Elizabeth Mackley tucks into the generous helpings at the Toby Carvery

Toby Carvery,

Elstree Way, Swindon SN25 4YX ,

Tel: 01793 702081

EVERYBODY knows that Sunday means a roast, and so when it came to picking where we’d go for lunch one weekend there was no competition.

It had to be The Friary Toby Carvery on Elstree Way.

We weren’t the only ones with the idea, however, and the place was packed out with hungry groups of friends, families and couples all hoping to make the most of the old fashioned comfort food on offer.

On arrival for a late lunch shortly after 2pm, we were told that a table would not be available for another 45 minutes. Despite our rumbling tummies we took this as a good sign and headed to the bar for a pre-roast pint and peanuts.

The Friary, like most Toby restaurants, is a pub with a commercial edge. It is set in the middle of a large car park just off Thamesdown Drive in north Swindon.

In the beer garden, numerous solid wood tables with summer brollies poking through the middle are surrounded by chairs and benches firmly bolted to the floor overlooking the car park.

But it was pleasant enough, and before long our buzzer informed us our table was available.

As soon as we were shown to our seats, we immediately joined the queue for the carvery, where chefs kindly help you to a choice of different meats including succulent turkey, honey and mustard glazed gammon, pork – with a generous serving of crackling – and fine British beef, all served with an enormous Yorkshire pudding.

We then piled on the veg, choosing as much as we liked from roast potatoes, mash, new potatoes, carrots, peas, cabbage and cauliflower cheese, before dousing our plates with gravy.

We helped ourselves to sauces including bread sauce, apple sauce, horseradish and more, before gingerly carrying our feast back to the table.

I ate until I was full... and then ate some more. And I still had to abandon the last few carrots and potatoes.

Despite the allure of the vast range of traditional desserts, from sundaes to cheesecakes to crumbles and tarts, we opted instead for coffee and a nap. Perhaps the best thing about the experience though was the price.

Each standard plate – just short the size of a hub-cap – costs just £5.99, and those with even bigger appetites can upgrade for only £1.50 extra for a king-sized plate.

And even though mum’s roast will always be best, Toby Carvery’s came very close indeed.

It’s well worth a visit on those lazy Sunday afternoons.