A Toby Carvery in north London is facing eviction after its owner cut down an ‘irreplaceable’ 500-year-old tree without council permission.
The oak tree in north London, believed to be 450 to 500 years old, was cut down on April 3, 2025, after the chain’s owner, Mitchells & Butlers, was advised by experts that it was dying and a risk to the public.
Environmentalists and locals claimed the tree’s habitats were important for supporting other wildlife, such as endangered dead wood beetles.
Some compared it to the felling of the landmark Sycamore Gap tree next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland.
Enfield Council reported the matter to the Metropolitan Police, which investigated and found ‘no evidence of criminality’, but M&B is now facing eviction for ‘serious breaches’ of their lease.
The council served the notice on October 6 and issued proceedings in Edmonton County Court seeking forfeiture of the lease.
Enfield Council said a trial should take place later this year or early in 2027.
Deputy Leader of the council, Tim Leaver, said: ‘The destruction of the ancient Whitewebbs Oak was a reckless act, which caused huge damage to the tree and cut its expected lifespan. It shocked and angered our entire community.
‘This centuries-old tree, sometimes known as the Guy Fawkes Oak, was an irreplaceable part of Enfield’s natural heritage and was felled without the council’s knowledge or consent, in clear breach of the lease governing the site.’
Mr Leaver said M&B failed to ‘engage meaningfully’ with the council or make reparations for the felling.
The council is demanding a public apology and financial reparations for the ‘irreversible damage’.
‘The people of Enfield deserve accountability. This case is about upholding our duty to protect our environment and our shared heritage,’ he added.
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Two weeks after the tree was felled, Toby Carvery chief executive Phil Urban said the company had ‘acted in good faith’ when it authorised the work.
He added: ‘Clearly, the felling of a beautiful old tree is a very emotive subject and is not something that any of us would undertake lightly.
‘I can only apologise for all the upset that it has caused.’
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