City of London Pauses North London Cafe Evictions After Legal Challenge 

Key Points

• Patrick Matthews and Emma Fernandez, who run three cafes at north London beauty spots including Parliament Hill Lido, Queen’s Park, and Highgate Wood through their company Hoxton Beach, have secured a temporary pause on their evictions following a legal challenge against the City of London Corporation.
• The City of London Corporation, responsible for managing green spaces like Hampstead Heath as a registered charity, awarded leases for two of the couple’s sites plus two other cafes to the Australian-inspired chain Daisy Green; the third site went to another operator.
• The couple were informed just before Christmas that they were unsuccessful in the retendering process and told to vacate by Monday 2 February.
• Matthews and Fernandez accuse the Corporation of unfairness and lack of transparency in the retendering process, viewing it as a commercial exercise to raise funds.
• Through their lawyers, they have been informed they do not need to vacate the cafes next week, though the Corporation may seek a court order to repossess the premises.
• Matthews described the pause as “small mercies,” expressing relief that it prevents an immediate closure that “would have been impractical and probably would have destroyed our business.”
• The decision has sparked a community backlash, with over 22,000 signatures on a Change.org petition calling for the retention of current cafe operators.
• The couple raised more than £9,000 through a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign to fund their legal action.
• Celebrities including actors Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy have publicly backed the campaign against the evictions.
• The City of London Corporation, which governs London’s Square Mile, manages these sites despite their location outside the financial district.

Inverted Pyramid

Hampstead Heath (North London News) January 31, 2026 – Patrick Matthews and Emma Fernandez, operators of three beloved cafes at north London beauty spots through Hoxton Beach, have achieved a temporary halt to their evictions after launching a legal challenge against the City of London Corporation. The couple, who have managed sites at Parliament Hill Lido, Queen’s Park, and Highgate Wood for several years, were initially ordered to vacate by 2 February following a controversial retendering process that favoured the Australian-inspired chain Daisy Green for key leases.

What Triggered the Eviction Notices?

The evictions stemmed from a retendering exercise conducted by the City of London Corporation, the body overseeing London’s Square Mile and extending its management to open spaces like Hampstead Heath, which it operates as a registered charity. As detailed in the initial reporting, Matthews and Fernandez received notice just before Christmas that they had lost the bids for their sites. The Corporation awarded leases for Parliament Hill Lido and Queen’s Park cafes, along with two other locations, to Daisy Green, while Highgate Wood went to a separate operator.

Patrick Matthews and Emma Fernandez were left reeling from the sudden directive to clear out by Monday 2 February, a timeline they deemed unfeasible. “We are grateful for small mercies,” Matthews stated directly, highlighting the immediate relief from the pause. He added,

“We are very relieved we don’t have to get out in a few days’ time, which would have been impractical and probably would have destroyed our business.”

Why Are Matthews and Fernandez Challenging the Decision?

Through their company Hoxton Beach, the couple is pursuing legal action centred on allegations of procedural flaws. They claim the retendering process lacked fairness and transparency, accusing the City of London Corporation of prioritising commercial gains over equitable competition. This perspective frames the process as a revenue-raising manoeuvre rather than a merit-based selection.

The Corporation has acknowledged the legal intervention but signalled its intent to counter with a potential court order for repossession. No further details on the interim agreement have been disclosed, leaving the long-term status of the cafes uncertain.

How Has the Local Community Responded?

Public outrage has been swift and substantial, with locals and regular patrons decrying the replacement of familiar, community-oriented cafes with a chain operator. A Change.org petition demanding the Corporation retain the current operators has amassed over 22,000 signatures, reflecting widespread support in north London.

The crowdfunding effort on GoFundMe has similarly surged, raising more than £9,000 to cover legal costs. This financial backing underscores the depth of community investment in preserving the cafes’ role as social hubs at scenic spots like Hampstead Heath.

Which Celebrities Have Backed the Campaign?

High-profile endorsements have amplified the story’s reach. Actors Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy, both known for their affinity with London’s cultural scene, have voiced support for Matthews and Fernandez. Their involvement has drawn additional media attention, framing the dispute as a defence of local character against corporate encroachment.

What Role Does the City of London Corporation Play?

The City of London Corporation’s dual remit—governing the financial district while stewarding charitable green spaces—has come under scrutiny. Despite Hampstead Heath’s location far from the Square Mile, the Corporation holds statutory responsibility for its upkeep, including commercial concessions like cafes. Critics question whether profit motives align with the charity’s ethos.

The retendering decision to hand contracts to Daisy Green, an Australian-inspired chain, has fuelled perceptions of a disconnect from local needs. Daisy Green’s expansion into these sites marks a shift towards branded operations, contrasting with the personalised service offered by Hoxton Beach.

What Are the Cafes’ Locations and Significance?

Parliament Hill Lido, nestled within Hampstead Heath, Queen’s Park in Kilburn, and Highgate Wood represent cherished north London escapes. These venues have served as gathering points for families, joggers, and nature enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community under Matthews and Fernandez’s stewardship.

The lido cafe, in particular, complements the historic swimming facility, offering respite amid the Heath’s expansive heathland. Queen’s Park cafe supports the diverse, multicultural neighbourhood, while Highgate Wood provides a tranquil woodland retreat. Losing these operators risks altering the unique atmosphere patrons value.

When Was the Retendering Process Conducted?

Notifications arrived precariously close to the Christmas period, intensifying the sense of ambush. The process itself remains opaque, with Hoxton Beach alleging insufficient disclosure of evaluation criteria or competitor bids. This timing exacerbated logistical challenges, as winter closures and family holidays complicated relocation efforts.

What Happens Next in the Legal Battle?

The eviction pause buys precious time, but the Corporation’s threat of a court order looms. Lawyers for Matthews and Fernandez continue to probe the retendering’s compliance with procurement standards. A full hearing could extend the saga, potentially reshaping tendering practices for public green spaces.

Hoxton Beach’s case emphasises due process, urging greater openness in decisions affecting community assets. Success might set a precedent for other tenants facing similar redevelopments.

Why Does This Matter for North London’s Green Spaces?

Hampstead Heath and its environs embody London’s commitment to accessible nature, drawing millions annually. Cafes like those run by Hoxton Beach enhance visitor experience without dominating the landscape. The dispute highlights tensions between conservation, commerce, and community in managing these irreplaceable sites.

Residents fear Daisy Green’s arrival signals homogenisation, eroding the quirky, independent vibe that defines north London. The petition’s traction and celebrity support suggest a broader conversation on preserving local enterprises amid economic pressures.

How Has Daisy Green Responded?

No public statement from Daisy Green appears in available coverage, leaving their perspective unarticulated. As an expanding chain with a focus on vibrant, plant-based menus, the firm likely views the awards as business growth. However, entering amid controversy may test community relations from the outset.

What Broader Implications Arise for Cafe Operators?

Small operators nationwide watch closely, as public bodies increasingly retender contracts to maximise yields. Hoxton Beach’s challenge could influence guidelines on transparency and tenant protections. For charities like the Heath’s overseers, balancing income with public goodwill remains pivotal.

Matthews and Fernandez’s resilience—bolstered by crowdfunding and petitions—exemplifies grassroots pushback. Their story resonates beyond north London, spotlighting vulnerabilities in the gig economy of hospitality.