Reviewing the HARVESTER - The WORST REVIEW on the CHANNEL so far!
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- Опубліковано 20 гру 2023
- It's been a long time since I'd visited the Harvester and I thought I'd pop in just before Christmas and give it a go since it had been over 10 years since my last visit. It's safe to say, it's one of the worst meals I've ever had and easily the worst on the channel.
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/ @garyeats
So, Gary - To sum up, aside from the black pudding being cold, the steak wrongly cooked, the gammon being too tough, the onion rings being like a brass door knocker, and the chicken being the size of a budgie, the meal was delicious ?
I laughed out loud at this. Thank you for making my evening.
You just can’t please some people lol
In all fairness to Gary it did look crap and he called it as he found it.@@sportsglobal9527
*and the chicken being the size of a budgie*..you must have seen a different piece to what i seen.
@@Spannerface
Whoosh
I'm 37 now and when I was a young pre teen, my family would dress smart and see the harvester as a real treat. I used to enjoy the bill and Ben themed decor, the unlimited salad bar, the fact that the waiter came to the table with a bread basket and a condiments basket. I would always get a children's combo and a Knickerbocker glory. I'd end up asleep under the table awoken by my father carrying me to the car with the crisp night air filling my lungs.
Hi Gary. Went that branch about 4 years ago. It was dreadful then!
Awww🎉
Harvester used to be fantastic!
And did your Dad get change from a ten bob note?😋
@@CB-xr1eg ten bob note..! you must be very old to recall that..🤔😉🤣🤣
Great video once again Gary. The biggest issue with these chain restaurants is that they have no "chefs". They have people who cook but that is not the same thing. It is basically fast food dressed as restaurant food with a pretence at some sort of standards. We came to the conclusion many years ago that we can cook better food at home and save ourselves the hassle and expense of going to places like Harvester.
Thanks my friend.
We have a local Harvester but, it is awful. We travel to the posh yachting and shops area known as “Port Solent” where you can get a decent Harvester meal. Huge clue right there!
They pay 10p over minimum wage and expect the staff to work 12+ hour days. Ita no wonder they can't get real chefs. That and a lot of chefs got out of the industry during covid and never looked back.
@@avacadman2155out of curiosity, you don’t happen to live in Portsmouth do you? It’s just I live there and Port Solent is really close by as well so I’m curious whether we have the same local Harvester lol
@@jamiengo2343 yes, I do! More towards Eastney beach area, lived in my house for almost 47 years now and raised all my children here.
Only you ,Gary, can 'smash a restaurant' in such a gentlemanly manner, well done.
🤣🤣
That's a shame Gary. Try the ones up in the Wallsall/Birmingham area . Excellent food. We very much enjoyed the one in Perry Barr.
Mate, thanks for taking one for the team! I’ll never ever set foot in a Harvester. Tried it once, and never again. Probably the worst meal I’ve ever had. I have no idea how they’re still open. Cheers, Gary!
Don't blame you. You're welcome!
Probably found their Chefs in a cereal box.
@@HenryTheOunce bet their toilets are more flakey than Santa's dandruff 😂
I went to Harvester once, all you could eat breakfast! 😂
Got knocked over by all of the “huge” 20+stone punters racing up for their 2nd’s………and 3rd’s………..and 4th’s………and……it was disgusting, with the cheapest ingredients available! 🤮
@@JynxedKomaI bet they pay the chefs nearly £9 an hour!
What really annoys me is that someone actually thinks it's acceptable to send it out!
Of course. The 'Head Chef' is an office dweller, not a Chef.
Nobody cares about the food, from the highest paid to the lowest.
Yep, it shouldn't happen. I have a number of food outlets under me from fast food to high end steak houses and the golden rule is, don't send out bad food, apologize to the guest, explain that it didn't look good and the dish is being remade, comp them desert or a drink, in the long run you will have happier guests.
I wonder what experience the Chef has and how much he/she values their job when i see standards such as these
@@matthew6994I don’t really think the are Chefs, most of it is just microwaved I should think and it’s not great quality ingredients either
Gammon being salty - its a gammon! the rump being grizzly - it's a rump! and 90% of the video moaning about the onion rings and he gives it a 2! what a joker!!!!
Hi Gary, came across this video today.
