A controversial decision by the City of London Corporation to replace four cherished independent cafes on Hampstead Heath with a chain of Australian-inspired eateries has sparked fury and dismay among local residents and campaigners.
Families and a 45-Year Legacy Face Eviction
The corporation, which owns the land, has selected the Daisy Green group to run the cafes at Queen’s Park, Golders Hill Park, Parliament Hill Lido, and Parliament Hill Fields from spring 2026. This move forces out long-standing independent operators who have been told they must vacate by the end of January.
Among those affected are Kentish Town couple Patrick Matthews, 72, and Emma Fernandez, 49, who have run the Parliament Hill Lido Cafe for a decade, alongside cafes in Queen’s Park and Highgate Wood. The Italian cafe at Parliament Hill Fields, operated by the D’Auria family for an impressive 45 years, is also set to close.
Ms Fernandez expressed her devastation, stating they had created a "real community hub" and that the corporation was "destroying this fabric which is holding together the community." The couple used their cafe to host free events like puppet shows and art exhibitions, supporting local artists.
Jobs and Community Spirit Under Threat
The human and economic impact is significant. The three cafes run by Fernandez and Matthews employ around 50 staff in summer and 30 in winter, with jobs now at risk. For the family, the loss is deeply personal. Their children, aged 11 and nine, grew up in the cafe and dreamed of working there.
"It’s horrible for them," said Ms Fernandez. "Now it’s all shattered." Her husband added they felt they had taken the initial risk to build a successful business, only for another company to reap the financial rewards.
Regular customers echoed the sense of loss, praising the cafe's affordability and vital role as an inclusive community space for all, including those struggling with loneliness or mental health. "You can get a really good meal for £10.50, where else can you get that?" asked one local resident.
Campaign Gains Momentum with Celebrity Backing
Journalist Stefan Simanowitz, 49, is spearheading a vigorous "save our cafes" campaign, which has gathered over 20,000 petition signatures. The campaign has received high-profile support from actors Benedict Cumberbatch, James McAvoy, and Stephen Campbell Moore.
In a previous comment, Cumberbatch emphasised this was "about people and not profit," urging support for community-serving businesses. Campaigners hope Daisy Green might withdraw, mirroring a 2016 precedent when coffee chain Benugo pulled out of a similar takeover after protests backed by the local MP, now Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
In response, Daisy Green co-founder Prue Freeman said they were "delighted" to be chosen and pledged to maintain welcoming, inclusive spaces while supporting local suppliers. The City of London Corporation stated the new operator would bring upgraded menus, improved facilities, and a commitment to affordability and sustainability.
Despite these assurances, the community remains united in anger, fighting to preserve the unique character and independent spirit of their beloved Heath cafes before the end-of-January deadline.
