The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich, southeast London, is a Grade II-listed pub and has been a popular spot for tourists and locals for centuries, but it could see its beloved riverside tables removed following an enforcement notice from the council.

This iconic Grade II-listed pub, known for its prime location, has its al fresco dining area situated on the Thames Path, a slender promenade that skirts the river's edge.

Greenwich Council has cited concerns over the pathway's accessibility, arguing that the tavern's seating arrangement hampers the free passage of pedestrians, including those in wheelchairs and families with prams, stating the need for a "balance" to ensure the path remains open to all.

However, Frank Dowling, the publican since 2001, warns that stripping away the tables will lead to a "different problem", potentially resulting in job losses at the establishment.

He argued: "If you don't have tables and chairs there, you're going to have tons of people standing around drinking. Vertical drinking is not something that works for us. That causes a different problem.

"If we lose the structure, we lose control of the environment. People will just gather there anyway, but without the order that tables and service provide.

"We have unbelievable staff, and we're very proud of them. They're hardworking people - young people, old people... they're very good people."

Manager Vasil Vasilev, 41, has worked at the pub since 2017.

He said the council had told them the outdoor seating also restricts emergency vehicles from accessing a ramp - which he says is already inaccessible due to a parking metre blocking it.

Mr Vasilev said: "It would absolutely damage tourism in the area, without any valid reasons whatsoever. It's just ridiculous. We are not blocking pedestrian access - there's plenty of room.

"There are three or four metres of access. We are a family-friendly pub; we have large groups of runners, mothers with prams...

"There is plenty of space outside. The reasons [for the enforcement notice] don't make much sense.

"People like coming here because of what we offer, but we wouldn't be able to offer it anymore [if the enforcement notice went ahead]."

In a Facebook post, the Trafalgar Tavern claimed Greenwich council is "demanding" the outdoor seating be removed - "threatening a space that's brought joy to locals, tourists and the wider community".

Mr Dowling assured that the area remains open to the public and is cleaned and jet-washed several times a week.

The pub sits on a section of the Thames Path which Mr Dowling says he leased from the Greenwich Foundation, a naval charity that supports the upkeep of historic buildings in the area.

The landlord insists that rent for the pub's outdoor seating space is dutifully paid annually to the foundation and that the pub has legal tenure over the space used for outdoor seating.

Mr Dowling has highlighted that in 2005, the establishment entered into a formal agreement with Greenwich council, under a Section 16 arrangement, ensuring their rights.

According to Mr Dowling, as part of this arrangement, the pub entirely covered improvement works outside its front entrance, which included resurfacing, landscaping and modifications to the neighbouring public highway, all sanctioned by the council.

The council said it would not comment on individual cases when approached with these claims by the News Shopper, a local paper.

However, a spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: "We're really proud of Greenwich Town Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by millions of people every year.

"Tourists love the vibrant businesses and beautiful scenery, and we do too - that's why we're committed to making sure the area is as accessible as possible, for everyone to enjoy."

"Whilst it's not always appropriate to comment on individual cases, we know that The Trafalgar Tavern is a much-loved, historic venue - but we have had some complaints about the extended outdoor seating onto the Thames Path, and so there needs to be a balance.

"The Thames Path is very narrow, and it's important that everyone can use it easily - including people in wheelchairs, the elderly or people with pushchairs.

"There are planning policies in place that we need to follow, but we're confident we'll find a sensible solution that doesn't stop people enjoying the pub's view, or using the Thames Path."

Representations opposing the notice can be submitted to the council's planning inspectorate until June 12, quoting appeal reference APP/E5330/C/25/3364847.