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jon81uk

Harvester is definitely not "basically microwave food", while it isn't gourmet, I would say 80% of the menu is either grilled or deep fried. The only things I could obviously expect to be microwaved looking at the menu are the vegetarian chilli and pasta. Pretty much all the meat options would either be slow cooked then finished on the grill or cooked on the grill I think.
Personally i go to Harvester occasionally because they offer things I can't do at home as well such as rotisserie chicken or slow cooked ribs.

Yes prices have gone up quite a bit, I think my usual main has gone up £5 in the last four years, from around £10 to around £15, but everything is at the moment. 

If the family member was hosting the meal themselves, even if its takeaway food there is still the need to get drinks and do all the washing up of plates and cutlery. Plus they need enough space to host everyone, there is a reason many people choose to do barbecues, as gardens hold more people.

If the family member was close and it was a big birthday I would attend, but I would look at things like the Sunday set menu to keep costs down. Or just order one course to keep it well under £20 per person.