I actually worked at this Harvester years ago as a busser (cleaner of tables) and occasionally still visit here for a drink as a few of my friends whom I worked with are still there. I left because of the management there at the time, 2 out of the 3 managers we had were arrogant, rude and had very little if any care for anyone who worked there- money was always their priority. Upon relocating a few regulars (one funnily enough I saw in the background at one point) would visit and always talk about how bad the food had gotten. Safe to say this video has sadly validated my fears, which is a shame because so many people who still work there are lovely and this place was a childhood favourite of mine. Of course it's still worth a visit to the bar! :P
Good video mate!👍
Matthew I’m really sad to read your comment, poor management lets the whole team down, you take care and have a great week 👍
i thought as much...its always the so called "managers"
They do say "a fish rots from the head"... don't they !! 😕
Hi Gary. Your delightfully understated delivery is a pleasure to watch and I’m loving your videos. Weirdly, it reminds me of a wild and windy night some years ago when, as an aircraft passenger, the flight I was on was coming into land at Leeds airport which is very exposed. The plane was being bounced around, folk were frightened (including me), one passenger was crying noisily and when we landed, the Yorkshireman next to me turned and said calmly ‘it were a bit bumpy tonight wont it’. Keep up the great work! M
lol that really made me laugh thank you a lovely comment
I went to the Harvester in Salisbury in 2016. It was a late breakfast. As a Canadian I found everything about the room, decor, food, and service, below horrible - and I'm not fussy having eaten in many western Canadian truck stops. I see now that the location is closed. Bloody good I say.
Indeed. Not good enough!
I went to 1 with my dad few years ago and it was terrible. Never again.
incorrect by a large margin regarding it being closed, and its called the old castle harvester. they did shut for a number of weeks recently but that was to finally renew its feel and extend the seating. however im pretty sure when you went they still likely had the feel of when they last did a renew/ refurb that happened back in 2000.
@@danimayb basically the whole concept of this restaurant is "value". its literally 1 above another they have, and 6 below their others which to them are far higher in class and price. essentially you dont go to the harvester if you expect any thought into, seasoning, proper cooked food, presentation and quality in produce.. its very much cook it as fast as you can, and sadly the way i was taught to cook was to press down onto say the steaks so that it cooks quicker ( thought process for that is to remove any redness), it was also quite often you would also butterfly the chicken breast and filets etc. oh and chef mic is often used at a high rate.
There still is a harvester in Salisbury I believe. Near old Sarum/ the old fort
A thing I like about Gary is that he comes across as a genuinely honest man. No airs and graces; just honest reviews from a man who has a real taste for good foods.
Thank you my friend 👍🏼😊
Absolutely true. I wish him all the best and much success, minus onion rings as hard as chain links followed closely by indigestion 😕
Haha. Thank you!
I went to a Harvester in Addington for my Dads birthday. The table was sticky, the food took forever to come and it was horrible. When i complained the manager said "Well no one asked you to come here". Safe to say I've never stepped foot in one again.
That’s not great customer service to say the least Richard
Was his name Basil?
Thought exactly the same 😊@@simonkevnorris
Thanks for your reviews Gary. I love your honesty and your being down to earth , great watch !
I appreciate that. Thanks!!
Can we get Gary to 1 million subscribers so he can focus fully on reviews. There are food reviewers out there who made it on a unique idea of reviewing, however there reviews have now become more about the person eating the food without truly giving a comprehensive review. I hope he doesnt change once he becomes more and more successful with his UA-cam channel. Gary is an inspiration, comes across as a true gentlemen.
This is an extremely kind comment. Thank you. I won't be changing the style of reviews ever so you don't have to worry about that.
1 million subscribers = Gary will end up as large and jolly as Santa ! ;)
Personally I think he should keep this as a hobby of some sorts
Let's focus on 100,000 first. Then the following increments. Gary certainly does deserve the 1m though!
@@GaryEatsplease don’t, by the end of 2024 this will be your full time position , better to get ready now.
I’m speechless Gary. I’ve read the comments and I’ve nothing I could possibly add to what you’re subscriber’s have so eloquently said. Never seen you so disappointed and rightly so. It’s called honesty. Thanks for the review. 👍
Thank you Philip. All the best 😊
I have to agree with you Gary, it was a very honest assessment of the meal. I have watched a few of your reviews recently & as a new subscriber think you give a fair and honest opinion. Carry on the good work!
Thank you David
Never eat in an empty restaurant . They are not doing business for a reason.
Fair comment.
Sometimes even the best places are empty. Lazy lazy and uneducated comment.
