Daisy Green, which will run the cafés at Hampstead Heath and Queen’s Park, will invest in the buildings as part of its new tenancy.
The City of London Corporation, which manages both green spaces, awarded Daisy Green the leases following what it described as a “fair, competitive, and open remarketing process” intended to secure the cafés’ long-term future, reports London Now.
Alderman Gregory Jones KC, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, said: “There have been several misleading and inaccurate claims since we awarded the leases to Daisy Green and it’s important to be clear about the facts.
“These cafés are not closing. They are much-loved parts of Hampstead Heath and Queen’s Park, and this process was about ensuring they can continue to operate and invest for the long term.
“Previously, the cafés were operating on short-term arrangements that made it difficult to invest in their buildings and facilities.
“Moving to longer-term leases under Daisy Green allows that community investment to happen and secures the cafés’ future.”
Daisy Green, an independent London-based business, has pledged to pay all retained staff at least the London Living Wage and keep menus affordable.
Mr Jones said: “Campaigners have overlooked the merits of Daisy Green’s proposal, which include significant investment in café buildings, continuation and development of community programmes, and a promise to keeping menus affordable.
“Importantly, staff in all cafés across the Heath and in Queen’s Park will be paid at least the London Living Wage – demonstrating a real commitment to supporting those who live and work in the local area.”
He also emphasised that while Daisy Green operates more than one site, each location will “retain its own identity, shaped by its setting and with input from the local community.”
The remarketing process was open, widely advertised, and independently supported.
All existing café operators were invited to take part and notified of the process before its public announcement in July 2025.
A total of 30 bids were submitted and evaluated individually based on affordability, environmental standards, community benefit, experience, and business plans.
Combined bids covering multiple sites were not permitted.
Community engagement has formed a core part of the process, with the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee — representing local groups and stakeholders — involved throughout.
The City Corporation has promised that community involvement will continue as the new arrangements are implemented.
Hampstead Heath and Queen’s Park are managed as registered charities by the City Corporation at no expense to the taxpayer.
Last financial year, the corporation spent nearly £12 million on the upkeep and maintenance of Hampstead Heath.
It also manages 11,000 acres of public green space across London and the south-east.
Recent investment includes a £2.3m upgrade to the Parliament Hill Athletics Track, which is now one of only seven in England to hold TrackMark accreditation.
Long-term funding and stewardship, the corporation argues, are made possible through its current approach to managing the Heath.
A separate announcement concerning the café at Highgate Wood is expected in due course.
