Toby Carvery Faces Eviction After Felling Ancient 500-Year-Old Oak Tree in North London
A Toby Carvery restaurant in north London is confronting eviction proceedings after its owner, Mitchells & Butlers, cut down an ancient oak tree believed to be 450 to 500 years old without obtaining the necessary permission from the local council. The incident, which occurred on April 3, 2025, has ignited significant controversy and legal action from Enfield Council, citing serious breaches of the lease agreement.
Council Takes Legal Action Over 'Reckless' Destruction
Enfield Council has reported the matter to the Metropolitan Police, which investigated but found no evidence of criminality. However, the council is pursuing eviction through Edmonton County Court, having served a notice on October 6 and seeking forfeiture of the lease. Deputy Leader of the council, Tim Leaver, condemned the act as reckless, stating it caused immense damage to the tree, known as the Whitewebbs Oak or Guy Fawkes Oak, and shocked the local community.
Mr Leaver emphasised that the tree was an irreplaceable part of Enfield's natural heritage and was felled without the council's knowledge or consent, in clear violation of the lease terms. The council is demanding a public apology and financial reparations for what it describes as irreversible damage, asserting that Mitchells & Butlers failed to engage meaningfully or make amends.
Company's Defence and Public Outcry
Mitchells & Butlers defended its actions, claiming that experts advised the tree was dying and posed a risk to public safety, and that the company acted in good faith. Toby Carvery chief executive Phil Urban apologised for the upset caused, acknowledging the emotive nature of felling such an old tree. However, environmentalists and locals have expressed outrage, comparing the incident to the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree and highlighting the tree's importance as a habitat for wildlife, including endangered dead wood beetles.
The council has stated that a trial is expected to take place later this year or early in 2027, underscoring the case as a matter of accountability and environmental protection. This situation reflects broader concerns about heritage conservation and corporate responsibility in urban settings.
