Reviewing the HARVESTER - The WORST REVIEW on the CHANNEL so far! 

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 ?

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.

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.

Only you ,Gary, can 'smash a restaurant' in such a gentlemanly manner, well done.

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 🎉

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!👍

It was like they actually set themselves the challenge of how badly they could do it. And they were wildly successful.

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.

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.

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!

What really annoys me is that someone actually thinks it's acceptable to send it out!

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

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.

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 RU-vid channel. Gary is an inspiration, comes across as a true gentlemen.

i've got 3 harvesters within say, a 6 mile radius. 1 of them is god awful, used to be acceptable but it's awful. Ordered ribs once, that tasted of plastic and just undercooked. Complained and was told i'm lying etc, they just put them back in the oven evident by the plastic taste. The 2nd, is average to good. Very nice food, but had an issue with drinks. The refill machine had ran out of gas and we were told to just drink it flat lol. Got refunded for the drinks which was ok I guess The 3rd, my local is absolutely brilliant. Sometimes the steaks come a bit over or under, but more often than not they're perfect medium rare. Portions are good, chips are nice crispy and not overdone. Had an issue with a burger that was missing a chicken fillet, they basically redone the entire order (fresh everything) and gave a free dessert as a goodwill gesture which imo is above and beyond

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.

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.

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.

I remember the cheasy 80’s TV adverts. Worsel Gomage and Aunt Sally not there anymore? I’m amazed there are any of these left tbh

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.

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.

Wow, 2/10. I trust your reviews, thanks for another interesting video. Have a great Christmas.

My Girlfriend has Schizophrenia and forgot her Pin on her Card, I unfortunately didn't have cards with me. Because of her condition, she sometimes appears as if she is incoherent, but despite her drinking coke, we were told we wouldn't get served any more drinks and we had a hurried session to finish the food we had ordered. Young Manager said he "Understood" but it was Company Policy.

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!

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.

Too many of these big chains get away with throwing out these "pub classics" in terrible fashion. That steak was criminal. Where did you end up going after Gary, I'm curious. 🤣

Fab salads 😂

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.

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.

Remember, when you're eating shoe leather, cut *across* the grain.

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

Harvester was great growing up many years ago. Now trash.

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 👍🏻

I find Gary’s Everyman persona a refreshing change from all the characters and gimmicks that go along with food review channels these days.

Such a good an honest review Gary. You took one for the team today! I love this channel and it is strangely addictive.

My dad likes harvester and made me go for a breakfast buffet in Toby. It was like they'd bought the cheapest food possible and the sauce on the beans had congieled. Confirms my belief that buffets are the worst value option rather than the best Shame because the pub itself was quite nice

I've had food poisoning at Harvester a few years ago so I avoid it like the plague!

Like you Gary,haven’t been to a Harvester for many years and after your review which I found honest just looking at your plate, take it or leave it seems to be how it looked. Think I’ll swerve Harvester for the time being.

Last time I was there in Brighton, we walked out as left 50min waiting for a plate of pasta for friends children.

I have never heard of the Harvester before watching this video.

The black paint flaking off the terrace & stair rails was a good indicator of what to expect.

These sot of places tend not to have chefs or decent cooks who have been through the training and its usually staff that may have worked there a few months. It reminds me of the Toby Inn carvery chain. It also amazes me how families flock to these eatery's. There are not cheap and of poor quality.

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

Thanks for your reviews Gary. I love your honesty and your being down to earth , great watch !

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. 👍

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.

I went to a harvester 20 years ago and never been back

"Tickles your boat!" 😂😂😂

Waitress "Have you ever been to a Harvester before? Customer "Yeah once and it was effing terrible."😂

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)

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!

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.

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!

Your honesty is so refreshing, thank you.

Never eat in an empty restaurant . They are not doing business for a reason.

So yorkshire pudding in York u slated. Harvester you slated. Then you went to pay £50 for a breakfast was nice u payed £35 for fish and chips isn't that slating small business and rating the pish ones seems like a running theme to me I love watching rate my takeaway because at least he rates them fair

Hopefully they see this and pay heed to your observations!

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.

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 👍🎅

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.

I reckon this was under a heat lamp and then when you ordered it, it was heated up again. You could see how dry everything was. People can’t afford to throw money away so it’s great that you are exposing the poor standards.

Regardless of how Harvester might be perceived within the food industry and more cultivated sections of society, for many, a meal there still constitutes a treat. Those people aren’t expecting gourmet food but they are expecting something put together with a bit more than just a large pinch of that’ll do. What they served you there only demonstrates the contempt that chains like Harvester must have for their (hopefully dwindling) core customer base.

I used to go to a Harvester near where I live every two weeks, wonderful food... They changed owners, I went a few times, terrible experience, I haven't been back since, that was 16 years ago. It's not difficult to offer customers a great service experience and fresh hot food, if you don't, it won't be long before you don't have a business!

