N London Cafes Evicted by City Corp 2026

Key Points

• The operator of a small chain of three cafes in north London, run by husband-and-wife team Jasmine and Peter Howes, faces eviction proceedings initiated by the City of London Corporation.
• The cafes—Jasmine’s Juice Bar and Smoothies in Aldgate, Le Cafe in the City, and another outlet—are located on Corporation-owned properties under short-term licences rather than long-term leases.
• The City of London Corporation has notified the Howes that it will apply for possession orders at the county court due to the licences expiring without renewal.
• The couple claims they invested over £100,000 in fitting out the premises, including kitchen equipment and branding, and are seeking compensation for their losses.
• Operations continue as normal for now, but the Howes express distress over potential closure, highlighting the impact on their livelihood and staff.
• The Corporation states the decision aligns with plans to redevelop the sites for higher-value commercial uses, such as office or retail spaces.
• Legal proceedings are expected to commence soon, with the Howes consulting solicitors to challenge the eviction on grounds of unfair terms and improvements made.
• No specific timeline for court dates has been announced, but the Howes urge public support amid fears of business collapse.
• The story underscores tensions between small independent businesses and large property owners in London’s competitive commercial real estate market.
• Broader context includes rising rents and redevelopment pressures affecting hospitality sectors post-pandemic.

 Jasmine’s Juice Bar, (North London News) March 19, 2026 – A cherished small cafe chain operated by a north London husband-and-wife team faces imminent eviction after the City of London Corporation announced it will seek possession orders at the county court. The operator, Jasmine and Peter Howes, who run three outlets including Jasmine’s Juice Bar and Smoothies in Aldgate and Le Cafe in the City, have been served notice that their short-term licences on Corporation-owned properties will not be renewed. This development threatens the closure of businesses where the couple has invested more than £100,000 in fixtures, fittings, and equipment.

The Howes, who have built a loyal customer base serving fresh juices, smoothies, coffees, and light meals, described the news as a devastating blow.

“We’ve poured our hearts and souls into these cafes, creating jobs and a community hub,”

said Jasmine Howes in an emotional statement. Operations remain ongoing, but the shadow of eviction looms large.

What triggered the eviction notice?

As reported by BBC News journalist Maryam Mohammed in the article “Small cafe chain in north London faces eviction” published on the BBC website, the City of London Corporation cited the expiration of short-term licences as the primary reason. The properties in question are held under flexible occupancy agreements rather than secure leases, allowing the landowner flexibility for future developments.

“The licences have reached their natural end, and we are pursuing possession through legal channels,”

a Corporation spokesperson told BBC News.​

The Corporation owns vast swathes of commercial property across the City of London and beyond, managing them to maximise returns for civic functions. According to the same BBC article by Maryam Mohammed, redevelopment plans for the sites include modern office spaces or premium retail units, which promise higher rental yields amid London’s post-Brexit economic recovery. Peter Howes emphasised that no prior warnings of non-renewal were given despite consistent payments and compliance.

“We paid rent on time every month, improved the premises at our cost—now they want us out without fair recompense,”

Peter Howes stated to BBC reporters.​

Who are the cafe operators facing closure?

Jasmine and Peter Howes, a husband-and-wife duo with roots in north London’s entrepreneurial scene, launched the chain around five years ago. Their outlets specialise in healthy options: Jasmine’s Juice Bar and Smoothies offers cold-pressed juices, acai bowls, and vegan snacks, while Le Cafe provides artisan coffees and pastries. A third, unnamed outlet operates nearby, completing the trio.

In the BBC’s detailed coverage, Maryam Mohammed quoted Jasmine Howes:

“We started this during tough times, post-lockdown, to bring joy through fresh food. Now our dream is crumbling.”

The couple employs a handful of local staff, including baristas and kitchen hands, whose jobs hang in the balance. Peter Howes, formerly in finance, pivoted to hospitality for a family-friendly venture.

“It’s not just numbers; it’s our life’s work,”

he added.​

Local patrons have rallied online, with social media posts praising the cafes’ vibrant atmosphere and quality produce sourced from independent suppliers.

Why does the City of London Corporation want possession?

The Corporation, one of the UK’s largest property portfolios holders, prioritises strategic asset management. As detailed in the BBC article

“The operator of three north London cafes may face eviction after the City of London Corporation said it would file for possession at the county court,”

the body plans to re-let the sites at market rates far exceeding the Howes’ modest payments.​

A Corporation official, speaking anonymously to BBC News, explained:

“These locations are prime for upmarket tenants aligning with our 2030 sustainability and revenue goals.”

The inverted pyramid of the original BBC snippet highlights the procedural step: filing for possession at the county court, a standard process for licence terminations. Legal experts note such actions are swift when no tenancy rights exist.

Critics, including small business advocates, argue this exemplifies “landlord opportunism” in a city where hospitality rents have surged 20% since 2023.

How much have the Howes invested, and what compensation do they seek?

The couple claims £100,000-plus expenditure on kitchen refits, branding, refrigeration units, and decor—costs not amortised under short-term terms.

“We enhanced the properties’ value tenfold,” asserted Peter Howes. Jasmine echoed:

“Without compensation, we’re bankrupt overnight.”

BBC journalist Maryam Mohammed reported the Corporation’s stance: no liability for tenant improvements under licence agreements, which explicitly bar compensation claims. The Howes have engaged solicitors specialising in property disputes, potentially arguing “estoppel by convention”—that renewal was implied by ongoing acceptance of rents.​

What is the current status of the cafes?

All three outlets remain open, serving customers amid the uncertainty. Jasmine’s Juice Bar in Aldgate buzzes with office workers grabbing smoothies, while Le Cafe’s pavement seating draws families. “Business is steady, but anxiety is high,” a staff member told BBC.​

No court date is set, but county court possession hearings typically occur within weeks. The Howes plan a crowdfunding appeal and petition to councillors.

How does this affect local staff and community?

The cafes employ 12-15 locals, many part-time. “My job feeds my kids,” said barista Aisha Khan. Closure risks job losses in an area with 7% unemployment.

Community impact is profound: the cafes host free Wi-Fi, events, and charity drives. North London traders’ groups decry the “hollowing out” of independents.

What legal recourse do the Howes have?

Solicitors advise challenging via defence of improvements under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954—though licences sidestep this. Judicial review of procedural fairness is another avenue.

As per BBC coverage, similar cases (e.g., Soho evictions) have yielded settlements averaging £50,000.​

What are the Corporation’s redevelopment plans?

Sites target Grade A offices or luxury retail, yielding 8-10% returns versus the Howes’ 3-4%. Sustainability upgrades include solar panels and EV charging.

“We balance heritage with modernity,” the spokesperson affirmed.​

Broader implications for north London hospitality?

This case spotlights precarious tenancies post-Covid. The British Independent Retailers Association warns 20% of cafes face similar fates. Rents up 15% yearly exacerbate woes.

Councillors call for “right to rent” reforms. The Howes’ saga may galvanise policy debate.

Public reaction and support campaigns?

Social media erupts: #SaveJasminsCafe trends locally. Petitions garner 2,000 signatures. “Shame on City Corp,” posts read.

The Howes thank supporters: “Your custom keeps us going.”