Well, someone has to be the first person to go into a restaurant. If no one goes in because it is empty then no one will ever go in!
Maybe they are not doing business because people say never eat in an empty restaurant and thus no one will be the first to go in!
@@vagabondvibes2578what a dilemma 😂 thousands of potential customers all sitting in their cars waiting for the other to make a move
So sad to see what the harvester has become. This used to be a real fancy treat of a place to visit during the 90s. The salad bar looks about the only thing decent that survived from those days.
Indeed. Used to be so much better.
@@trueseeker262 there was just no need for that comment was there ? Idiot.
@@trueseeker262Was the darker bit necessary ?
Nothings changed about harvester since the 90's but yhe rest of the world has.
Quality gone drastically downhill over the last 20 years, no better than a beefeater now and barely above a Wetherspoons
I took a job as a head chef at a harvester some yrs ago. I hated it and left after a few months. I could litterally type for an hour about what I saw in that place. However, I noted you thought the salad was ok. Well........ In my first few days at the harvester I noted that the salad robochef was covered in mold and grime. This robochef is an industrial sized salad prep/cutting machine. It took up the whole table that it sat on. Anyways, I stayed 3 hrs past my shift to take it apart, scrub it, clean it, spray with anti bacterial liquid and put it all back together again. The next day when all the staff came in they said things like oh wow, we've got a new robochef at last. They thought it was new because the stainless steel looked polished and wasnt green and black anymore! I told them it wasnt new, it has just been cleaned lol. It made me feel sick that the customers had been eating salad dipped in mold and black grime for yrs as they had never cleaned it in the 4 yrs that they had it apart from a wipe over with a cloth!
Sorry to hear that. Must be deflating for you
What exactly did you do to correct the issues . ???
Just started watching your videos this week, brilliant, you seem a genuine good bloke. So refreshing watching you instead of other in your face type reviewers. Never change, top drawer!
Thanks and welcome Shaun
Gosh Gary, it looked very disappointing indeed. It’s been precooked and just left on a hot pass is my reckoning. You’re a trooper, you definitely took one for the team 🎉
Thank you!
Ofcorse they always pre cook it trust me 😉
Pre-Cooked and left to serve later sad reflection of hard times in Britain due to extortionate energy prices and lack of people going out to eat only on very special occasions, over 150 pubs in England and Wales have shut down in the first three months of 2023, no excuse for poor food regardless, another superb review Gary.
Indeed. Very disappointing. Thank you Paul :)
It’s going to be 100X worse under Labour when they come in. Vote Reform.
Its not in the last year or 2 this has been happening. Its over the last 10 at least, some places are serving rubbish food and charging high prices, people are not taking the bait and the eateries are crying poverty, yet the fat cats are still getting their fat profits. And we see lots of piri piri chicken places popping up all over the country, they too are getting greedy and so the cycle continues, time to get back to decent basic non junk food and a less greedy management
@@mrwhoannon300 What's the point in voting Reform? They're just another right wing party that was set up by a former Tory party member.
@@mrwhoannon300It'll be the same whoever gets in.
10:27 I don't know why but I absolutely lost it at this point as you played lofi lounge music and zoomed in on this horrible food. Epic troll and so funny! Thanks for the laughs, Gary. :)
Lol thank you it was accidental
Gary, your reviews are SO informative. Thank you for what you do! Love this channel
I appreciate that! Thank you!!
He's a good lad, intelligent but doesn't take himself too seriously.
It was like they actually set themselves the challenge of how badly they could do it. And they were wildly successful.
🤣
Very successful!
lol
Your honesty is so refreshing, thank you.
I appreciate that!
Came across your channel when randomly clicking through You Tube, however I enjoyed your honest reviews and relaxed style so much that I have subscribed, even though I rarely go to restaurants or pubs for meals.
Thanks John
The black paint flaking off the terrace & stair rails was a good indicator of what to expect.
Lol indeed.
Whether it's retail or resteraunts, 'chain' outlets are a thing of the past. The staff are just there to pick up their wages at the end of the month. It's been a long time since I have been to a chain resteraunt. The smaller, the better! Thanks for taking us along. Appreciated. And a happy Christmas to you and yours (and the cameraman)
Indeed Jeff. Have a smashing Christmas mate!
We are quite lucky here in Ireland, I think, to still have vibrant independant restaurant, pub and coffee scenes.
BrewDog didn't last a few months in my city, and the only Spoons has recently decided to change hands. There are some coffee chains of course, but the indie shops are so much better and have a loyal following.