I do feel so sorry for you having to struggle through this meal. You are not being too harsh. I hate wasting food and l felt heartbroken that some animals gave their lives for their meat to be treated like this. The steak looked like road kill and l am sure you could have soled a shoe with it. I recently went to a Toby restaurant for a carvery🤢🤮. Never again. Loving your channel Gary ❤

I bumped into a guy i used to know from school after 30 years,i asked him what he done for a living and he told me he was a chef at harvester !! I said don’t you mean a cook 👍🏼 With that he just smiled 😂

Avoided Harvester and Beefeater for years. Went to one in Droitwich and it was excellent. 25% off with the app so I assume it is down to individual chefs/management. Nice video yet again.

Gary, you were kind to even rank it any number. I think it's always fair to admit the establishment simply didn't meet the standard to be ranked food wise.

Surprised it came out so bad. Looks decent in the film footage. Had a burger at Harvester once (used to be the only eatery near the office I worked at) and it was one of the best burgers I've had in a while. Disappointing.

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. 👍🏾

Thanks Gary i know how you feel, last time i went to the Harvester the portions were small , and you had to pay for parking , although you get it back when you pay for the meal ,and it only last for 2 hours,so your clock watching all the time, not been back since ,

If you ever receive a Harvester gift card from Gary then he REALLY doesn’t like you 😂 Man alive that steak was tougher than a Glaswegian granny!

Gary I've stumbled upon your page recently and I'm hooked. Thanks for your great down to earth wholesome reviews

I feel your videos are incredibly fair, if you had so little good to say about their plate I know it's not worth rolling the dice on. Cheers Gary!

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✌️🍻

You done well there Gary. I would of wanted to see the chef see what he had to say about it and would never had paid for it ..The more they get away with it the more they will do it

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. :)

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.

Could not agree more, we had the misfortune to visit a Harvester for a lunch, I cannot remember ever being served food that was so bad, there were 4 of us, we complained, and were offered a free dessert! Absolutely atrocious.

Hey Gary, big fan of the channel and found you randomly on RU-vid 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.

The thing is Gary, these types of places employ cooks the culinary equivalent of a Kwik fit fitter. They’re all the same…..bloody awful.

No worries Gary. Thank you for taking the hits so that we can choose a better meal. It is appreciated.

Good review Gary. You have to be honest and you were. I suspect the Harvester is busy enough with customers who are not too picky so they probably wont care about your review.

Oh Mate! You did really well. I would've demanded a refund. It's annoying when you're served bad food.

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!

Love the reviews. Never watched a food review that seems so honest and down to earth.

It looks awful. Thank you for another good, honest review. The only part of Harvester I ever liked was the salad bar and the blue cheese dressing. Love the channel. Take care x

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.

Not harsh at all, Gary. It is so insulting to paying customers to serve up rubbish like that. I worked as a cook when saving for uni, pre-internet days, and it wasn't that difficult to find out some tips about how to cook things correctly, if only to maintain self-respect. And then there's the respect for the customer. Poor ingredients aside, there's no excuse for this rubbish.

I first and last went to a Harvester about 5 years ago. I actually wrote them an email to complain. The Pasta in the salad bar was dry - literally just cooked pasta with no sauce. The Coleslaw was cheap and nasty. I had the ribs, and though they did melt in the mouth, they were lukewarm, and wouldn't have fed a child. They phoned me to enquire about my email, and the fella who phoned told me he loved the pasta and coleslaw, and the portion sizes never got complaints - pretty useless.

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 👍👍👍

After a few failed meals at the Harvester in Brighton. I ended up with £80.00 worth of vouchers. I never used them. Was absolutely shocking. When the food arrives, it looks great. But after checking the items, either raw inside / cold / over cooked etc... We once complained and the guy who cooked the food just laughed at we left.

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 😂

I think they should advertise that dish as a doggie bag special, not because you want to eat the leftovers but because only your dog would want it. 🙄

Wow - Great review Gary. You are not a person that does "harsh". Always fair and balanced from what I have watched. It must have been pretty poor.

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.

Going through some of your back catalogue of videos, and came across this one. The first question which pops in to my mind when I see one of these reviews when the meal "isn't satisfactory" - which is: when the waitress/server comes back to you and asks you if everything is ok (or at the point of paying when they ask you similar), what do you say?

Very brave of you Gary going to spend your hard earned cash in a harvester eatery, think you were generous giving 2/10! Like you mentioned, I personally visited a harvester roughly 12 years ago - the worst food I've ever eaten - never ever will or would i set foot in one again, I'd rather give £20 to charity or feed a homeless person, I wouldn't even spend £7 on the salad and rather eat the packaging it came in!

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.

Brilliant review Gary, as always! Bet you wish you hadn’t given it a go😂 these ‘chain’ food companies are all pretty similar, and they aren’t that cheap anymore. I wouldn’t go to these nowadays!!

I ate in a Harvester in Cambridge, way, way back. I didnt really consider the food, I wasnt even hungry. But I knew a blousy bird (😅😂 haha no offence - we got married a year and a half later - she knows Im writing this) who worked there and it was nice to catch up. As I walked in she exclaimed how brave I was, because even the chef was ashamed to send food out. True story. It was poor. But the egg was passable. However, I do feel the quality is dependant on which Harvester you go to. We went to Colchester-Stanway a few weeks back and it was truly cooked with care. Enjoyed it.