Hundreds back campaign against 'dull chain' taking over family-run Hampstead Heath cafe after 33 years

Changing hands: The cafe on Hampstead Heath
Tony Marshall
Tom Marshall19 March 2016

Hundreds of people including former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell have backed a campaign to stop a much-loved park café being taken over by a “dull” chain.

The Parliament Hill Cafe on Hampstead Heath has been run by Alberto D'Auria, 70, and his family for the past 33 years.

But last week the City of London Corporation, which manages the Heath, sparked outrage by deciding to put Benugo in charge of the business, along with a second café in the Golders Hill Park section of the Heath.

Fans of the café from as far afield as the US are now backing a campaign to reverse the decision.

A petition to “save” the Parliament Hill Cafe has quickly attracted more than 1,500 signatures, with Gospel Oak resident Mr Campbell showing his support by sharing it on Twitter.

It was started by Zoe James, who wrote: “Parliament Hill Cafe has been family run for more than three decades, offering generous sized, freshly prepared meals to their customers without breaking their budgets.

“Too many small businesses are failing in favour of large corporates, when we, as the general public should be encouraging and supporting those smaller businesses who are providing A* customer service over solely having the emphasis on profit margins.

“Therefore, help us to help Alberto maintain his position within Parliament Hill and to continue providing a great service loved by not only local residents, but visitors alike.”

The City rejected the D'Auria family’s offer to stay at the helm and Benugo, which runs more than 20 cafes in museums, parks and stations, will take over in May for the next three years.

The cafe at Golders Hill Park is also going to be managed by Benugo
Mike Quinn

Scores of people have added their voices to the petition.

Many were unaware that the contract had even been tendered and fear prices will shoot up when Benugo moves in.

Nicole McBride wrote: “We need to protect independent coffee houses and this one has contributed to the life of Hampstead Heath for years.”

Julia O'Brien said: “I have used the cafe for years and my children and five grandchildren all go… I am amazed that the City of London want to close this excellent old business amd give us a dull 'chain' menu instead, and I fear that the currently affordable prices will vanish.”

Matthew Wells, from Brookyln in New York, posted: “I have been to this cafe numerous times on visits back home to London with my nephews and nieces and my own kids and it's great, and it doesn't need to be turned into another profit centre for some chain. Let's have variety and real local choice.”

Local councillor Sally Gimson, who sits on the committee that made the decision but voted against it, told the Standard: “I warned the City there would be a big backlash.

“They should have looked at the wider community benefits that this family business brings and not just thought about who was going to bring them the most money.

“The City should look at the decision again.”

Benugo and the City have been asked to comment.

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