Harvester Winding Wheel Castleford — Restaurant in Wakefield

The harvester has ruined Christmas 2023.

We were positioned right outside a toilet and had everyone brushing past us while trying to eat. We were also next to a large family that let their children run SEMI NAKED around the table. The heating was off and it was freezing.

The starters were cold soup or frozen microwaved brie.

Mains consisted of cold veg which is quite impressive considering they had been overcooked to the point they were practically mush, paired with meat which had the consistency of leather soaked in brown water that was supposedly gravy

Puddings were a choice of the smallest peice of Christmas cake soaked in lumpy custard or 3 profiteroles.

Credit where its due, the floor staff were exceptional. Only to be let down by the manager, with his fake accent, who apparently couldn't process a refund despite claiming to be the owner.

I have had to leave without any form of refund only an email. I have never heard such rubbish of a manager unable to process a refund.

I will never visit this establishment again and would urge others not to.

£280 to ruin Christmas.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS IN RESPONSE TO NEILS REPLY 26/12:

The room was freezing, even staff commented that the heating was off and should've been on. We saw many surrounding tables with full plates being collected by staff. I understand that it is someone's responsibility to protect the business' reputation but lying is not the way to do it.

Still waiting on a refund and will update as this continues

UPDATE 27/12 After raising a formal complaint with harvester, I received an email yesterday evening advising I'd be called by an area manager today - this has not happened and harvester continue to spoil the holidays and I've also noticed the few false reviews that have popped up since this review

Update 28/12 Spoke to Jennifer who processed my refund and was absolutely lovely, when I went to collect it though I could see someone skulking about in the background still looking scruffy.

Overall I still rate it a 1 star experience based on the food but I will say that apart from someone the staff at the winding wheel castleford are all brilliant

EDIT 28/12

Just received a threatening phone call from someone on my personal mobile. This is completely unacceptable

Update 21/01

The threatening call from Neil still hasn't been dealt with.

Do not come here the food is disgusting...

I booked my visit online this morning and requested to be seated away from small children. Upon arrival, I put my vehicle reg in the ipad to secure my parking and ensure I didn't get a ticket. I was greeted by a really friendly gentleman who acknowledged I requested to be seated away from children. He explained they had a few families in and asked did I mind being seated at the front near the grill. I was more than happy for this and I was extremely pleased my needs had been met to the best of their capability. I was then told someone would be with me to take my order and within 5 minutes my order was taken and my drink was on my table. The unlimited salad was lovely, fresh and plenty of choice along with a mixture of dressings, bread rolls and butter. No sooner had I finished my salad did my Calamari starter arrive. It was piping hot and plenty of it along with a delicious chilli dipping sauce. There was quite a wait for my main bit it was fine because while sitting and waiting I was watching the staff work. Their communication was on point, nothing seemed too much trouble and they were constantly smiling, greeting customers and were genuinely happy to be at work. One girl in particular stood out and at the end of my meal I asked a member of staff her name and I was told she was called Liv. 'Liv' was an absolute pleasure and delight to watch. She was so quiet and shy but made sure she served all her customers with the biggest smile, nothing was too much trouble, she filled the salad bar up twice while I was waiting for my food, she was in and out of the kitchen carrying plate after plate. She would stop to let customers go by and apologise everytime she thought she was in anyone's way. She definitely went above and beyond for everyone who stopped her and asked for assistance with something or another. So big shout out to her!! My main course was the half chicken with sage and onion fries - The chicken was so succulent and just gell off the bone. I accompanied my meal with the Kicking garlic sauce.... OMG that sauce was absolutely 5* I then finished off with treacle sponge and custard, which was stunning and tasted so fresh. I've never been here before but I will definitely be back and I'll certainly recommend to family and friends Thank you for a lovely meal and friendly,...

We have been at Harvester Castleford on the valentines day 2025 the first time. We did not pre book and the gentleman ot the desk told us that we can sit in the bar area which was fine. He took us over to the table and gave us the menu cards and advised that we’d have to order from the bar. We sat at one of the tables near the window where we were looking at menu. It was a bit dark there and we have noticed that a couple from the table next to us just left so we thought we’d move over there as the lighting was better. We went to the bar. There was an older lady with short gray hair and we ask her if we can order our food here. She said „well if he told you to sit here then the its ok i guess” with a very unhappy face. Then we asked her if she could sort out the table for us as there were dishes from previous customers. The look at her face that moment was shocking. She did not say a word and walked over there to sort it out acting like it was a big deal. She literally ruined the whole Atmosphere for us. Then we were ready to take the order. She was acting very unprofessional the whole time and when we mentioned the allergy. She said.” I am not doing that” she walked off and someone else came over to take the order.The meal was good in general and the restaurant is very pleasant, but i dont think we will be going back there as this experince did make us feel unwelcome. I hope the managemt see this review and will have a word with...