Visitors to some of London’s most cherished green spaces can look forward to a revitalised café experience, as a preferred operator has been selected to take leases for facilities across Hampstead Heath and Queen’s Park.
At its meeting on Monday 8 December, following a six month proposal process, careful examination of officers’ recommendations, and a thorough discussion on the merits of thirty bids, the City of London Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee agreed to progress lease negotiations with independent café operator, Daisy Green, for four cafés at Parliament Hill Fields, Parliament Hill Lido, Golders Hill Park, and Queen’s Park.
Daisy Green is set to deliver high-quality food, welcoming community spaces, and significant investment, creating an even more enjoyable experience for visitors.
They have committed to strong community and environmental initiatives as part of the proposed agreement. These include sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, supporting charities in the area, creating family-friendly spaces with activities for children, and reducing their environmental impact through the removal of single-use plastics and zero waste menu items.
As part of their wider offer, Daisy Green hosts Seniors’ Afternoon Teas, providing local older residents significantly discounted refreshments and a welcoming space to socialise, and caters for a wide range of dietary and religious requirements, with clearly labelled vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and allergen-friendly options.
Visitors can also expect seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients, and thoughtfully upgraded café buildings to ensure they remain welcoming, accessible, and fit for the future.
The City Corporation, which manages Hampstead Heath and Queen’s Park as registered charities, says the proposals promise an exciting future for the cafés, with refreshed menus, improved facilities, and a strong commitment to affordability, sustainability, and local community benefit.
The announcement follows an extensive remarketing exercise, independently supported by expert hospitality consultants, Davis Coffer Lyons, to identify operators that can provide modern, community-focused and environmentally responsible cafes that reflect the unique character and needs of each location.
The remarketing exercise was open, inclusive, widely publicised and ensured fair competition. All existing café operators and potential bidders were invited to submit proposals and provided with the same information and opportunities.
Until now, café operators across these open spaces have been trading under tenancies at will, which are unsustainable short-term arrangements. The remarketing exercise was essential to providing greater clarity and security for operators themselves, and ensure that high-quality, inclusive café operators deliver friendly community spaces which help sustain the charities’ long-term future.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, Alderman Gregory Jones KC, said:
“These cafés play an essential role in the life of our green spaces, and we are delighted to be moving forward with an independent operator that will bring energy, creativity, and investment to each site.
“Daisy Green demonstrated the strongest blend of quality, sustainability, affordability, and community value – all central to our role as stewards of these wonderful places.
“Their commitment to enhancing facilities, keeping menus fresh, and celebrating the distinctive character of each café will ensure visitors continue to enjoy warm, welcoming spaces for many years to come.
“I would like to thank all operators – both past and present – for their dedication and service. The standard of bids we received was incredibly high, reflecting how valued these cafés are by the communities they serve.”
Prue Freeman, Co-Founder of Daisy Green, added: “As users of these open spaces, we are delighted to be selected for these much-loved cafés. Each site has a unique character and generational roots within its community. We look forward to creating wonderful spaces for all; serving delicious, locally sourced food and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
“As an independent London based business, we are proud of our long-standing support of local suppliers and charities, providing family-friendly activities, and running environmentally responsible operations.
“We want these cafés to remain welcoming spaces where everyone feels included and connected to these very special spaces.”
Daisy Green has also established a new ‘opening forum’ with interested parties invited to join and provide their valuable insights for the café spaces.
Current operators have been informed of the Committee’s decision, and Daisy Green are expected to be fully operational by spring next year.
A formal decision on the café at Highgate Wood will be made in due course once further due diligence is carried out on the Committee’s preferred operator.
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