Toby Carvery Watermill — Restaurant in Ashfield

4 of us for the carvery with a table booked. Just had to wait about 5 minutes for the table to become free, not a problem, so ordered drinks. The table became free, so we sat down. My son and his wife went to the carvery first then my wife and I. When I went up to the counter the chef tried to persuade me to have the larger plate version, I refused 3 times before he stopped. First thing on the plates was a damp dishcloth that was supposed to be a Yorkshire pudding (trade description act springs to mind). I asked for Pork gammon and the beef, when I got to the chef serving the beef she put one wafer thin piece of beef on the plate then followed that with some bits of crumbs that looked like the netting a beef joint is wrapped in. I had to ask her for a proper slice of beef , she then put on some crumbs that had broken off the joint exterior, I had to insist I be served a proper slice of beef. Where do they learn to cut meat so thin you can see through it? Next came the vegetables, a very large selection. Mashed potatoes first, these were lumpy and nothing like a creamy mash, I then chose some peas, these would be better used as ball for a flintlock pistol. Next, I chose my favourite vegetable parsnips, horrible lumpy and not properly cooked. I tride some cauliflower next, another let down. I then gave up and put some roast potatoes on my plate, these looked like cut potatoes that had been just browned off in the oven, nothing like crispy roasties. Finaly some gravy that had no label on it so just guessed that was normal gravy. Every, diner I saw just seemed to be piling their plate with mountains of vegetables perhaps to make up for the small ration of cut meats. It is about 5 years since I last came here it will be 100 years before I ever come again. Complete let down and just a conveyer belt of poor quality...

This was my first experience at a Toby Carvery, and I can't say I was overly impressed nor was I majorly disappointed. It was a so-so meal.

I went for breakfast and the range was very limited, with what appeared to be leftovers from the night before also available in the form of bacon-filled Yorkshire puddings. Everything was self-service, which I didn't mind at all, and the greeting staff were friendly and attentive.

Being a vegetarian, the range available to me was even less to speak of, but I went to a "carvery" so I'm not deducting points necessarily for their shortcomings based on my lifestyle. Having said that, I was a little disappointed in a few aspects: the plum tomatoes were watery and not particularly flavourful, and the mushrooms had an odd artificial aftertaste. Having said that, the hash browns were gorgeous - yes I had multiple servings! - the coffee was great, the fried eggs were perfect, and the toast was served with Lurpak butter pats!

I can't say too much for the atmosphere as we went in just as they opened so it was dead for a good hour or so, but the decor was inviting, the seating was ample and comfortable, and there was plenty of lighting to see what you were doing. They also offered good service for small children and babies.

Would I go again? Maybe, but I'd probably try out the lunch service instead... I feel like the variety would be greater, and based on the reviews I've read, everything seems to be a more positive...

We had not booked and we arrived around 1.30p.m. so expected to have a wait. NO! a table had just been reset so we were very lucky as the place was very busy. We had to fight through a pile of debris and rubbish on the floor caused by 2 kiddies, whose mother's did not bother to do anything about it, and staff were already run off their feet. We were quickly attended to by a young lady and directed to the carvery. There was a small piece of beef left, just how I like it, fabulous slice of turkey and a small slice of the most delicious gammon I have ever had in a restaurant. The veg was beautifully cooked and included red onions and cauli, this too was gorgeous. When I was ready to return to our table, a lovely young lady, Hollie I think, came immediately to help me, as I am unable to carry anything as I have to walk with a frame and nowhere to place my dinner. Hubby had beef from the new joint. He was a little disappointed but only because he would have loved the little crispy, crumbly pieces that I had, the last of the previous joint. There was an incredible choice of great desserts, but we were nice and full, so will try them next time. Also nice and clean ♿ toilet.Thank you everyone lovely welcome, lovely staff and a superb 5star meal at a very, very good price including drinks. THANK...