Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Miller & Carter

191 replies

TheAmusedQuail · 29/08/2025 22:03

What is all the hype about? Some of the mums at school rave about it and a couple of friends suggested it for a meal. I checked out the menu online and it was quite pricey I thought (for what it is).

Went today anyway, because it'd been suggested by the friends. I was SO underwhelmed. Basic chain restaurant food. Nice steak (not fabulous, just OK) but the rest of the food was very average.

I definitely won't bother going back. Anyone had a better experience? Is it just me (although friend wasn't wowed either)?

OP posts:
EverythingIsComputer · 29/08/2025 23:25

Husband & I always say ‘go Miller & Carter’ when we pass it in honour of the Deano song ().

Agree it’s very average. Tried it once on a group night out then was given a voucher, I’ve not returned. I prefer a non chain.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/J9n0_5p8XKo?si=MDVnZpPYX_JZ70ld

Readyforslippers · 29/08/2025 23:25

Sounds like yours was pretty rubbish. I've eaten there before and it's been rather good. I particularly like the beef dripping and I'm a big iceberg lettuce fan (weirdly) so I very much enjoy their version of a side salad. Our experience was nothing like that of Hungry Horse, which I won't go to unless I can't politely avoid it.

People do tend to be reasonably smart in our local one as there's a set dress code which they are strict on, though I've not been for a year or so, so maybe that has changed.

Aspanielstolemysanity · 29/08/2025 23:25

I always assumed they were just harvesters trying to be fancy/ the Steak Restaurant equivalent of a P&O cruise.
That's largely based on the people I know who like to go there though to be fair!

MsSmartShoes · 29/08/2025 23:24

It’s like a Harvester for the town centre.

reversegear · 29/08/2025 23:24

It’s just a beefeater that’s expensive!! The one near us is grubby.

CherrieTomaties · 29/08/2025 23:23

Can’t believe there are so many lettuce wedge and blue cheese lovers here! Every time I’ve been, I’ve enjoyed it. The beef dripping sauce is amazing.

However, I’ve been to proper steakhouses in America which blow Miller and Carter out of the water, so I can see how some people don’t get the hype.

Onelifeonly · 29/08/2025 23:21

I've been twice, I think, but a few years ago. I thought the food was great (as was the venue, in this case) but it was expensive. Sounds like it might have gone downhill.

Tagyoureit · 29/08/2025 23:21

WilliamBell · 29/08/2025 23:02

Definitely baffling, similar to Nandos which people rave about but is completely over priced for what it is, especially considering it's not full table service.

Show quote history

Nandos is completely shit in my experience.

I went once about 20 years ago and the service and food was appalling so I've never gone back.

It took 3 members of staff to sort an issue with a bowl of olives out, restaurant prices for what is essentially self service and the food isn't that great! No thanks!

MichelleCancelled · 29/08/2025 23:20

SunshineAndFizz · 29/08/2025 22:25

Yeah what’s with the random half lettuce?!

Does anyone actually eat them?

This confused me, but then I saw it on Family Guy, so it must be an American thing.

Amybelle88 · 29/08/2025 23:18

It’s a chain restaurant with a bit of sweaty lettuce on the side of an unbelievably average steak. Massively underwhelming and overpriced.

Bambamhoohoo · 29/08/2025 23:17

WilliamBell · 29/08/2025 23:02

Definitely baffling, similar to Nandos which people rave about but is completely over priced for what it is, especially considering it's not full table service.

Show quote history

People love Nando’s exactly because it is so naff

Cocorico22 · 29/08/2025 23:15

My first job was washing up in M&c. I ate a lot of unserved onion loaf at the end of a shift. very greasy and not particularly flavoursome. Would never dream of paying for it and tbh even as a teenager I judged the punters for overspending on an average steak and chips 😅

ReadingSoManyThreads · 29/08/2025 23:11

Been once, was a group booking so I didn't get to choose the restaurant but the people I went with go regularly to various Miller & Carters.

We waited so long for our meal and when it finally arrived, the steaks were all very overcooked.

A steakhouse that cannot cook steaks correctly, is not one I'll be going to again!

WilliamBell · 29/08/2025 23:02

Trovindia · 29/08/2025 22:23

Yes people rave about it. Baffling

Show quote history

Definitely baffling, similar to Nandos which people rave about but is completely over priced for what it is, especially considering it's not full table service.

