Benedict Cumberbatch has spoken out once more, supporting the petition against the evictions of two cafés in Hampstead Heath, which have been told to leave by the City of London.
The D’Auria family, who have run the Parliament Hill Fields Cafe for 44 years, were given a month to pack up after managers for the park and garden decided to award a new contract to Daisy Green, a growing chain of Australian-inspired cafés.
It is a similar story for Patrick Matthews and Emma Fernandez, who run the Lido Café and who have been told they are to be replaced.
Academy Award-nominated Cumberbatch has put his name to a local campaign and said: “We are deeply concerned by the decision to award a contract to a high-end chain,” he said.
“It is a massive oversight to forget the importance of family run cafés who are integral to the fabric of our community. We cannot let this happen.”
Stefan Simanowitz, an Amnesty International worker who has been leading the petition, told the Standard: “We are shocked and outraged by this decision and we intend to fight it.
“It would be tragic if our local family-run cafés, operated by people who live in the community, were replaced with Daisy Green, a high-end chain.
"The four months has seen an incredible outpouring of support for these much-loved existing cafés and their operators who provide a vital and valued space for the community.”
Alberto D’Auria said the situation was hard to take and told local newspaper the Camden New Journal: “We have given them 44 years of service and they have given us a month to get out… This is our livelihood and at the end of the day, it just feels so disrespectful to be told we have to be out by the end of January.
“I am disgusted by the way we have been treated – absolutely disgusted. The many things we have done for the City over years – we have been part of this place as a family.”
The City of London Corporation, which manages Hampstead Heath, announced the results of a long-awaited tendering process on Friday.
Alderman Gregory Jones KC, chair of the City of London Heath management committee, said: “These cafés play an essential role in the life of our green spaces, and we are delighted to be moving forward with an independent operator that will bring energy, creativity, and investment to each site.”
The City of London also argued that Daisy Green was not a chain because each venue has a different identity.
It sparked an immediate response from customers who often use the cafés while visiting the park.
One, Karen Smith, told the Standard: “The City of London’s recent decision to remove the long‑standing independent operators of Hampstead Heath’s beloved cafés and award the leases to Daisy Green is nothing short of a civic disgrace.
“What should have been a transparent, community‑minded process instead unfolded behind closed doors, culminating in a pre‑Christmas ambush that has devastated livelihoods, infuriated residents, and thrown decades of local heritage into jeopardy.”
Hampstead and Highgate MP Tulip Siddiq said she would fight to get the decision overturned.
“I am appalled that local businesses have been told in the week before Christmas they will be turfed out of their cafés,” she said.
“This decision by the City of London shows a total disregard for the community and I will continue to fight it every step of the way.”
More than 20,000 people have signed a petition to oppose the eviction of the D’Auria family. There has been similar support for the Parliament Hill Cafe, which has slightly longer to fight back.
Daisy Green was founded by Prudence Freeman and Tom Onions in 2012. The chain operates numerous cafés and restaurants, including sites in Holland Park, Richmond, and Mayfair.
Ms Freeman said: “As users of these open spaces, we are delighted to be selected for these much-loved cafés. Each site has a unique character and generational roots within its community. We look forward to creating wonderful spaces for all; serving delicious, locally sourced food and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
“As an independent London-based business, we are proud of our long-standing support of local suppliers and charities, providing family-friendly activities, and running environmentally responsible operations. We want these cafés to remain welcoming spaces where everyone feels included and connected to these very special spaces.”
Nine years ago, another chain, Benugo, pulled out of taking over the Parliament Hill site after a public outcry.
