Toby Carvery Clacton On Sea

Toby Carvery Clacton isn't really about the food, or the service, or even the atmosphere exactly. You see, it's in Clacton, on the seafront no less, so it has a whole other kind of criteria to fulfil. When you go to Clacton you kind of have to buy into Clacton as an experience and hope it gives you its authentic self, because that's the way you really make memories. So yes, the food is Toby Carvery food, which is pretty good if you're into roasted meats, these chefs really understand a joint. But, if you gave up eating meat and subsequently had to learn to cook really well to compensate for the lack of meat (honestly, no one talks about how much heavy lifting meat does on a plate when it comes to flavour), then you'll find yourself a slightly under-seasoned experience. But it's all fine, there's salt on the table, and that's not really what you're here for. The service here was actually great and totally professional, if anything far too good for the prices. But professional service isn't what you come to Clacton for. You come for personality, you come to feel something, you come for a unique slice of life. Andrew, though, was not only a total pro, who did everything for us and helped us navigate the whole 'carvery' experience, he was a unique slice of life all of his own. Sometimes you meet someone in service and wonder why Tom Allen is on telly and not this guy fetching our drinks. He is a staggeringly accomplished hospitality professional, all wrapped up in a world of charisma. This was one of those seven-star service moments, where if you were rich enough you'd tip them a house. (Our mortgage rate just rocketed so we had to stay within our budget, sorry Andrew). And we got this in Clacton, at a Toby Carvery, because Clacton is where true greatness is found. With regards to the atmosphere, we sat at a sea-view table, in a room that one-hundred percent needs a lick of paint, and chatted with a wonderfully friendly lone regular who regailed us with heroic deeds of saving a woman on a mobility scooter from the dangerous waves coming over the promenade, and ejecting a group of homophobes from his favourite Sunday lunch spot, plus other notable acts of both bravery and street smarts. How much of it was true we'll never know, but really, who, of any of us, achieves a joyful life without a little bit of bullsh*t? The decor, the view, the company, I simply could not have been more at home. A place might as well look lived in if there's this much life in it. In conclusion, Clacton is a city of gods, and I think Andrew works most Sundays.

The waitress was SUPERB! Couldn't ask for better service. The staff serving the food were also wonderful. The food however, ugh! The roast potatoes were so hard I could not cut through them without a struggle, lovely on the inside but inedible on the outside to chew or even cut properly with a knife. The cauliflower were mainly stalks which were also rock hard. The Yorkshire puddings were chewy. The best things were the green beans and gravy and sliced meats.

Meal was lovely, but seem to be too many tables in the area we were in. You had to ask the people at the next table if they could move a little so you could get in or out. There was a table on the corner and as I can round the corner with the drinks he just put his arm out and Knock me and the drinks spilt. We had sticky toffee pudding but not very sticky just seems to be a little sauce on the top

We had the carvery on a Saturday, the food was nice overall but just not worth the price. Our son didn't want the carvery so we bought him chicken nuggets, however you don't get chips with it you had to go to the carvery and get the mash from there instead. Just seems an odd system. Staff were nice and friendly but not sure we'd go back any time soon.

Been here a few times over the years. On our last visit it was very busy. They have lamb as a meat choice which is unusual for carvery's we've found at other restaurants. We would have liked broccoli and brussels as a vegetable choice. They could be a bit more generous with the amount of meat we were provided with.

Came here after our original dinner plans had fallen through so was a bit all last minute. We were welcomed by a very friendly member of staff who said due to how late it was, what was on the carvery was all that was left. After having a look we decided to stay and eat. We’re glad we did! Friendly and attentive service all around including the carvery chef. Thank you for being so accommodating.

As a fan of the Toby Carvery, it was a natural choice when dinner time arrived. It did not disappoint. Food was as tasty and as plentiful as you want to make it from the wide variety available. Added to the pleasure was our principal server who was able to chat to us between attending to other customers. Really good inter-personal skills. The staff work seamlessly as a team, each performing their role to offer guests a delightful dining experience. The only thing that dented perfection which was through no fault of the carvery, was a lady seated close to us with a young lad and girl who audibly made their presence felt. The boy trying every trick in the book to get exclusive attention from his mother. Not only were two drinks, barely sipped, left but also an assorted mess under their table. Full marks to the mother who contained what could have been difficult situation.