Toby Carvery, the popular UK restaurant chain with over 150 branches, is permanently closing its outlet at The Brewery Shopping Centre in Romford today. The company, known for serving roast dinners for more than four decades, will hand the site back to the landlord. The chain hopes to relocate as many staff members as possible to nearby restaurants.
Closure Details and Staff Redeployment
A Toby Carvery spokesperson confirmed the closure, stating: 'We can confirm the Toby Carvery at Romford will close on May 10 after service and the site will be returned to the landlord. This decision has been taken after careful consideration and as part of the continual review of our estate and we are in consultation with the team and hope to redeploy as many employees as possible at our other nearby businesses.' The spokesperson added, 'We'd like to thank our loyal guests and the brilliant team at Romford for their support.'
Future Plans and Nearby Alternatives
The chain expressed its intention to bring back its famous salad bar and fresh rotisserie once a suitable new site is identified. In the interim, customers are directed to nearby branches in Chadwell Heath or Brentwood. This closure follows the recent departure of Frankie & Benny's from the same shopping complex after its lease expired.
Broader Context of Chain Decline
Toby Carvery has faced significant challenges in recent years, with 120 restaurants closing between 2020 and 2021, and an additional 35 earmarked for closure in 2023. In the Black Country, the chain's last remaining outlet closed in September, with the Dudley restaurant serving its final customers on August 31 after over two decades of operation. A spokesperson for that closure noted the team was 'saddened' and paid tribute to the 'fantastic' staff.
Earlier this year, Frankie & Benny's also abruptly closed a location at Whiteley Shopping Centre in Fareham, Hampshire, without warning, 13 years after opening.
