Toby Carvery - Braintree

Average experience overall. We had booked a table but upon arriving it was obvious there was no need as loads of room and free/clean/set tables. However, despite this for some reason the host was in a total spin as to where we could seat and after a couple of minutes deliberating he decided we should be sat at the smallest table in the restaurant in the midst of other packed tables, and that other larger tables were reserved. After he left we simply moved... but it was apparent this may have more due to reluctance to service other areas as other arriving guests were placed at the same small tables, all bunched together- when large areas of the restaurant remained empty. Not a great welcome. On a good note, our waitress was friendly and efficient and the carvery was fine. Dessert however was very disappointing. A Toby sponge is always a proper steamed pudding. What I was served however was just a small cupcake/madeline - you could still see the ridges where the cake case had been peeled off! Can Toby tell me whether all branches are now doing this? Not terrible, but not terribly good. Wouldn't rush back.

Carvery’s are good, great variety of veg including parsnips. No complaints, other than Gaynor. Very slow, always chit chatting and distracting other staff. Oblivious to her surroundings. Gaynor gets 1 star.

Went here for a catch up with old friends. Upon arrival we were shown to a nice table & we ordered drinks while we waited for the rest of our friends to arrive. The wait for our drinks was quite long. The food was very nice but I would of liked it to of been hotter. However it was a very enjoyable evening & the atmosphere was pleasant. Would definitely visit here again.