Hampstead Heath cafe tenants win right to challenge lease decision

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 15:02 · Archive

Hoxton Beach, which operates three cafes on Hampstead Heath, has won a High Court ruling to challenge the City of London Corporation's decision to award leases to Daisy Green.

Patrick Matthews and Emma Fernandez, who operate cafes under the Hoxton Beach brand at Parliament Hill Lido, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park on Hampstead Heath, have won a High Court ruling to challenge the City of London Corporation's retendering decision. Last December, following the retendering process, their bid to keep running the three venues was rejected. The Corporation instead awarded the leases to Australian chain Daisy Green—which operates 21 restaurants and cafes across London—and local operator Cosmin Stuparu.

Daisy Green has only received keys to Parliament Hill Fields, which opened in July. The other three cafes have been stalled during the legal process. In March, Hoxton Beach filed a judicial review through solicitors Leigh Day, arguing that the Corporation had not acted as a public authority with statutory duties but as a commercial landowner, making the process unfair. Ms Fernandez told The Standard: 'There was no warning, no real engagement from the landlord to tell us what they expected, and no guidance. This is our livelihood that is at stake.'

After seven months of deliberation, the High Court judge approved the application to proceed with the challenge. Mr Matthews said the ruling vindicated their concerns about the process. Protestors had gathered petition signatures, held demonstrations and raised funds to support their legal battle.

How it is being reported

• London cafe wars: Hampstead Heath tenants win right to challenge tender decisionCity of London Corporation awarded tender for park cafes to Australian operator Daisy Green - could the decision be overturned?Evening Standard · 14 Oct, 14:52
• Hampstead Heath cafe tenants CAN challenge decision to hand lease to Daisy GreenHoxton Beach, the tenants of three cafes including Parliament Hill Lido cafe on Hampstead Heath, have won the right to challenge a decision to award the lease to Aussie chain Daisy Green.This Is Local London · 13 Oct, 17:27

In this story: Patrick Matthews · Emma Fernandez · Hoxton Beach · Daisy Green · City of London Corporation · Hampstead Heath · Cosmin Stuparu · Leigh Day

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