Toby Carvery comes to Iceland — but shoppers say it’s a ‘glorified microwave meal’

| Lifestyle Reporter Published August 31, 2026 3:52pm Updated August 31, 2026 3:52pm The frozen range has been called ‘vile’ (Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) For years, Toby Carvery has been known for one thing: bringing the traditional British roast dinner experience to diners across the country. From its famous carvery stations piled high with roast meats to its much-loved roast potatoes and pies, all in generous portions, the chain has built a loyal following among fans looking for a classic and affordable Sunday lunch without the hassle of cooking it themselves. Now, the brand is making its way into supermarket freezers for the first time, but it seems customers aren’t so happy. The new range promotes the opportunity for customers to enjoy Toby Carvery-inspired meals at home, with a selection of frozen roast-themed dishes designed for quick and easy dinners. Officially landing in Iceland & Food Warehouse stores from September 1, though some stores are already selling the range, the frozen ready meals include: Chicken and stuffing loaded yorkie with roast potatoes and gravy Festive carvery pies (chicken, pig in blanket, stuffing and gravy) 10 crispy battered pigs in blankets All-day breakfast loaded yorkie with pigs in blankets, hash browns and baked beans Sausage and mash loaded yorkie with rich onion gravy Six little pigs in yorkies with roast gravy Hunter’s pigs in blankets mac ‘n’ cheese with pulled chicken and BBQ sauce Slow-cooked beef and roasties bake Slow-cooked beef loaded yorkie with dauphinoise potatoes and gravy However, after food fans got their hands on the products ahead of the official launch, reviews have been mixed — with some customers questioning whether the frozen meals live up to the Toby Carvery name. One foodie blogger gave the meals a try and was less than impressed. Posting on Instagram, @Uknewestfoods tried the whole range, which cost £42.75 for one pack of each item, and stated that it was not a Toby Carvery dinner, but food branded by Toby Carvery. Adding that while there was carvery-themed food, the dishes themselves were different to what you get at the restaurant. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. The reviewer went on to brand the dishes as ‘awful,’ and a ‘glorified microwave meal.’ The meat in the dishes was ‘fatty,’ and the potatoes ‘horrible,’ she said. The mac and cheese had ‘nothing nice about it,’ she continued, while the gravy was ‘congealed.’ The verdict? ‘There’s not much to it…Overall, I’m just not impressed.’ What did people say? Online, most people seemed to agree with @UKnewestfood’s thoughts. ‘Looks disgusting 🤢,’ wrote one unimpressed user, while another exclaimed, ‘Disappointing,’ and one said, ‘They look vile.’ ‘It doesn’t look like the packaging pics,’ wrote one person after watching @UKnewestfood’s taste test. ‘It all looks drier than the Sahara 😭,’ added another. ‘I tried the pies, and they were nothing special, not worth the money. Not very much filling in them. I got a few other bits; hopefully they’ll be better,’ added a displeased fan. Thankfully, it wasn’t all bad, as one person said: ‘My boys and me had the hunter’s pigs in blanket Mac and cheese on Saturday, and they were really nice, and the hubby had the loaded yorkie breakfast which he enjoyed.’ So, while a few were excited about the range, it seems the majority will stick to visiting Toby Carvery in-person for their roasties fix. In other foodie news, Walkers launched a new range that gives a modern twist to old fan favourites, and released two new flavours as part of their Do Us A Flavour campaign, inspired by a UK takeaway favourite. Deals of the Day The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder Shop MySweetSmile's biggest Bank Holiday offers before they end Back-to-school shopping just got a lot cheaper thanks to Primark The back-to-school essential parents forget every year – and it could cost them And if you’re not sure where to get your next takeaway, Uber Eats UK has named its regional takeaway winners; use our map to find the nearest one to you. More food news from Metro Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: Mini Cheddars finally brings back ‘banging’ discontinued flavours after four years Arrow MORE: M&S has revealed its Christmas food range – and shoppers are all saying the same thing Arrow MORE: I’ve been to Italy 22 times and nowhere compares to this foodie hotspot The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.