Anger as four Hampstead Heath cafes replaced despite backing from Benedict Cumberbatch

"The operators of four popular North London cafes are to be replaced despite receiving overwhelming public support and backing from celebrities including Benedict Cumberbatch. The City of London Corporation, which manages green spaces including Hampstead Heath as a registered charity, launched a remarketing process earlier this year putting the existing operators' futures at risk. It has now been revealed that four of the five cafes involved, namely Parliament Hill, Parliament Hill Lido,"

"Golders Hill Park and Queen's Park are all to go to the Aussie-inspired Daisy Green. The fifth, in Highgate Wood, is yet to be announced with discussions ongoing and due diligence checks. Patrick Matthews, Director at Hoxton Beach which runs the Lido, Queen's Park and Highgate Wood cafes, said he has been overwhelmed by the support, making the Corporation's decision all the more surprising. A spokesperson for the Real Cafes Campaign meanwhile"

"described the outcome as a cause of much sadness, disappointment and anger. Chair of the City of London Corporation's Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee, Alderman Gregory Jones KC, said Daisy Green will bring energy, creativity, and investment to each site. The Corporation said the remarketing process was launched to ensure the cafes continue to deliver a high-quality visitor experience. This however failed to convince some of those supporting the current operators."

Four popular North London cafes — Parliament Hill, Parliament Hill Lido, Golders Hill Park and Queen's Park — will be awarded to the Aussie-inspired Daisy Green, with the Highgate Wood site still under consideration. The City of London Corporation ran a remarketing process aimed at securing a high-quality visitor experience, which resulted in replacing long-standing operators despite widespread public and celebrity support. Existing operators and campaigners expressed surprise, sadness and anger, and criticised a lack of transparency and community engagement. Long-serving operators, including Alberto D'Auria who ran Parliament Hill Café for around 45 years, had expected to retain their sites.

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