Toby Carvery has responded to a viral video that appeared to show a chef weighing meat before serving a customer, insisting there is no new rule and that portion sizes have not changed.
The footage, shared on Facebook, was filmed at the chain's restaurant in Poole, Dorset. In the clip, a chef appears to use weighing scales while dishing up a portion of meat. The customer in the video is heard asking the chef: "How long have you been weighing the meat?" The chef replies: "About three weeks now." The staff member then appears to confirm that scales have also been introduced at other branches across the UK.
Customer claims and portion sizes
When the customer asks how much meat he can get in weight, the chef is heard replying: "It's 216g for a king-size plate. It's about 160g on a normal plate."
The viral post sparked rumours that the business is weighing portions in order to cut costs. In the post, the customer said: "Toby Carvery... tiny Yorkshire puddings and they're weighing the meat now!"
After the footage was shared online, customers shared their reactions. "If they weigh the meat in every Toby, I won't be going any more," one insisted.
Company statement
The chain, which has more than 150 sites across the country, is known for its generous portion sizes for Sunday roast meats like turkey, ham, beef, and pork, as well as its unlimited sides.
In a statement shared with The Sun, the company said: "Don't worry, Toby fans, nothing has changed with our portion sizes.
"Our chefs are highly trained and generally carve portions using their experience. Sometimes, we use scales to help train new team members or to reassure existing chefs that their portion servings are on point, ensuring accuracy and quality for our guests."
Toby Carvery was first established in the 180s and has coined itself as the "home of the Sunday roast" over the last 40 years. As well as generous Sunday roast portion sizes, the chain is known for its unlimited all-you-can-eat breakfast.
