We eat out quite frequently as a family and I'm always on the look out for exciting new menus with lots of variety and healthy options for the children - I like to ensure they consume their five a day, or at least get somewhere near it, even when away from home.
We have dined at Harvester restaurants a number of times over the years and we were pleased to be invited along to put the new kid's meals to the test. If it meant a night away from the oven and dishwasher then that's excuse enough for me but I was also eager to see the new look of the Grange Park branch after a refurbishment.
We were welcomed and seated by Claire who was really friendly and pleasant to chat with. She talked us through the menus, took our order and directed us to the drink dispenser where we could help ourselves to unlimited soft drinks and to the salad bar which again is unlimited.
One of the main things I like about Harvester restaurants is how you can help yourself in this way. It gives the Mini Mes a little responsibility and freedom and when they get involved it also encourages them to try new things. You can choose what drink you would like, how much ice you want to add if any and the touch buttons make it really easy to operate. Similarly with the salad you can use the tongs and scoops to stock up on carbs like potato salad and pasta or fill up on lettuce, peppers and cucumber, with your favourite dressings - it's totally up to you.
I was really impressed by the children's menu. Little ones can select a main and either 2 veg options or 1 veg with a side along with the salad bar for a set fee. There is 'Smaller Bites' option (£3.99) with a list of meals for those with tiny tummys (probably best suited for toddlers or pre-schoolers), 'Bigger Appetites' (£4.99) and then 'Harvester Recommends' (£5.99) which offers the larger meals more suited at older children.
Minxy opted for southern fried chicken bites which she teamed with cheese and tomato rice and fresh vegetable sticks, whereas Jamster selected Harvester's Famous Ribs which come with a wedge of grilled pineapple and he chose fries and baked beans to go with them. Both really liked that some of the meal was served in small 'plant pots' and they each told me that the protein selected was incredibly tasty and juicy.
On the reverse of the menu there is a list of desserts so while our empty plates were removed from the table the Mini Mes had a browse through the options while also taking a look through their activity packs which were provided upon arrival. These are a great way to keep kids entertained between courses with colouring pages, crayons and finger puppets being supplied and with each set coming in a brown paper bag you can easily collect the contents up at the end of your meal to take home - we used the cress seeds over the summer holiday.
For dessert both children chose the build your own chocolate cookie pizza as they sounded incredible! The cookies come topped in a thick chocolate sauce and with little containers of marshmallows, strawberries, toffee sauce and Cadbury chocolate buttons.
These not only tasted great (I did have a nibble) they encouraged creativity which I really like.
Kids love to have fun with food so these were a great idea.
As well as the Mini Mes enjoying their meals the Mr and I thought ours (breaded button mushrooms, mac and cheddar cheese bites, triple chicken, 7oz gammon steak, sticky toffee pudding and a sundae) were delicious and incredibly good value.
*We received a free meal and drinks for the purpose of this review. The opinions given are honest and our own*
Sounds like you all had a blast!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to a Harvester in SO long and the children's menu looks amazing! I love the little freebies they got - my boys would be in heaven!
ReplyDeleteThis post has made me so hungry!
ReplyDeleteWe haven't eaten at a Harvester for years, I must find out where my nearest is as they're always good value.
Looks like theyve added to the menu since I last went, that kids pud looks great
ReplyDeleteWe don;t have any near us at all. We are in the middle of nowhere!
ReplyDeleteI have never been to a harvester but it sounds like a perfect place for a family meal out x
ReplyDeleteHave enjoyed meals at Harvesters. Nice that they do some Special Offers on occasions.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
I love Harvesters and haven't had a meal there yet that hasnt been delicious x
ReplyDeleteAS A VEGETARIAN I LOVE THE SALAD BAR AT HARVESTER, AND THEY EVEN HAVE A VEGAN OPTION WITH NO CHEESE!!!
ReplyDeleteWe haven't eaten out for ages but now I really fancy a Harvester
ReplyDeletelooks lovely, i have been many years ago
ReplyDeleteLooks great - we haven't had much luck with food at Harvesters but yours sounds much more pleasant.
ReplyDeleteI love the harvester especially the salad bar!
ReplyDeleteThe food looks really nice, and now I'm really hungry lol.
ReplyDeleteWe used to visit Harvester a lot, but not in recent years as we have no transport and there has been no venue locally. However, one has opened up a few miles away, so we plan to go soon. Love their salad table, numerous ways to eat chicken and the generous portions you get for dessert!
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love eating out with the family, it's such a lovely treat and a break from cooking for me!
ReplyDeleteSounds great! I haven't tried the food there yet, but I took my friends and their little one to our local Harvester for a few drinks and they accommodated us really well.
ReplyDeleteHave been to this chain a few time and enjoyed it
ReplyDeleteWe love eating out at our local Harvester. The menu's great and you always get a decent sized meal for your buck. It's a nice relaxing atmosphere too as lots of families dine there.
ReplyDeleteI love our local Harvester- always good food and the salad bar is definitely the best bit!
ReplyDeleteWe love going to Harvester. Always lots of choice and family freindly way to get everyone out of the house rather than find childcare.
ReplyDeleteCan't remember the last time I ate at Harvester. Will maybe try it again..
ReplyDeleteHaven't been to a harvester in ages... :(
ReplyDeleteHaven't been to a harvester in ages... :(
ReplyDeletewe love our local Harvester .... The salad bar is a winner :) xx
ReplyDeleteWe have t been to a harvester would like to take the kids :)
ReplyDeleteWe often dine at Harvester as their menus are tasty and they aren't over priced too!
ReplyDeletethey cater well for veggies like me and my daughter and are great with kids
ReplyDeleteWe usually go to the harvester if there's a lot of us as a family as it's value for money, we especially like the salad cart & often get a refill :)
ReplyDeleteWe love Harvester, fab family friendly menus
ReplyDeleteI love Harvester such good value for families
ReplyDeleteCan't beat the salad cart!
ReplyDeleteOne of our local family pubs has just become a Harvester, I'll have to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteNever been to a Harvester before but sounds very nice xx
ReplyDeletewe went to a Harvester the other week, there were 10 of us, we all had a great time, going again in a few weeks. love going there
ReplyDeleteI've never been to a harvester in years! Will definitely be locating my nearest one now :p x
ReplyDeleteI have never visited a Harvester before, but after reading your review, which looks like you had an amazing time, plus the food looks fab, I will be going on their website to look for our nearest.
ReplyDeleteGreat family orentated restaurants
ReplyDeleteThe kids menu looks great and plenty to satisfy the adults as well
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since we visited a Harvester. Maybe we should go again soon.
ReplyDeleteI do like Harvester, but haven't taken my kids out to eat in a long time, might be time to change that! Great post x Carrie xxx
ReplyDeleteI love the Harvester....sadly our local one isn't close enough to visit as we don't drive.
ReplyDeleteI have not been to the harvester in a long while but i looks family friendly
ReplyDeleteWe often go out for meals at Harvesters and I agree - food is great and the atmosphere and family facilities is too!
ReplyDeleteI have never been to a Harvester but all the food looks very tasty.
ReplyDeleteI could just eat that chicken and rice!
ReplyDeleteI do like Harvester, though a while since we have been. You have put me in the notion.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig