An American couple's candid review of their inaugural visit to a beloved British restaurant chain has sparked amusement and debate online. Amber Kacherian and Jared Gregersen documented their trip to a Toby Carvery in Langley, Berkshire, sharing their unfiltered thoughts on TikTok.
The Quest for the Perfect Roast
Amber Kacherian, who previously worked at major theme parks in Orlando, Florida, explained that the chain was "very highly recommended" and doesn't exist in the United States. Intrigued, they ventured into the self-styled 'Home of the Roast' to see what the fuss was about. Upon surveying the carvery counter, Amber was immediately impressed, declaring the spread looked delicious and pondering the correct placement of stuffing within a Yorkshire pudding.
She also expressed admiration for the potato selection, noting the roasties cooked in beef dripping and the creamy mashed potatoes, planning to "slather them in gravy." The couple loaded their plates generously, admitting they piled them high "like true Americans" before settling down to eat.
Surprises and Omissions on the Plate
Despite praising the overall appearance and quality of the food, Amber quickly identified a glaring omission. "One thing that is notably absent from the carvery is [baked] beans," she stated with genuine surprise. "Where are the beans? I thought everywhere had beans in the UK! We have seen beans pretty much everywhere we go, so I am really surprised to not see them up there."
The pair also found some elements of the British dining experience unusual. They were confused by the condiment choices, specifically horseradish and English mustard, which are less common on American tables. Jared commented on the seasoning of the roast potatoes, suggesting that in England, "salt seems to be something they don't put in the food - you have to add it after." He compared it to adding sugar to a cake after baking, arguing it doesn't properly enhance the underlying flavours.
Drinks, Desserts, and a Final Verdict
The beverage selection provided another point of discussion. Amber tried Robinson's Apple and Blackcurrant from the refillable fountain, expecting a fizzy soda. "That's really different... it's more like a juice. That's really interesting," she said, ultimately approving of the taste. Jared, however, opted for a glass of milk with his roast, explaining he couldn't stand the sugar-free drink alternatives.
When told by staff that full-sugar fizzy drinks were no longer an option, Amber was perplexed, questioning the logic given the presence of a dessert menu and the UK's famous pub culture. "If they like to eat their calories instead of drink them, why does everyone here drink so much?" she mused. Jared concurred, remarking, "You people drink alcohol like we consume sugar!"
The meal concluded on a high note with desserts. Amber enjoyed an apple pie with custard, noting the British penchant for serving custard with almost every pudding. "We should bring this to America," she suggested. Summarising the hefty meal, Amber likened it to a "Thanksgiving dinner," specifically praising the tender, juicy selection of four meats: roast beef, ham, turkey, and pork.
Spotting a sign for an all-you-can-eat breakfast priced at £7.99, the couple were instantly sold on a return visit. "Well, we're coming back in the morning!" Amber exclaimed, proving that despite the missing beans, Toby Carvery had won them over with its quintessentially British offering.
