The owner of a historic pub dating back to the 19th century may have to call time on its riverside seating after the council demanded its removal.
The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich, south-east London is known for its tables overlooking the Thames, which have been in place for three decades.
Located next to the Old Royal Naval College, the tavern - which dates back to 1837 and was once a favourite spot of Charles Dickens - was recently named by Big 7 Travel in its annual list of The Best Beer Gardens in Britain.
During the summer months, the tavern serves customers on wooden benches along the Thames Path, a curved walkway on the bank of the river known locally as “the knuckle.”
But Greenwich London Borough Council claims the setup “prevents people from enjoying the view of the river”.
There have been additional complaints about access for pedestrians, wheelchair users and families with pushchairs.
The council also argues that the tavern’s furniture adds visual clutter to a sensitive heritage site.
In March, the Labour-run authority told the tavern it must remove the tables despite the Planning Inspectorate receiving more than 2,000 letters opposing the move.
The tavern has appealed against the enforcement notice, warning it could lead to 75 job losses - a third of its workforce - including chefs, waiters and managers.
Landlord Frank Dowling told The Standard: “The alternative is going to be 500 people standing and drinking. That is not the pub we operate. We would rather people sit down, we take your order, and we bring you your food and drink.
“We will have standing drinking and the noise will creep up and up. And customers may have to sit on the ground and access will be worse. The frustration is that (the council’s) own policies go against their own arguments.
“The benefit of the thousands of people who enjoy it compared to those who see it as a detriment is not equal.”
Mr Dowling said the tavern sits on a section of the path which he leased from the Greenwich Foundation, a charity that conserves the naval college's buildings and riverside grounds.
He entered into a formal agreement with the council in 2005 under a Section 16 arrangement, in which the pub paid for resurfacing and landscaping work in the area.
Mr Dowling - who has run the family-friendly venue since 2001 - questioned the notice at a time when pubs around the UK are closing at a rate of six per week.
He said the space attracts customers from across London and beyond, contributing to the local economy.
Mr Dowling added: "The whole late night economy is gone. Venues are closing left, right and centre. Why would you even want to be in that position?
“I am absolutely dead certain with our arguments - I think the council’s are shrill. It is just tables and chairs. If justice is right, we will win.”
A Royal Borough of Greenwich spokesman said: “We have been notified that the Trafalgar Tavern has appealed (against) the enforcement notice to the Planning Inspectorate and a hearing is scheduled for later this summer.
"In the circumstances it would not be appropriate for the council to make any further comment at this stage."
