Toby Carvery has responded to claims that it has started weighing meat portions, after a video sparked criticism and boycott threats from customers.
Content creator Tee Gee posted a video on Facebook showing a staff member using weighing scales to plate up his meal at the chain's branch in Poole, Dorset. In the caption, he wrote: 'Tiny Yorkshire puddings and they're weighing the meat now. Good job I went king size. Next they'll be counting the peas!'
In the clip, Tee asked the chef how long they had been weighing the meat, to which the chef replied 'about three weeks', but added they 'don't think it's in all [locations]'.
Boycott threats and customer reactions
Hundreds commented on Tee's post, calling the supposed change 'ridiculous', 'mental', and 'really, really bad'. Some threatened to boycott the 158-restaurant chain, including Maria Clayton, who wrote: 'Weigh the meat, really? Won't be going for a Toby Carvery anymore that's for sure!'
However, some customers pointed out that the situation may be a misunderstanding rather than an official policy update.
Chain's response and portion guidance
A Toby Carvery spokesperson told Metro: '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 to train new team members, or to reassure existing chefs that their portion servings are on point, ensuring accuracy and quality for our guests.'
While vegetables and most sides are unlimited, Yorkshire puddings and hand-carved meats such as turkey, beef, gammon, and pork have always been served in set amounts by staff. According to the chef in Tee's video, protein portion size guidelines are 'about 160g on a normal plate', priced from £10.99 to £17.29 depending on location and time, or roughly 216g for the upgraded king size meal which costs £6.49 extra.
Given the NHS puts an average portion of Sunday roast at 90g, and UK restaurants now charge £18.87 on average per head, this seems fairly generous. As Facebook user Mek Dawson highlighted, 'weighing the meat works both ways,' meaning 'you're not going to get given less than you should.'
'Nothing wrong or weird about this at all,' added Conor Cahalane. 'Controlling portion sizes makes sure it's profitable and this is a normal practice in every kitchen. The only difference here is that you can see it being done in front of you.'
Supermarket launch earlier this year
In September, Toby Carvery launched frozen ready meals in Iceland & Food Warehouse stores, priced at £4.75 each or two for £8.50. The range includes options like filled Yorkshire puddings and roast potato topped cottage pies, and was launched to give shoppers the chance to 'enjoy a little taste of Toby Carvery whenever they fancy it.'