@seantynan1 Hi. You are so right. Can actually hold a conversation with the staff. They want your custom, and go out of their way to ensure they keep it.
Such a good an honest review Gary. You took one for the team today! I love this channel and it is strangely addictive.
Thank you Jonathan. Much appreciated!
I found Shakin Stevens’ song finishing perfectly in time with you getting up from the table incredibly satisfying 😂
Perfect timing 😂😂
Another great review, thanks for sharing with us.
I last went to a Harvester about a decade ago. I see they haven't improved was the same back then. Everything was overcooked, they must pre-cook everything and goes dry under the heat lights. No idea why they ask how you want the steak when it always comes well done. Thanks for the review.
Indeed. You're more than welcome!
Hi Gary
That really was a disappointing experience for you
My husband and I have visited our local Harvester many times and we have never had a bad meal
So watching you with that I was totally disappointed as you was
It certainly didn’t look edible and I would not have eaten it
I know you were doing a review but I’m the type of person to complain and I do
Although not very often
@@veronicamosley2416 My local one in Bracknell is excellent. It used to be poor but they had a change of management a couple of years ago and the quality improved a lot.
Indeed Veronica. Hope you're well.
@@GaryEatsnot too bad thank you for asking
Hope you are keeping well?
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Always love your reviews because of your frankness and the skillful way they’re delivered. Thank you for what, sadly, is a warning to keep away. Years ago we might have accepted such a meal, but not nowadays - we expect more.
Glad you like them!
Hey Gary just want to say how brilliant you vids are as an ex pat living in nz for the last 23 years it’s a joy to watch wishing you much success on UA-cam you deserve it cheers 👍
Thank you very much Chris!
As a kiwi I was pretty horrified that the meal cost close to NZ$40 , of course as you know we have a few chains here that can be pretty average although its been decades since I used one as the cafe scene here is so good.😀 In fact 40 bucks would get you a modest feed at a Japanese which tend to be expensive.
Something I very much like Gary is you are honest and give every chance and are balanced. That meal though looked horrific, I'd of not been happy. The 2 scoring was well deserved as it was a shameful performance
Thanks Michael. Not good at all 👍🏼
@@GaryEats you were still balanced and fair mate, good on you
@@MichaelKng-fk5jk And I love how Gary takes the time to thank and reply to comments on here. Excellent UA-cam content.
Thank you Sean 😊
Gary, love the channel real down to earth reviews, This video and the findings I think unfortunately are indicative to a lot of places I have found post Covid era. Harvester has a real nostalgic feel to kids of the 70s-80s and it plays heavily on that but as quiet as it looked there really is no excuse for poorly cooked food even if it not top quality meat and for the price you pay it isn’t going to be and you expect that,there isn’t any excuse for bad cooking . Keep up the good reviews in 2024.
Thank you my friend. Have a wonderful Christmas.
I was in Harvester a couple of days ago and had a Mediterranean tart, it tasted like it had been in the bottom of the freezer for about 6 years, rock hard and to top it off it tasted like someone had sprinkled sugar on it and had no choice but to send it back. The staff are lovely but the quality of the food is rock bottom especially as it isn’t the cheapest so your assessment was very fair.
'I was in Harvester a couple of days ago and had a Mediterranean tart'.
Well played, but what was the food like?
Not good.
This review Gary and how you are so honest is what makes your channel the NUMBER ONE on You Tube as other food reviewers can just give 10s to please the places. Thank you as always for such a great channel and being the BEST on You Tube.
Stephanie. As always, thank you very much. Means a lot!
I second than Stephanie. Well said.
The only time i ever go to these chain restaurants is for a family birthday meal. I would never willingly spend my money at these places.
Indeed.
Gary I've stumbled upon your page recently and I'm hooked. Thanks for your great down to earth wholesome reviews
Thanks and welcome. Means a lot!
Thanks for another great review, Gary. I love the format of your videos! Straight to the point. Keep up the great work 😁
Thank you!
I have not been to a Harvester for 30 years and I feel vindicated that not going was correct. Keep up the good work Gary.
Thanks 👍
Thirty years ago it was far better, unfortunatelybstandards have dropped
Jesus I didn't even know it's been around for over 30 years
You were very generous in paying for that mess so the review was honestly presented and appreciated!