Original poster
TheAmusedQuail · 29/08/2025 22:57

DavAtTheCampaignForMoreBankHolidays · 29/08/2025 22:56

Ooooooh. Someone took it personally that a randomer online didn't like their favorite restaurant. 🤣

Show quote history

Hahahaha

OP posts:
DavAtTheCampaignForMoreBankHolidays · 29/08/2025 22:56

BoredZelda · 29/08/2025 22:30

Yes, yes, you have such superior tastes to all this silly school mums.

Calling it a “basic chain restaurant” is a stretch. It isn’t comparable with a Hungry Horse or a Beefeater, nor does it purport to be a fine dining experience.

Of all the more “affordable” places to get a fillet steak, it is our go to. The quality of steak isn’t bad at all for what you pay. The onion loaf is lovely, sauces are tasty. I’ve been to higher end steak restaurants and there isn’t much of a difference until you start at double the cost of M&C. I can’t vouch for the rest of the menu as I’ve never had anything other than fillet steak there because that’s what we go there for. If I’m after a different meal, I choose a different restaurant.

Ooooooh. Someone took it personally that a randomer online didn't like their favorite restaurant. 🤣

Original poster
TheAmusedQuail · 29/08/2025 22:55

@24Dogcuddler I agree. I wasn't expecting The Fat Duck, but it was Wetherspoons clientele. I wasn't dressed up but felt overdressed.

OP posts:
HelloHattie · 29/08/2025 22:52

I like the onion loaf and the puddings.

Nicedayatlibrary · 29/08/2025 22:50

I love it. Even the lettuce wedge 😂

24Dogcuddler · 29/08/2025 22:47

We only went once. My brother and family raved about it. DH loves steak so thought we’d try.
I’m veggie so ate DH lettuce and agree with some PP it was the best bit.
Bit puzzled by the dress code! As if trying to be something it’s not.
Food wasn’t anything special and it was quite expensive.
Wouldn’t go back.

Pancakeflipper · 29/08/2025 22:44

I agree with the person who said it varies between different branches.

I've been to one which was great food, very helpful with our child who has food allergies. Great experience.

Went to another (was in complex with cinema and other chain restaurantsso probably do a quicker turnover of customers). It was a nightmare. I had chicken - it was a pale microwaved inedible slime thing. The steaks (that others had) weren't cooked as requested. They overcharged us and refused to sort it out.

Onemorepenny · 29/08/2025 22:40

It's ok - I'd go if I couldn't find anything better nearby, it is a generally safe choice. I'd agree that it is a bit hit and miss though, the one closest to us is mediocre at best. A better one we had was near Grantham iirc.

Almostalive · 29/08/2025 22:37

The lettuce is supposed to aid digestion of the steak. Aberdeen M&C was out of this world. Went to the Manchester branch and was disappointed. Hit and miss i guess.

3pears · 29/08/2025 22:37

I love it. The lettuce wedge is random. But I have always had good steaks at our local one and I love the red wine sauce you can get. Also love the onion loaf

Original poster
TheAmusedQuail · 29/08/2025 22:36

BoredZelda · 29/08/2025 22:30

Yes, yes, you have such superior tastes to all this silly school mums.

Calling it a “basic chain restaurant” is a stretch. It isn’t comparable with a Hungry Horse or a Beefeater, nor does it purport to be a fine dining experience.

Of all the more “affordable” places to get a fillet steak, it is our go to. The quality of steak isn’t bad at all for what you pay. The onion loaf is lovely, sauces are tasty. I’ve been to higher end steak restaurants and there isn’t much of a difference until you start at double the cost of M&C. I can’t vouch for the rest of the menu as I’ve never had anything other than fillet steak there because that’s what we go there for. If I’m after a different meal, I choose a different restaurant.

The food was no better than a Hungry Horse to be honest. The onion loaf was fried to death and shattered when cut, totally inedible. Chips weren't even up to McD's standard. At least with budget restaurants you know what you're getting.

The price wasn't extortionate but it also wasn't worth what we paid.

I didn't expect it to be upmarket. But I didn't expect it to be poor quality either. And it WAS poor quality.

OP posts: