The City of London Corporation revealed in July that it was inviting bids from potential operators to run cafes at Parliament Hill Fields, Parliament Hill Fields Lido and Golders Hill Park, the Highgate Wood Café and the Queen’s Park Café.
For campaigners hoping to save the much-loved businesses, the move mirrors a decision in 2016 to award the leases to the chain Benugo.
Nine years ago, support from celebrities and politicians including Holborn and St Pancras MP Sir Keir Starmer led Benugo to withdraw.
This time, one petition has gathered more than 19,000 signatures, with support from stars including Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy and Hampstead and Highgate MP Tulip Siddiq.
Alberto D’Auria, who started running the Parliament Hill Café around 45 years ago, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the Corporation appeared more approachable in 2016.
Mr D’Auria, who is technically retired though still spends much of his time at the café, added the support from the community has been remarkable.
“I think we are going to win again,” he said. “Because we have got so many supporters.”
READ MORE:
Campaigner Doug Crawford, of the Café Working Group, said: “The ball is in the City’s court. We sincerely hope that they come to the right decision.”
Mr Crawford, who became part of the working group established following the 2016 case, said the retendering follows the Corporation looking to increase commercial income from its public spaces.
A decision is expected at a meeting of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park committee on December 8.
Factors will include the food offer, environmental management, community and social value and the strength of the business plans.
Mr Crawford said the decision will be “a watershed moment for the City, whether they realise it or not”.
He added: “The tender process has been shrouded in secrecy, the City have systematically refused to engage with the local community and have steadfastly avoided any public scrutiny, despite the numerous statements about their commitment to transparency, openness and public and community engagement.
“A decision to award the leases to the existing operators will go some way towards restoring public trust in the City and provide some reassurance that the views of over 20,000 petition signatories have not been ignored. Failure to do so will however only reinforce the view that the City is secretive and untrustworthy and disinterested in the public it is meant to be serving, in which case we will redouble our campaign efforts.”
A spokesperson for the Corporation said: “We have a responsibility to ensure that all café facilities on Hampstead Heath support the best interests of the charity and the millions of people who visit each year.
“All five café operators are trading under tenancies at will, which are short-term arrangements.
“A competitive remarketing process will help us ensure a high-quality visitor experience, offering welcoming community spaces that continue to meet the needs of local people.
“We deeply appreciate the long-standing contributions of our café operators. Their experience and dedication are valued, and they have been encouraged to take part in this opportunity. As part of the process, we invited proposals that reflect the Heath’s unique character and community spirit. We are now reviewing submissions.
“No leases have been awarded at this stage, and all applicants and operators will be notified directly of the outcome before any public announcement is made.”