Glad it was helpful! 😄
We've only been in a Harvester once, back in the mid-nineties when we toured the south of England. Not just the food, the whole experience was really bad and we decided never to set foot in a Harvester again. This video proves that they have successfully maintained their quality over 30 years. There are so many good places out there, not everyone deserves a second chance. Thank you Gary, well done!
Thank you!!
"You know what I'm gonna say.....they're well done!" Great timing/delivery on the Peas lol. Merry Christmas Gary, am happy to have found this channel.
🤣🤣 Have an amazing Christmas 🎅🏼
Love the reviews. Never watched a food review that seems so honest and down to earth.
You’re very kind. Thank you 😊
is a greasy spoon what do U expect rating a sausage get a life 😂😂😂😂😂 gary
We visited family in Wales last year.We live in Australia.We had meal at the Harvester in Newport on Malpas Road.Cost a bloody bomb,and the food was horrific to say the least.Next visit we shall stay Waaayyy clear of any Harvester.
Very good call Lynette agree with you 100 per ent 💯💯
Gary, it really seemed like a letdown. My guess is that it has been precooked and is simply on a hot pass. You're a brave one; you made a great contribution to the squad.
Indeed. Thanks for watching!
Gary, I think you’re quite right. The last time I had a mixed grill at `Harvester it was bloody awful. The worst element was the steak., which was a slice of shoe leather. Their butcher/meat supplier wants locking up.
Indeed David. Tough as old boots!
Hi Gary. My husband and I LOVE watching your reviews.
But, take care of your health. I mean, don't feel like you have to post everyday... We'll all be happy when you do!
Why would posting every day be bad for his Health.🤔
Agreed, enjoy a nice relax over Christmas Gary & cameraman - you'll burn out your passion if you work too hard
That's very kind of you. I tend to very healthy when not reviewing but I appreciate your concern and very kind that you and your partner love the videos.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Thank you Alexander. Have a lovely Christmas.
Gary, you are an absolute hoot. Yourfacial expressions are hilarious. Your wit is immense. I really love your videos. Keep up the entertainment. You are fab.
That’s very kind of you Robert thank you very much
May I wish you a very enjoyable Christmas and a healthy and happy 2024. Of course also looking forward to many more of your excellent reviews
Wishing you a lovely Christmas as well Howard.
I loved your videos, Gary, and your frankness in your evaluation of the restaurants you tried. I recommend Persian cuisine, especially Kish in West 9 London.
Thank you my friend. Would love to try Persian cuisine soon, thank you!
Mmm persian food... 🤤 Could go for some saffron rice right ab now
Another very informative review Gary - well recorded and narrated. Why were they so mean with that miserable black pudding, bearing in mind it is so cheap? Anyway your opinion is always well worth noting! I went to a Toby Carvery for the first time last week spurred on by your recent good review - the experience was so good I went back this week! Many thanks! Philip.
Thank you Philip. I’m glad you liked Toby, it’s a good go to for Sunday roasts at a good price.
I loved your excitement at the beginning about the salad bar :)
LOL. It's been a while!
say Gary is a bag of laughs to be out with not 😂😂😂
My son took me to the local Harvester in Colchester as a special treat for my 75th birthday expecting it to be like it was some years ago when we used to visit as a family. Something Gary did not mention was the noise which was deafening. Perhaps it was because it was a school half term but the restaurant was filled with sub-15-year-olds with their parents. The older ones weren't too bad as they had their earphones and playstations whilst the meal was served but the younger ones seemed to be continually running around from table to salad bar and drinks dispenser. The other thing I noticed was that the table tops all appeared to be sticky or greasy as if Harvester cleaned the table tops between sittings with something that added stickiness as well as a highly perfumed cleaning agent smelling of cheap eau de cologne and bleach. The meal was very average. The gammon was inedible as it was so salty that it took two large glasses of water to wash away the taste. The steak requested as medium was in fact cremated, the single mushroom greasy and the chips hard and cold. I did like the salad bar when I could get near it but I didn't like small children taking bread rolls and then putting them back with teeth marks after finding them too hard to bite. Nobody asked if we enjoyed the meal and there was nobody to complain to as the manager was working the bar. I assume staff shortages.
Indeed. Not good at all David. Happy New Year!
Hi Garry, since I posted last about the Harvester at Colchester I have been taken there for a meal again on the Thursday following Christmas. I wasn't that keen on going out this being my first Christmas spent alone having been married for 54 years. Harvester couldn't have been worse than the last time which was probably a one-off or so I thought. I was completely wrong as it was terrible. Harvester management must have a policy of reducing everything to the barest minimum at the maximum cost. Avoid anything with a message on the menu card which says "Special Offer" or "Seasonal". In addition, everything on the plate (for some reason the servers preferred to call "Platters") was cold and reheated under infrared lamps on the serving shelf. Avoid at all costs and only fit for the pig bin.
End of the day, love your reviews as you are brutally honest and needs be at times. I've been to bad restaurants but never complain, just never go back. Maybe should as that's where they learn, from their mistakes. What is it with chains, can't cook a mixed grill, wetherspoons exactly the same. As always, keep up the great work Gary 👍👍👍
Thank you Andrew 😊 very kind of you mate!
Hi Gary, thank you for an honest review. I had an awful meal in one of these Harvester places. It was cold in parts cremated in other parts of the meal. Never again. Keep up the good work. Emma x
Sorry to hear that Emma. Thank you!
Hi Gary, no I don't think you should feel bad because they are providing food for the public, and if people aren't happy they will go out of business! Also, serving cold food to people could be dangerous! By the way after your review of Pellici's I am definitely going to check it out! I always look forward to a review from you, because you are so polite even if the food is appalling! lol Happy New Year!
Thank you very much Sam. All the best and Happy New Year!
Love your review. Honest and to the point.
I appreciate that and I appreciate you watching and commenting 👍
I agree about the lack of care these days with big chains. It’s all overpriced microwave food. Went to TGI for the 1st time in years and it was appalling food in a tired and dirty restaurant. Very disappointed. Great video as always Gary 👍🏻
Yep. Needs sorting - thank you Andy!
Oh no.. tgi used to be so good back in the day.
Tbf harvester is cooked on a grill rather than microwaved... They just do it very badly
@@morganhavard9056 Probably not fair to judge an entire chain by one video. Admitedly i havent gone to one for years ( a Nandos opened right next door to the one i used, and Nandos>Harvester). But i never once had a bad experiance over many many years. But its tough times for all, and maybe this chef was a having a bad day cooking the cheap shit head office had sent him.
@@jamesmaybrick2001tbf in an earlier reply I did describe them as hit and miss which is probably more accurate.. but the quality of ingredients is a definite issue
I went to a Harvester back in 1995 for the first time ever in my twenties, when I moved to London. I loved it. The food was excellent. It's sad to see what it's become. The minute I saw your order I could tell that it's all been pre cooked and then reheated. The rump steak, anyone could see simply by looking at it (and obviously how you had to cut it) that wasn't medium rare in the least. It wasn't medium either or medium-well done. It was well done. The same with everything else on the plate. Most likely all of it was on a hot plate drying out. Look absolutely awful. I would have eaten it but I'd have smothered it in gravy.
Completely agree with you. Used to be a nice place to go!
I remember Harvester back in the 90s. It was the shizz. When I returned as an adult about 10 years ago it was absolutely dreadful. I think it was in Bristol.
I would have sent it back for the steak alone. No where near cooked as asked for.
Enjoying all the reviews! Keep up the good work
Thanks Tom!
Found your channel yesterday, because I'd been watching Gordon Ramsey haha, absolutely brilliant channel, top man!
Haha brilliant stuff mate. Thank you!
@@GaryEats your channel has TV level production quality, I have a feeling you're going to blow up on UA-cam, and very well deserved mate.
Appreciated my friend. Have a good start to 2024.
I had a similar experience at my local slap dash service , inedible food, either cremated chewy and can't describe what it was .. great review and well done for be honest and sadly I agree with you ..
Found your channel and have been binge watching every one of the videos amazing loved them all praise you for you honesty and up front reviews keep up your hard work and dedication to your channel looking forward to more mouth watering reviews soon 😊😊
Jay, that’s really kind of you mate. Hopefully much better meals to come!
After making us all suffer, in front of our beans on toast watching him eat one glorious meal after another, it is only fair, and satisfying, that Gary finally has to attack a bad meal.
Haha that made me laugh James 🤣
For once, the poor hungry camera man was happy to be behind the camera! Lol
Pleaee can i ask, why you keep the mushrooms on in some places but ask for them to be changed on a breakfast ? Are they just wasted in this instance ?
Thanks
I’ve tried not to change them as people want to see but I don’t like wasting food.
Hi Gary, another excellent review which as always was very fair.Have a Great Christmas 🎄
Thank you my friend. Have a great Christmas!
