We ate a roast at the Bristol Toby Carvery that was closed due to mouse droppings

It was business as usual at the Toby Carvery Maes Knoll on a mid-week evening, despite recent unpleasant revelations about its food hygiene inspection.  

Tables were already filling up and a queue was forming at the carvery inside the pub and restaurant, which is a bit of an institution in this part of Bristol.

Families, couples and others were all diving into their plates at their tables, where mouse droppings were found just a few months ago.   

The place received a 'major improvement necessary' rating following the inspection at the end of October and was closed for a few days for 'health and safety checks'.    

But Mitchells & Butlers, which owns the business on Bristol Road in Whitchurch Village, said that it has addressed the issues from three months ago and is confident that its hygiene standards are now of the highest order.   

And it would appear they are right. The table we sat at was clean and we couldn't see any brown blobs scattered about.

The staff were quick to disinfect tables and sweep around them as customers came in and out, ensuring a tidy environment.

The customer service was brilliant, with the waitress checking to make sure everything was okay, and the team was positive and upbeat as always.

But what about the food? The carver cut off some turkey from the remainder of the carcass, and I added some vegetables and my favourite, the mac and cheese, to my roast.  

Near the gravy pots, there was some chatter about the food hygiene report, but it didn't seem to deter customers from piling their plates high.

I generously poured gravy onto my plate, which is undeniably the best thing about Toby Carvery and a must-have for me.   

Back at my table, I dug in. The turkey was tender, the mac and cheese creamy and the gravy divine.

Admittedly, the roast potatoes were a bit dry and the cauliflower cheese was mushy. But, with a huge dollop of gravy on top, everything tasted pretty much the same.      

Until the end of this week, Toby Carvery is offering a special deal where a carvery is only £6 (usually £10.29 on a weekday), which is a bargain considering you can go up for seconds.  

After the satisfying main course, we couldn't find room for dessert. Many others seemed to feel the same, as they sluggishly left the restaurant.

After emptying our plates, it was time to leave, and we noticed that the carvery queue had grown longer, with the car park outside packed.

So, yes, the carvery did have a mouse dropping problem in the past, which is not a good look.  

But it seems that the business has turned things around, and the many customers, who love their roast, also appear confident in the improvements. 

Toby Carvery Maes Knoll, 42 Bristol Road, Whitchurch, Bristol BS14 0PF.