PLANS to hand four independently run cafes in Hampstead Heath to an Australian-inspired chain have sparked “outrage” within the community, campaigners say.

The City of London Corporation (CLC) has selected Daisy Green to run cafes at Queen’s Park, Golders Hill Park, Parliament Hill Lido and Parliament Hill Fields from spring 2026.

Existing operators were told on Friday that they must give up their sites by the end of January.

Two of the cafes have been run by Kentish Town couple Patrick Matthews and Emma Fernandez, whose customers include actors Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy, for 10 years.

Ms Fernandez said she was “devastated” by the news, adding: “We created a real community hub.

“The CLC are just destroying this fabric which is holding together the community.”

She and her husband said the cafes function as vital community hubs and host free events and exhibitions for residents and artists.

The couple also warned that jobs were at risk, with around 50 staff employed in the summer.

The CLC said Daisy Green will bring “upgraded menus, improved facilities and welcoming spaces.”

Daisy Green co-founder Prue Freeman said the company was “delighted” to be chosen and pledged to run welcoming, affordable and sustainable cafes.

Lido regular Kate Orr, from Camden, said: “There are a lot of people who come here who are really struggling with their mental health or are lonely, or who don’t quite fit in in the world, or who don’t have much money.

“This is the most tolerant and inclusive place … This is the strongest sense of community I’ve had in my 56 years by a long way.

“The cafe is genuinely part of that community.”

Journalist Stefan Simanowitz said he was outraged by the decision and will continue to fight it.

He spearheaded a “save our cafes” campaign, which included a petition signed by more than 20,000 people and was supported by Mr Cumberbatch, Mr McAvoy and fellow actor Stephen Campbell Moore.

In August, Mr Cumberbatch told the Camden New Journal: “This is about people and not profit.

“It’s vital that we stand up for people who run businesses that serve the community, to preserve the livelihoods of individuals who have been crafting relationships with their customers.”