Sir Keir Starmer weighs into Hampstead Heath cafes row

"We have been overwhelmed by the support we've received from the public since the City put our cafes on the market. Over six years we have seen the Lido cafe turn into a local year-round institution from almost a clean slate and Queen's Park and Highgate are twice as busy as when we took them on. It's surprising that in spite of the overwhelming local feeling that they should not go t"

"Four popular cafes across green spaces including Hampstead Heath have just handed their lease over to the chain Daisy Green, due to a decision made by the parks' managers the City of London. The leases in Queen's Park, Golders Hill Park, Parliament Hill Lido and Parliament Hill Fields were put up for tender last year. In December, around 21,907 people signed a petition opposing the move. Now, Sir Keir Starmer has weighed into the debate, despite the cafes being located just outside of his constituency."

Four popular cafes in north London green spaces — Queen's Park, Golders Hill Park, Parliament Hill Lido and Parliament Hill Fields — have had their leases awarded to the Daisy Green chain after the City of London retendered them. Around 21,907 people signed a petition opposing the decision in December. Sir Keir Starmer wrote in support of the cafes' operators, with his constituency office expressing sympathy but noting the matter lies outside his constituency. Emma Fernandez and Patrick Matthews operate the Lido cafe and must vacate their three eateries by February 2. Matthews said public support has been overwhelming and that the Lido grew into a year-round local institution over six years.

Read at www.standard.co.uk