Toby Carvery has clarified its rule on doggy bags after a customer complained he wasn't allowed one for his leftover food. The chain has issued a reminder to its staff that they have the right to refuse customers who request to take leftovers home, citing that some are taking too much.

The famous all-you-can-eat brand says staff have "discretion" to allow customers to take home doggy bags where there is a "genuine need" but that it is not offered as standard.

The firm was responding to one disgruntled customer, who told The Sun: "I went into my local Toby Carvery and had a roast dinner and a pint of lager.

"I couldn't finish my meal so . Staff were very apologetic but said they had received a strongly-worded email from head office stating people were gorging on huge extra helpings. I was annoyed as I didn't even go for seconds and had to leave the rest as I had nothing to take it home in."

A staff member was quoted as saying: "Customers are getting quite upset when we tell them they can't have a doggy bag which is a special Toby Carvery round box. We have to tell them it is to stop people taking more than their fair share of food."

A spokesperson for the chain stated: "Our all-you-can-eat offer is designed to be enjoyed while dining in our restaurants, and for this reason, we do not offer doggy bags as standard. However, to help our guests reduce food waste where there is a genuine need, a container may be provided at the restaurant's discretion."

On its website, the chain states: "We offer several different takeaway and delivery options. You can purchase through our apps or online here: . A number of our sites partner with Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats to offer a to-your-door delivery service."