Families across the UK have expressed their fury and disappointment after attending Toby Carvery's much-anticipated 'Breakfast with Santa' event, with many branding it the "worst Santa" experience they have ever encountered.
A Promised 'Morning of Magic' Falls Flat
The popular restaurant chain had advertised a festive "morning of magic and cheer" for £10.99 per person. The package promised an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, a gift, and a visit to see Father Christmas himself. However, the reality faced by numerous customers in the run-up to Christmas was starkly different from the marketed fantasy.
One disgruntled parent did not mince words, stating: "It was the worst Santa I ever seen, he didn't talk to anyone, looked moody." This sentiment was echoed widely in a wave of negative reviews left by families who felt thoroughly short-changed.
Customers Detail a Lacklustre and Unfestive Experience
Specific locations came under heavy fire. A review of the Leeds branch warned others: "Shocking at Leeds one don’t waste your money." Another customer, who visited with their children, described the event as simply a normal Toby breakfast with a poorly dressed Santa awkwardly placed in a side room, devoid of any special Christmas atmosphere.
The criticism extended to the Morecambe restaurant, where a grandparent reported: "Santa was horrendous." They detailed an unengaging Santa positioned near the bar, forcing families to dodge paying customers. They noted a complete lack of welcome or initiation of conversation from Santa, coupled with a substandard costume.
The core complaint centred on a profound lack of interaction. One larger group, which included four grandchildren, lamented the minimal contact. "It was really disappointing no interaction from Santa at all other than the children going to see him for about 2 mins… it cost us a lot of money for a disappointing visit," they wrote.
Food and Value Also Under Scrutiny
While some reviews acknowledged the food was "fine" or "lovely," others found even the culinary aspect lacking. One customer who visited in late December reported: "We went yesterday and so disappointed in the food, everything was either overcooked or undercooked."
The overarching feeling from families was that the event, priced at over £10 per head, failed to deliver on its core promise of festive magic. The portrayal of Santa as disinterested, grumpy, and poorly presented turned what should have been a cherished family memory into a source of irritation and a perceived waste of money.
Toby Carvery, which operates numerous restaurants across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands as well as nationally, has yet to publicly respond to this wave of customer feedback regarding its 2024 Christmas event.
