Toby Carvery Romford has officially closed its doors at The Brewery shopping centre after serving customers for the final time on 10 May. The well-known British roast dinner chain confirmed the closure as part of an ongoing review of its UK restaurant estate, with The WP Times reports that the premises will now be returned to the landlord following the end of operations at the East London site.
The closure affects one of the chain’s recognised Greater London restaurants and comes shortly after another national dining brand, Frankie & Benny’s, also exited the same retail and leisure complex. Toby Carvery stated that it is currently consulting with staff members and hopes to redeploy as many employees as possible to nearby restaurants operating within the wider business network.
Toby Carvery confirms Romford restaurant closure after final service
Toby Carvery confirmed that the Romford branch closed following final service on 10 May. The company said the decision had been taken after “careful consideration” and formed part of a continuing review of its property portfolio across Britain. The restaurant occupied a unit inside The Brewery shopping centre, one of Romford’s best-known retail and leisure destinations.
A spokesperson for Toby Carvery said:
“We can confirm that Toby Carvery in Romford will close on May 10 following service, and the site will be returned to the landlord.”
The company added that discussions were ongoing with employees affected by the closure. Management said it hopes to transfer as many staff members as possible to nearby restaurants.
The spokesperson also thanked customers and employees for their support over the years. “We’d like to thank our loyal guests and the brilliant team at Romford for their support,” the statement added. Toby Carvery said customers can continue visiting nearby branches including Chadwell Heath and Brentwood.
The Brewery loses another national restaurant brand
The closure of Toby Carvery follows another recent restaurant departure from The Brewery complex. Frankie & Benny’s also vacated its unit at the shopping and leisure centre after its lease ended. The back-to-back departures have increased attention on changes taking place across Britain’s restaurant and retail sectors.
The Brewery in Romford opened in 2001 and combines restaurants, retail stores, entertainment and cinema facilities. Over the years, the complex has hosted several national dining brands serving shoppers, families and cinema visitors. Toby Carvery had operated at the site as part of its wider nationwide network known for traditional roast dinners and carvery meals.
Toby Carvery currently operates more than 150 locations across the United Kingdom. The chain remains one of Britain’s best-known family dining brands, particularly associated with roast meats, Yorkshire puddings, vegetables and salad bars. The company is owned by Mitchells & Butlers, one of the UK’s largest pub and restaurant operators.
Frankie & Benny’s has also reduced its UK presence
Frankie & Benny’s has undergone major restructuring in recent years across the UK hospitality market. Between 2020 and 2021, the chain closed around 120 restaurants nationwide. A further 35 closures were later announced in 2023 as the business continued reducing its estate.
One of the chain’s final remaining restaurants in the Black Country closed last year after serving customers for more than two decades. At the time, a spokesperson said the company was “saddened” by the closure and thanked staff members for their contribution to the restaurant over many years.
The latest closure at The Brewery therefore continues a wider trend affecting national restaurant operators inside UK shopping and leisure destinations. Several chains have reduced the number of locations they operate in recent years while focusing on selected sites across Britain.
Toby Carvery says it hopes to return in future
Despite the closure, Toby Carvery indicated that it may eventually return to Romford if another suitable site becomes available. The company said it still hopes to bring back its “famous salad bar and fresh rotisserie” to the area in future. No timeframe or new location has yet been announced.
For now, customers in Romford have been directed toward nearby Toby Carvery branches operating elsewhere in Essex and Greater London. Staff consultations are also continuing as the company attempts to relocate employees where possible within neighbouring restaurants.
The closure officially took effect after service on 10 May, ending Toby Carvery’s presence at The Brewery shopping centre in Romford.
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