The owners of three cherished north London cafes have secured a temporary reprieve from eviction after launching a legal challenge against their landlord, the City of London Corporation. Patrick Matthews and Emma Fernandez, who operate the Lido cafe at Parliament Hill Lido, plus establishments in Queen's Park and Highgate Wood, were informed they do not need to vacate their premises next week as originally demanded.
Legal Battle Over Cafe Leases
Matthews and Fernandez, trading through their company Hoxton Beach, have been running these cafes for several years at popular green spaces managed by the City of London Corporation. Just before Christmas, they received notice that they had been unsuccessful in a retendering process for their leases. The corporation awarded the leases for two of their sites, along with two other cafes, to the Australian-inspired chain Daisy Green, while the lease for their third site went to another operator.
The couple were instructed to vacate by Monday 2 February, but have now been granted a pause through their legal representatives. However, the corporation has indicated it may seek a court order to repossess the premises, leaving the future of the cafes uncertain.
Allegations of Unfair Process
Matthews and Fernandez accuse the City of London Corporation of unfairness and a lack of transparency in the retendering process. They believe it was conducted as a commercial exercise aimed at raising revenue, rather than considering the community value of their long-standing businesses. In response, a spokesperson for the corporation stated that they had "followed a legitimate and open process" and rejected any suggestion that it was unlawful.
"We are grateful for small mercies," said Matthews. "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."
Community Support and Crowdfunding
The corporation's decision has sparked significant backlash from the local community and cafe customers. High-profile actors Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy have publicly backed the campaign to retain the current operators. More than 22,000 people have signed a petition calling for the corporation to reconsider, demonstrating strong public opposition to the changes.
To fund their legal action, Matthews and Fernandez have raised over £9,000 through a crowdfunding campaign. This financial support underscores the community's commitment to preserving these local businesses.
New Operator and Corporation's Stance
Daisy Green, the chain awarded the leases, describes itself as bringing "relaxed and buzzing Australian food and coffee culture to London." It operates 21 sites across the capital, including locations at the National Portrait Gallery and a barge on the Thames at Richmond. The corporation has stated that Daisy Green has committed to retaining existing staff and paying the London living wage, as well as purchasing equipment from the current operators where possible.
Despite this, the corporation maintains its position, with a spokesperson adding: "Hoxton Beach have refused to leave the cafes they occupy despite their tenancies having been terminated. The City Corporation may if appropriate seek an order for possession in the county court. We want the approved operators to move in as soon as possible."
This case highlights ongoing tensions between commercial interests and community assets in London's hospitality sector, with the outcome likely to set a precedent for similar disputes in the future.
