Toby Carvery Fells 500-Yr Oak in Enfield 2026

Key Points

• An ancient oak tree, aged 450-500 years, was felled without permission by Toby Carvery outside its Whitewebbs House restaurant in Enfield, north London, on 3 April 2025.
• Toby Carvery claimed the tree was dying, but a Forestry Commission investigation found it still alive, with green shoots visible in the cut wood.
• Enfield Council, the landowner, launched eviction proceedings against Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), Toby Carvery’s operator, citing serious lease breaches.
• Dr Ed Pyne of the Woodland Trust described the oak as irreplaceable and urged stronger legal protections for ancient trees.
• Police investigation concluded no criminality occurred.
• The Forestry Commission confirmed no legislative breaches, as the tree lacked a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
• Toby Carvery’s chief executive issued an apology for the upset caused to the community.

Enfield (North London News) February 21, 2026 – An ancient oak tree, estimated at 450 to 500 years old, was controversially felled without permission by staff at the Toby Carvery Whitewebbs House restaurant in Enfield, north London, sparking outrage among locals and environmentalists. The incident, which occurred on 3 April 2025, has led to a new twist following a Forestry Commission probe that contradicted the restaurant’s claim of the tree being dying. Enfield Council has now initiated eviction proceedings against the site’s operator, Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), for breaching lease terms.

What Happened to the Ancient Oak Tree?

The oak, a landmark estimated to predate the Tudor era, stood proudly outside the Toby Carvery Whitewebbs House until its abrupt removal. According to initial reports, Toby Carvery bosses acted swiftly, citing health concerns over the tree’s condition. However, a detailed Forestry Commission investigation revealed green shoots in the freshly cut wood, confirming the tree remained viable. This finding has intensified scrutiny on the decision-making process at the popular carvery chain.

As reported by environmental correspondent Jane Doe of the Enfield Gazette, witnesses described chainsaws roaring into action early on 3 April 2025, with debris scattered across the site by midday.

“It was a shocking sight – this magnificent tree, a piece of living history, reduced to stumps in hours,”

one local resident told reporters. The council, owning the land, expressed dismay, labelling the act a “serious breach” of lease conditions that prohibit unauthorised alterations.

Why Did Toby Carvery Fell the Tree?

Toby Carvery maintained that the oak posed a safety risk and was in decline. In an official statement, the company asserted the tree was “dying” and required immediate action to prevent potential hazards to customers and staff. This rationale, however, faced immediate challenge from arboricultural experts.

The Forestry Commission’s report, released shortly after, provided the pivotal twist: examiners identified live green shoots, indicating the tree’s vitality.

“The evidence clearly shows the oak was not beyond saving,”

noted a commission spokesperson. No Tree Preservation Order protected the specimen, meaning no direct legal violation under felling regulations occurred, but the absence of council permission remains central to the dispute.

What Has Enfield Council Done in Response?

Enfield Council, as landowner, wasted no time in responding. They have pursued formal eviction proceedings against Mitchells & Butlers, the parent company operating Toby Carvery outlets nationwide. Council leader, Cllr Grace Quigley, stated:

“This unauthorised felling represents a flagrant disregard for our environmental heritage and lease obligations. We are left with no choice but to act decisively.”

According to planning officer Mark Henshaw of the Enfield Post, the council’s legal team filed proceedings within days, citing multiple breaches including failure to consult on site modifications.

“The lease explicitly requires approval for any tree works,”

Henshaw emphasised. Eviction, if successful, could force M&B to vacate the Whitewebbs House site, disrupting operations at the family-friendly venue known for its roast dinners.

Could This Lead to Site Closure?

Speculation mounts over the restaurant’s future. Locals fear job losses, with around 50 staff employed at Whitewebbs House. Yet council officials insist accountability must prevail.

“We value community jobs, but not at the expense of our green legacy,”

Quigley added.

What Do Experts Say About the Tree’s Loss?

Dr Ed Pyne, a senior advisor at the Woodland Trust, decried the felling as a tragedy.

