Five London cafe operators could be replaced

"There had been "no transparency at all about the process". "The tender process has been shrouded in secrecy," he said. "The City have systematically refused to engage with the local community and have steadfastly avoided any public scrutiny. "A decision to award the leases to the existing operators will go some way towards restoring public trust in the City. The ball is in the City's court. We sincerely hope that they come to the right decision."

"The corporation invited bids from potential operators to run Parliament Hill Fields Cafe, Parliament Hill Fields Lido Cafe, Golders Hill Park Cafe, Highgate Wood Cafe and Queen's Park Cafe. It said the move aimed to "ensure a high-quality visitor experience". More than 19,000 people signed a petition backing current operators, with celebrities including Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy joining the campaign."

"The corporation announced it was remarketing the sites in July. It followed similar circumstances in 2016, when the corporation awarded the leases to Benugo. The chain withdrew its bid following a local campaign that included support from Sir Keir Starmer as MP for Holborn and St Pancras. Alberto D'Auria, who started running the Parliament Hill Cafe about 45 years ago, said: "I think we are going to win again. We have got so many supporters.""

Five cafes on land owned by the City of London Corporation have been put out to tender, inviting bids to operate Parliament Hill Fields Cafe, Parliament Hill Fields Lido Cafe, Golders Hill Park Cafe, Highgate Wood Cafe and Queen's Park Cafe. More than 19,000 people signed a petition supporting current operators, with celebrities joining the campaign. Current operators trade under short-term tenancies at will. Local campaigners complain of secrecy and lack of community engagement. The corporation remarketed the sites in July, echoing a similar 2016 process that saw Benugo withdraw after local opposition. A preferred-bidder decision is expected at a committee meeting on 8 December.

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