The owner of Toby Carvery faces eviction after the felling of a 500-year-old oak tree, a beloved local landmark in north London. The tree, known as the Whitewebbs Oak, was partially chopped down without the permission of Enfield Council last year, sparking outrage from residents who considered it a 'local icon'. The council has taken legal action, treating the matter as criminal damage and initiating eviction proceedings against the hospitality giant Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) for serious lease breaches. The oak, believed to be one of the top 100 largest oak trees in London, held significant ecological value and was associated with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. M&B had previously justified the felling as a health and safety measure, but the council's deputy leader, Tim Leaver, accused them of failing to engage meaningfully with the community and offer reparations. The council is demanding a public apology and financial compensation for the irreversible damage to the borough's natural heritage. The legal process involves a formal Section 146 notice, giving the owners a chance to rectify the breach before the council takes further action. The Toby Carvery spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.
