Controversy has erupted over plans to replace four family-run cafes on Hampstead Heath with the Australian-inspired chain Daisy Green, sparking memories of a similar battle in 2016. At that time, the City of London Corporation attempted to hand the Parliament Hill cafe to the Benugo chain, but reversed the decision after public outcry and a campaign led by local MP Keir Starmer.
Virginia Rounding, former chair of the Hampstead Heath management committee, recalled voting against the 2016 proposal, which initially passed by a single vote. She faced angry protesters at a meeting chaired by Starmer and subsequently helped overturn the decision, leading Benugo to withdraw. A full consultation followed, and existing leaseholders were allowed to continue operating.
Rounding warned that financial pressures on the City Corporation could resurface the issue, despite hopes that past lessons would improve communication and listening to heath users. She expressed disappointment that current decision-makers appear to prioritise spreadsheets over community sentiment.
Don Keller of Harringay criticised the corporation for treating the heath as a money-making enterprise, ousting family-run cafes to reduce funding obligations. He urged Daisy Green, which he described as a chain with 20 outlets and £22m turnover, to follow Benugo's example and walk away from the contract. The corporation has defended the move as necessary for financial sustainability.