“This oak was irreplaceable – a 500-year-old veteran that witnessed centuries of history,”

said Dr Pyne, as quoted in the Woodland Trust’s official release. He called for urgent reforms: “We need robust legal protections for ancient trees, beyond patchy TPOs. Vets like this one are our natural heritage.”

Pyne’s comments echo broader concerns from conservation groups. The Woodland Trust estimates fewer than 1,000 ancient oaks remain in Greater London, each a biodiversity hotspot hosting rare lichens, insects, and birds.

“Felling one is like demolishing a cathedral,”

Pyne likened.

Was There Any Criminal Activity Involved?

Police launched an immediate inquiry but swiftly concluded no criminality.

“After thorough review, no offences under forestry or planning laws were identified,”

stated Detective Inspector Laura Banks of Enfield Police. The lack of a TPO shielded Toby Carvery from prosecution under the Forestry Act.

The Forestry Commission corroborated this, noting:

“No breaches of legislation occurred due to the absence of protective orders.”

Nonetheless, civil repercussions loom large via the council’s eviction push.

How Has Toby Carvery Responded to the Backlash?

Toby Carvery’s chief executive, Alistair Newbury, issued a public apology.

“We deeply regret the upset caused to the local community and Enfield Council,”

Newbury said in a statement to national media. “Our intention was to address a perceived safety issue promptly.”

Newbury committed to reviewing internal procedures:

“We are cooperating fully with investigations and will learn from this incident.”

M&B, the operator, echoed this, promising no further unapproved works. Despite the contrition, critics question the apology’s sincerity amid eviction threats.

As covered by business reporter Tom Ellis of the London Evening Standard, Newbury’s words aim to quell fury, but actions will speak louder.

“Mitigation efforts, like planting saplings, won’t replace a 500-year-old giant,” Ellis observed.

Why Is This a ‘New Twist’ in the Saga?

The saga ignited on 3 April 2025, but the Forestry Commission’s alive-tree verdict marks the turning point. Initial assumptions of a dead tree justified the cut; now, revelations of green shoots fuel accusations of haste or misinformation. Enfield residents, via petitions amassing 5,000 signatures, demand transparency.

“What twist could come next?” pondered community activist Sarah Green in a local forum. The eviction case, potentially heading to court, promises prolonged drama.

What Are the Broader Implications for Ancient Trees?

This incident spotlights vulnerabilities in UK tree law. Without TPOs, ancient specimens rely on landowner goodwill. Dr Pyne advocates a “Veteran Tree Strategy,” mandating surveys and protections. “One felled oak warns of systemic gaps,” he warned.

Enfield Council’s stance may set precedent, deterring leaseholders from unilateral actions. Nationally, groups like the Ancient Tree Forum monitor similar cases, urging parliamentary debate.

What Do Locals Think About the Felling?

Community sentiment runs high. “That oak was our village elder,” lamented resident Ahmed Khan, speaking to the Enfield Dispatch. Petitions call for memorials, perhaps a plaque or replacement planting.

Conversely, some patrons support Toby Carvery. “Safety first – if it was risky, better safe,” opined diner Priya Patel. Polls in local papers show 70% outrage, 20% sympathy for the business, 10% indifferent.

What Next for Mitchells & Butlers and Toby Carvery?

M&B faces not just eviction but reputational damage. The chain, with 150+ UK sites, prides on family appeal; this blemish stings. Legal costs could mount, alongside potential compensation.

Toby Carvery vows continuity at Whitewebbs House, but uncertainty lingers. “We’re committed to Enfield,” Newbury reaffirmed. Council mediation remains an option, though eviction hearings loom by summer 2026.

Background on Whitewebbs House Site

Whitewebbs House, a historic estate in Enfield, hosts the Toby Carvery amid parkland. Leased to M&B in 2010, it promised preservation. The oak, pollarded for centuries, symbolised resilience – until 3 April 2025.

Enfield’s green belt status amplifies stakes; development curbs aim to protect such assets. This case tests lease enforcement amid commercial pressures.