The Old Tollgate Carvery Restaurant

We had a family birthday party and booked the garden area but as it was raining and a bit cold we were very kindly given a room which was excellent and very thoughtful of the old tollgate staff…the selection of starters was huge and possibly way over the top as you could have anything you wanted but to do that there would be no room for main course which again was huge selection ….only one thing the plates were cold and consequently the food didn’t stay hot for long which is off putting…plus the staff insist on bringing your choice of main course to you instead of us being able to do that…puddings were all lovely and again huge selection….one thing that was a bit annoying is I booked for twenty people but three of my party could not attend because they had Covid and as one of my party is having chemotherapy they weren’t able to attend….you pay a non refundable deposit for each guest which is made very clear on the email but I did ring the day before giving final numbers of 17 but was still charged for the three that couldn’t attend for obvious reasons

It is a very nice place to eat and drink. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, they do a very professional job. The carvery food is lovely and plenty of it. Starters are self serve as are the puddings, these are very tempting and you leave full up. Great for families too. Best to book, just in case as it's popular.

I was very impressed with the service from the time of entering to leaving. Nothing was too
Uch trouble and all very attentive. The food was amazing and Yorkshire puddings were huge! Definitely be back

We have been regulars at the Carvery for years but had a shocking lunch there today. For one the staff are very young and inexperienced. We were told in a very condescending manner to wait until we were called to go up and get food. We felt like we were having a school dinner.

The waiting staff were so disorganised and not around much that we eventually went to the carvery ourselves when no one else was up there after waiting nearly 20 mins for our “instructions”. There was an air of chaos and very distinct lack of training evident.

Whilst the food selection was it usual plentiful self the beef was extremely underdone and as tough as old boot leather. The lamb was also very sinewy in places and also not tender at all. Several tables were complaining and the waiter agreed commenting that “the meat is not good today” !!

Things went from bad to worse when we went for dessert. There were no bowls and we had to wait quite a while for them to arrive. Several items had run out, the ice cream was almost finished and the chef not particularly interested when we mentioned it. I’ve never seen the dessert section looking so forlorn in all the years of going there

We appreciate they had 200 covers in today and are very pleased for them that business is booming once again but things have slipped and we were extremely dissatisfied.

The toilets were filthy as well.

Up your game Old Tollgate or your excellent reputation is going to slip and your loyal customers will stop coming. That is - if you even care which today felt like you did not

Had never been to this restaurant before and not going to rush back. I didn't realize it's set up to cater to the OAP market! Not a help yourself carvery, they serve you and deliver your food to your table. Not very big portions and the food is nothing special, perhaps a bit bland. A good day out for an old folks home!

Very busy but we'll organised. Good food. Good service.

The best carvery lunch that I've had in a very long time. I don't often take pictures of my food, but I did that day. Excellent food and service.

Went to a large birthday celebration at the Tollgate. They catered for us really well, lovely starters and cavery. Top knotch.