They added their voice to calls to renew the leases on five independent cafes including two on the Heath, one at Parliament Hill Lido, and another in Queen’s Wood, Highgate.
Hampstead-based actor Benedict Cumberbatch has already spoken in support of the venues after Heath managers the City of London Corporation put the leases out to tender this summer.
Campaigners, who have collected 20,000 signatures on their Change.org petition, have organised an open air Save The Cafes Cabaret with live music, poetry, and puppetry in Swains Lane this Sunday. (October 12)
They believe the final meeting to decide the fate of the cafes will take place on October 21 – amid fears the leases could be handed to big chains with deeper pockets than the independents.
“If the City of London Corporation wants to serve the community on the Heath and other places it is crucial that we protect our sense of community by keeping these cafes in experienced local hand,” said James McAvoy.
“The current owners can tailor these spaces to the people and communities they serve in a way that large chains and corporations are just incapable of doing.”
Downton Abbey actor Stephen Campbell Moore added: “The Lido Cafe provides a community of swimmers and passers-by with invaluable warmth, wonderful music and laughter, exhibitions of local artists, affordable home-made food with a menu that changes weekly and is made by chefs passionate about what they do.
“It is magnetic in bringing people together. These are all things no chain could dream of doing and few other independent cafes have managed to achieve in the same way. If the City of London Corporation is truly interested in serving the people that frequent the Heath, they should actually ask them what they would prefer. Perhaps the thousands of signatures against this potential change already answers the question.”
Klaxons keyboardist James Righton, who is married to actor Keira Knightley, called the Lido Cafe a “Hampstead institution”.
“Places like this are what makes London so special. The Lido cafe is at the heart of our community,” he added.
Stefan Simianowitz, journalist and founder of the Glade Theatre, which is staging Sunday’s cabaret said: “If the City of London Corporation are planning to announce their decision next week, this means that we may have just ten days to save our cafes.
“Sunday’s cabaret is intended to demonstrate the massive groundswell of local support for these much-loved cafes.”
CoL has previously said it was inviting bids from all interested parties including existing operators.
Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park committee chair, Sheriff and Alderman, Gregory Jones KC, said: “All five café operators are trading under tenancies at will, which are short-term arrangements.
“This process will provide greater clarity and security for the cafés’ operators, supporting their long-term investment and future on these sites.
“We are focused on securing the best operators to serve the local community and support the aims of our open spaces charities.
“We deeply appreciate the long-standing contributions of our café operators.
“Their experience and dedication are valued, and they are encouraged to take part in this opportunity.”
Save the Cafes Cabaret runs 1pm – 5pm on October 18 on a pop up stage in Swains Lane between Superette and Fam greengrocers.
