Five London café operators could be replaced

More than 19,000 people have signed a petition backing current operators at the five cafés

Five cafés on land owned by the City of London Corporation are expected to have their future decided next month after their leases were put out to tender.

The corporation invited bids from potential operators to run Parliament Hill Fields Café, Parliament Hill Fields Lido Café, Golders Hill Park Café, Highgate Wood Café and Queen's Park Café. It said the move aimed to "ensure a high-quality visitor experience".

More than 19,000 people signed a petition backing current operators, with celebrities including Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy joining the campaign.

Doug Crawford, of the Café Working Group, said there had been "no transparency at all about the process".

"The tender process has been shrouded in secrecy," he said.

"The City have systematically refused to engage with the local community and have steadfastly avoided any public scrutiny.

"A decision to award the leases to the existing operators will go some way towards restoring public trust in the City. The ball is in the City's court. We sincerely hope that they come to the right decision."

The corporation announced it was remarketing the sites in July.

It followed similar circumstances in 2016, when the corporation awarded the leases to Benugo.

The chain withdrew its bid following a local campaign that included support from Sir Keir Starmer as MP for Holborn and St Pancras.

Alberto D'Auria, who started running the Parliament Hill Café about 45 years ago, said: "I think we are going to win again. We have got so many supporters."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that a decision on the preferred bidders is expected at a meeting of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee on 8 December.

Alberto D'Auria hopes the current operators will be able to keep running the cafés

A spokesperson for the corporation said all five café operators were trading under tenancies at will, which were 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," they said.

"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.

"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."