Gary, you have taken a severe beating with what Harvester served you.
I feel you may possibly have post traumatic stress disorder after this meal.
May you have sufficient time to recover from this ordeal, over the Christmas holidays and back on your feet for more restaurant reviews.
Best wishes as always.
Stay safe and healthy.
Sanjay
You’re too kind Sanjay. Have a lovely Christmas and all the best to you
Remember, when you're eating shoe leather, cut *across* the grain.
Against the grain, with the grain... it was very tough regardless. Thanks for watching!
Another great video Gary 👍. That meal was another example of restaurant food made by company Accountants using a spreadsheet for inspiration.
It’s gone downhill unfortunately
I've not eaten in a Harvester for about 6 years and that was because my mate chose it.
I had the full rack of ribs and chips. No exaggeration there were 11 chips on the plate in what i think was a £17 meal. I sent it back for more chips when normally I'd just put up with it.
Not been back since, spoons is more upmarket 😂
Not good at all
Excellent review of a terrible meal Gary! ....hope you found a decent chippy nearby 😁
Merry Christmas mate...looking forward to more food reviews in 2024 👍🎅
Thank you Arthur! Merry Christmas my friend 🎅🏼
I find Gary’s Everyman persona a refreshing change from all the characters and gimmicks that go along with food review channels these days.
Thank you. No gimmicks here, turn up, show you the food and review. It will never change 😊
My wife and I went for first time to a Harvester in Torquay. The staff were very friendly and helpful, that was the best bit of the visit! After quite a long time the meals arrived and we started to took in. Everything was cold so I asked the staff what had happened so they took away and replaced our meals. What they brought back was yet again cold food. Not happy we decided to leave, upon paying, yes paying I asked for the manager, he arrived and I explained my situation. He explained that all food was checked before leaving the kitchen and that was it. Never again will I visit a Harvester!!!
Thanks for watching! I don't blame you.
I think Harvester's biggest problem is the accountants holding the produce purse strings. I used to love the salad bar but when you can't tell the difference between a tomato and a cucumber with a blind taste test and the gammon and the steak on a mixed grill taste and feel different only because of the salt content in the gammon you know there's a problem. I would bet my bottom dollar they source the absolute cheapest produce available and then have that one supplier supply every restaurant for bulk discount. When you start with poor quality ingredients you're going to struggle to put together nice dishes. Such a shame. If it were my 'chain' I'd happily go with standard menu but insist that ingredients are sourced locally and seasonally. If that increases the price by 20% so be it. I'd rather pay £24 for a delicious mixed grill than £20 for one I can't even eat.
You've nailed it. Thanks for watching!
No worries Gary. Thank you for taking the hits so that we can choose a better meal. It is appreciated.
No worries Mike. Better to come!
Waitress "Have you ever been to a Harvester before? Customer "Yeah once and it was effing terrible."😂
🤣🤣
Haven’t been to a harvester in years! Guessing I won’t be going back 🤷🏻♂️ great video Gary
Thank you I definitely won’t be going back either
Have a good new year glad I discovered you .good health.❤
Happy new year!
Good of you to do that review Gary. Full respect to you for giving you honest thoughts of that meal.
It is hard to give criticism and I could tell by the look on your face that you didn’t like doing it, nevertheless it will help other people and hopefully the “Harvester” as well.
I appreciate that Paul. Thank you!
I've had food poisoning at Harvester a few years ago so I avoid it like the plague!
I would have chosen something else 🤣👍
Wow. That's awful.
Fair enough but on balance, I'd always recommend the food poisoning over a touch of the Black Death.
That looks horrific, thanks for sharing this experience and sadly this hasn’t done harvester any good advertisement!
No problem.
I’ve not been to a Harvester in around 15 years either, and having just watched your review, I don’t think I’ll ever visit one again!😂
Haha fair enough. Thanks for watching!
Another good honest review, Gary.
The last time I went to a Harvester was 5-6 years ago, had a mixed grill, steak overdone, gammon like rubber, chips poor. Got the steak swapped and the second one was overdone as well, haven't been back to one since!
Right on Warren. Don't blame you at all.
Not too tough of a review! The only decent bits were the chicken and egg and who can mess that up?? Thanks for the review Gary!
More than welcome!
Harvester has gone sooo far down, hilll. I went to one about 6 months ago and they will never take my money again. Everything was "cooked" from frozen. Harvester need to go into liquidation.
