The charities responsible for three of the capital’s most cherished green spaces – Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen’s Park – are inviting proposals from potential operators to lease five individual café facilities across these iconic sites.
Proposals are invited from all interested parties – including existing operators – that reflect each site’s unique character, community spirit, and evolving visitor needs. Applicants can bid for one or more sites.
The City of London Corporation, which manages these open spaces as registered charities, says the re-marketing process will ensure that high-quality, inclusive café operators deliver welcoming community spaces which help sustain the charities’ long-term future.
Consideration will be given to several criteria, including café concept, menu and food offer, environmental management, community and social value, management approach, experience and references, as well as the overall strength of the business plan.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, Sheriff and Alderman, Gregory Jones KC, said:
“As custodians of some of north London’s most popular open spaces, we want to ensure these sites offer the best experience for the millions of people who visit each year. A competitive re-marketing process will help us deliver that aim.
“All five café operators are trading under tenancies at will, which are short-term arrangements. This process will provide greater clarity and security for the cafés’ operators, supporting their long-term investment and future on these sites.
“We are focused on securing the best operators to serve the local community and support the aims of our open spaces charities.
“We deeply appreciate the long-standing contributions of our café operators. Their experience and dedication are valued, and they are encouraged to take part in this opportunity.”
Hampstead Heath is a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation and forms part of the 11,000 acres of open space owned and protected by the City Corporation across London and southeast England.
It attracts around 8.1 million visits every year and has won a Green Flag Award every year since 1997.
One of London’s most popular attractions, it offers extensive sports and leisure facilities, including three bathing ponds, a Lido, newly refurbished Parliament Hill athletics track, and over a dozen pitches and courts.
The Heath also supports thousands of students through its onsite education centre and remains freely open for millions of visitors to explore nature in the heart of the capital.
Highgate Wood is a 70-acre Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation and has been managed by the City of London Corporation since 1886. It has both cricket and football pitches and is home to the most complete Roman pottery kiln to be found by archaeologists in Greater London. The site has received a Green Flag Award every year since the scheme began in 1996.
Queen’s Park is a 30-acre Victorian park in the Queen’s Park Conservation Area, managed by the City of London Corporation since 1887. It features landscaped gardens, sports courts and a strong local community presence. Like Highgate Wood, it has proudly won the Green Flag Award every year since the scheme was launched.
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