
The Wetherspoons Turkey looked awful. Cut thin and processed. I am deeply unimpressed with that offering .
Toby Carvery wins by a mile for me
Superb review Gary. You have helped people on a budget make an informed choice. Thanks for that.
Thank you Andrew! Never too early for a bit of Christmas cheer.
Wins by a country mile! Thank you as always mate. Hope you're doing well, all the best.
Value Christmas dinner head-to-head: great idea for a video.
Thank you very much
Great comparison review. My first thoughts on both were “where’s the sprouts” sacrilege 🤣. I agree toby was better value - yep you get a drink at spoons but the Xmas pud and superior turkey trumped it.
Looking forward to your next one - we’re going to Peckham Levels and Peckham Market place at the end of the month - both look as though could be interesting to review 👍
Thanks for watching Carol. Much appreciated!
We had sprouts with the Christmas dinner yesterday at Toby
Love your videos, try the Morrisons breakfast.. really nice and good value.
I will try a comparison video Paul
Jeez Gazza - a big Yorkshire pud and you didn’t immediately fill it up with gravy? Wetherspoons was like a pre-packed ‘TV Dinner’. All were lacking on the traditional Brussel sprouts!
Toby wins easily on this occasion
In a perfect world , I''d take the stuffing and pigs in blankets from Spoons on a plate with the turkey, gravy and veg from Toby and of course the Christmas pudding as well . So much fun to watch your comparison videos. 😋
Thank you Alexandria!
Can't have a Christmas dinner without pigs in blankets. At home I have a bowl of them for starter then more again on my main meal haha. Love them.
Agreed Richard. Actually disappointed that Toby didn’t include them.
Hi Gary. Another great video to end the week and many thanks. Enjoy your weekend.
You too David. Have a great one!
Loving the channel Gary, you're a real character. It's like watching Alan Partridge and MasterChef at the same time.
Do you tend to season the food generally? I've seen you chomp through several plates of roast dinner and fish and chips, yet never seen you salt them...(?)
Thanks mate. Of course, I try to get an overall taste and then season afterwards but maybe I should do that and show in videos as it makes sense to show the viewer.
@@GaryEats Not a bad idea! That's it, whether or not your meals require extra seasoning is often something I wonder about. Please don't get me wrong, it's not like you don't mention seasoning, but elaborating may add yet another layer of nuance to the incredibly good job that you already do. Cheers!
Thank you for your excellent feedback mate, very kind way of putting it as well. I will be sure to mention it more :)
Great job, enjoying the comparison video's. Toby's is the clear winner....looked like real food lol
Thanks for watching Graham!
Another fantastic upload Gary I think Tobby wins all-day Christmas dinner must-have Roast Potatoes in my opinion
Spot on Ray. Thanks for watching!
Nice one Gary - great comparison video. I had the Wetherspoons Christmas dinner on the 15th November - the first day of their Christmas menu. I could be wrong, but I think in recent years they removed the traditional Christmas lunch from the menu - and they just opted for the festive burgers etc - so I was very pleased to see it back on the menu. It arrived with me promptly - about 15mins from placing the order and I thought it was pretty decent overall - I particularly liked the stuffing, gravy and the cranberry sauce. If honest, my turkey seemed decent amount and I don't recall thinking my portion was too thin, but maybe depends on the chef/venue on the day. I've not had the Toby Carvery version in many years and so am now keen to give that a try. Cheers.
Thanks mate. Very hit and miss I think as with most places. Main thing is you enjoyed it mate, that's all that matters. Thanks for watching!
Mr Gary, the way the subscribers have jumped in the past few days, I think it's Christmas come early for you! 🎄🎁🎅✨ Lol 😆
It has my friend. Thank you and all the best!
Toby’s Carvery hands down! The turkey and ham looked so tender and you could get as much gravy as you wanted. Yorkshire pudding looked like it turned to dust when you bit into it. The other place you went to served processed turkey kind of reminded me of the lunch meat you buy at the deli. And so stingy with the gravy. For me the gravy is a must for the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Thank you for the video.
I agree with you completely Cindy far better value and in fact the food was better as well x
Enjoy my friend!
Thanks Paul!
Cheers Gary! Get up to Newcastle sometime, some decent good value restaurants. 🙌
I will do my friend.
Been in here many times, food was always very good ,That dinner looked very good and good value also . Yes Toby dinner and the pudding would be my choice . Good review again Gary .
Thanks Lee!
Roast potatoes are a must for Xmas dinner. I think the reason there were none is because they don't have ovens to roast in.
Spot on.
That’s correct. However I’m surprised they don’t just buy them in cooked and deep fry - like the chips. I used to work there and this would definitely be possible to do.
I am having quail, and all I want with it this Xmas. So a very merry to you lovely.
Have a wonderful Xmas.
Clear winner for me was the Toby. Quality of meat, how the gammon was cooked, and the veg looked good. I always fill the yorkie with gravy so no dryness issues 😂 pudding looked good too ... spoons, I'd give that a miss .... scarper it's the rozers 😂😂😂
Totally agree Steven.
Thanks for this Gary! great video! I've had plenty of good memories at my local Toby! and this video helped me relive them, that meal looked delicious!
Hope you're doing well!
Glad you enjoyed it mate 😊 glad I could bring back some good memories for you!
Thanks for that Gary. Toby was the clear winner for all to see. My local Toby aren’t serving their Christmas menu yet.
It’s just as well the police officers didn’t hear you murdering that Christmas song 😂😂😂
Well done mate.
🤣🤣
LOL. That's why they showed up mate. Thanks for watching!
Great review enjoying the channel don’t forget there’s generally lots of discount codes for Toby mainly in the week 👌
Thanks for that! I should have used one 😊
Great review Gary... but where are the Sprouts?😮
I know!! Thank you :)
Yesssssss, it's not Christmas Dinner without sprouts, fresh ones not the frozen monstrosities 🤣🤣❤️
I had some tonight, with butter.
Lovely.
The Toby Carvery I went to last week had beautifully cooked sprouts (the baby ones which I love)
06:00 brilliant ha! Love your videos Gary..thanks!
You're too kind James, thank you!
spoons food is just getting worse and worse and more expensive
This was not a good meal at all.
Weatherspoon's school dinners@@GaryEats
used to be fine for the price, but that looked awful
I think it's worth considering that if you're going for a few pints afterwards the Wetherspoon bill will be a fair bit cheaper. I wouldn't go for the Christmas dinner anyway though; I'd save that for Xmas day and just get a wrap or something
Hi Gary not a great meal. Think it’s a bit much having to pay extra for pigs in blankets. Anyway thanks for the video as always 👋👋
Really enjoy the channel, Gary. I wouldn't click off. Thank you.
I appreciate that Dan. Glad you enjoyed it!
Now I'm fancying a roast dinner 🍽 at 1.30ish in the morning 😮
Lol a bit late Mandy!
New to channel. Really love your straight forward reviews. Subscribed.
Thank you Darren. Much appreciated!