Ceiling Collapse at Toby Carvery in Gloucester Sends Diners Fleeing

A dramatic incident unfolded at a Toby Carvery restaurant in Gloucester on September 28, 2023, when a substantial section of the ceiling collapsed, startling diners. The event occurred around 18:45 local time, prompting immediate responses from emergency services, including firefighters, paramedics, and police.

Witnesses reported chaos as the ceiling gave way in the Brockworth branch, which is situated on the busy A46 Shurdington Road. Shocking footage shared widely on social media captures the moment debris fell, leaving a gaping hole where the ceiling once stood. Customers fled the scene in panic, with one child’s cries of distress ringing out amidst the debris.

The video, which has garnered over 90,000 views on Facebook, shows tables and chairs strewn with plasterboard while untouched plates of Sunday dinners remained on tables. A social media post accompanying the video warned others to avoid the restaurant. One user expressed concern, stating, “Hope everyone’s ok – what a nightmare.” Another added, “I hope everyone is okay especially the little one crying!!”

Joey Pass, a 31-year-old diner from Dursley, recounted the frightening experience. He was outside with one of his children when he heard a loud crash. “I could see loads of dust and heard a kid scream, so I rushed in to see if everyone was okay,” he explained. Pass noted that a woman who was dining at the restaurant provided first aid for a little girl and another woman who sustained minor injuries during the incident.

As diners evacuated, the scene was marked by confusion and concern. Pass remarked on the fear parents experienced, saying, “I felt concerned and worried – what if that happened to my children or my wife?” He also mentioned that his daughter kept asking about the little girl caught under the fallen ceiling.

The Brockworth Toby Carvery underwent significant renovations in 2024, with an investment of approximately £500,000 for four months of refurbishment. As of now, the management of Mitchells & Butlers, the parent company of Toby Carvery, has been approached for comments regarding the incident and the restaurant’s immediate plans for reopening.

Emergency crews worked swiftly to assess the situation and ensure the safety of patrons. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported, but the incident has raised questions about safety standards in commercial establishments.

The public’s response on social media highlights the community’s concern for the well-being of the diners involved. As investigations continue, many are eager to hear how the restaurant plans to address the aftermath of this alarming event.