I would say it's a Bay tree. They do lose some leaves this time of year. I would give it a good feed with something like Q4 and keep on top of the watering. Looks like a mould but if you are going to use for culinary purposes then I would leave it alone rather than spraying.

also looks a bit like laurel.
as it is an evergreen they do lose the odd leaf off and o all through the year. so an odd yellow leaf like that is ok.
however it does seem to have a sooty mould which is often due to greenfly/cushion scale producing honey dew.

A general feed and plenty of water will perk it up if it is stressed.

Viburnum tinus maybe.

It’s a bay tree almost identical to mine which has a trunk below it about 4 ft long.

Hi Hank - been wondering where you were!

Have lost your address, please let my have it.