The following letter was issued in response to an article in the Camden New Journal on 18 July 2025.
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Dear Editor
In response to Dan Carrier’s article: “We [love] pasta! City is warned against turfing out Heath café”, I hope it is useful if I set out some of the relevant facts.
The cafés on Hampstead Heath are important community sites. We value the contributions of those who run them. However, they are currently trading under tenancies at will which are unsustainable short-term arrangements.
The re-marketing process, now underway through our appointed agency, will provide greater clarity and long-term security for our café operators, and the Heath charity – supporting investment in the sites, and enhancing the visitor experience.
The Corporation, as trustee for the charity that protects the Heath, is inviting proposals from all interested parties – including existing operators – who reflect its unique character, community spirit, and evolving needs.
Applicants can bid for one or more of the sites, and a number of criteria will be considered, including food offer, environmental impact, community value, and business plan strength.
We seek to ensure these open spaces are served by inclusive, welcoming cafés that support the long-term sustainability of the Heath charity and deliver for the millions of people who visit each year.
We encourage current operators to take part in the process.
Yours ever,
Alderman & Sheriff Gregory Jones KC
Chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queens Park Committee
Corporation
ENDS
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