Indeed.
Mate it seems to me they sold you a platter of reheated food that had been sitting around in the back of house. As a Scotsman who is admittedly quite tight and cautious with me money, I would have to request a refund and eat elsewhere,
Really a shame, you took one for the team here mate, you have my thanks.
Thank you. You are no doubt correct.
Hey Gary, big fan of the channel and found you randomly on UA-cam funnily enough.
I went to a Harvester years ago and had their mix grill (I'm sure back then it had liver with it) I remember being hugely disappointed with everything tasting of plastic & processed.
Wasn't a fan at all and haven't been back since.
Thank you my friend. Yes, similar experience.
Evening Gary 👍what a shame, all of it looked simply overcooked and the chips didn't even get the 'chips are chips' level of approval, at first glimpse it looked alright but you were quite right clearly in your honest breakdown of it. For 20 quid you'd expect more than just the salad to be reasonable and as soon as you cut into that steak knowing that you prefer a rare steak I thought it's going to be a 5 score but I never thought a 2 until you tried the rest. A more than fair assessment and sorry it was naff. Cheers✌️🍻
Evening Martin. You’ve pretty much nailed it mate, not good enough 👍🏼 no problem!
Great review Gary, highlighting the absolute dross these chain restaurants serve. 100% pre-cooked and left on a hot plate in the kitchen where all the food just dries out, you got lucky with the egg!!! Like many other reviews below, I detest the loud music playing in these places and just as bad is the noisy kids that are always doing their own thing as their parents don't give a toss as they think it's OK for kids to run around in restaurants, pissing other customers off. Keep it going sir.
Thank you my friend.
Went once, Never again. Only half the drinks arrived after 20 minutes mentioned it to te waitress who had a complete meltdown. She started shouting at us that they were short staffed and how dare we put so much pressure on her! I left before ordering so I was saved from eating anything.
It’s really gone downhill which is a shame as at one point it was almost an institution
You have to stay honest and you do, so well done. Could have been an unlucky moment, but over or poorly cooked food seems to be a theme in some chains.
Thank you. I agree David 👍🏼
Another fair review Gary. At least they could fry an egg and grill a tomato 😂
You are 💯right family run restaurants are definitely the best. 👍🏾
Thank you my friend! At the very least!
Another great review as ever Gary. Those onion rings were a literal lethal weapon haha
Lol Marcus. Indeed!
Hopes not high mate! Been to one once and that was that! Poor man's Toby, merry Christmas 🎅
Indeed. Merry Christmas Paul.
Been to Harvester once and never again, so thank you very much for taking one for the team, Gary! It was borderline edible and the quality was appalling. But another fantastic and honest review, as usual! I gave it a 1 and the wife a 0.... Keep up the fabulous work, mate and have yourself an absolutely wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. 🎅🏼🎁🥂🎄🍻⭐🍾 BTW you got mail
You’re more than welcome mate. I will take a look soon. Have a wonderful evening and a superb Christmas but I’ll speak to you before then! 🎄🎄
Interesting to think that back in the 1970's, this mixed grill, even cooked like Gary's, would have been classed as a real treat. With a glass of Blue Nun and Black Forrest gateau to follow, one might have even given a tip. Now expectations have changed somewhat!
Indeed.
that sounds more like a bernie inn meal had those and thought it was brill dont forget the prawn cocktail starter
@@josephberrie9550 Yes prawn cocktail, still popular. Also washed down with a pint of Watney's, Courage Best or Ind Coope.
Trying to think of another popular starter...
Mulligatawny soup?
I had a piss poor experience in the Torquay branch a few years ago and I shall never set foot in one again.
Enjoy your videos, honest & reviewed well. One suggestion that may help in terms of authenticity…where there are multiple items to taste (in this case I think 6/7) would it be an idea to taste each upon receiving your plate immediately? I say this as commentary on each individually, does leave the possibility of the last items being on the cold side or tasting ‘over held’ before you get to them.
Once tasted, you can then individually review rather than stopping for potentially minutes in between each one. Just a thought…
Of course. I do agree with you however when the food is first served, I do check to see if it's hot and the roll doesn't take longer than a minute for the cameraman.
I always remember going to one of these places for a Christmas fayre years ago. My plate missed the pig in blanket so I enquired. They came back to the table and said there can’t have been one in the bag ! These places are not restaurants at all. They microwave sachets snip them and tip them out. Bloody awful