Key Takeaways
- The D’Auria family’s Italian cafe at Parliament Hill Fields is facing a potential takeover by the CLC, putting jobs at risk
- The cafe employs around 50 members of staff during the summer and 30 over the winter
- Local residents and regular customers are concerned about the potential loss of a community hub
- A "save our cafes" campaign, supported by celebrities such as Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy, has been ongoing to fight the takeover
- A similar re-tendering process was attempted in 2016, but was ultimately dropped due to protests
Introduction to the Issue
The D’Auria family’s Italian cafe at Parliament Hill Fields has been a staple of the community for 45 years. However, the family is now facing a potentially devastating blow as the CLC (Corporation of London) considers a takeover of the cafe. The couple who run the cafe are concerned that this move will put the jobs of their employees at risk. With around 50 members of staff employed during the summer and 30 over the winter, the potential loss of these jobs is a significant concern for the local community.
Community Reaction
The news of the potential takeover has sparked a strong reaction from the local community. Regular customers of the cafe, such as Kate Orr and Imogen West, have expressed their concerns about the potential loss of a community hub. Orr, 56, from Camden, stated that the cafe is "part of the community", highlighting its importance to the local area. West, 56, from Hampstead Heath, added that the cafe serves a diverse range of people, from those with money to those without, making it a vital part of the community’s fabric. The cafe’s role in bringing people together and providing a welcoming space for all is clearly valued by those who use it.
The "Save Our Cafes" Campaign
In response to the CLC’s decision, a "save our cafes" campaign was launched, led by journalist Stefan Simanowitz. The campaign included a petition that was signed by over 20,000 people, demonstrating the strong opposition to the takeover. The campaign also received support from several high-profile celebrities, including Benedict Cumberbatch, James McAvoy, and Stephen Campbell Moore. Simanowitz, 49, has expressed his outrage at the CLC’s decision and has vowed to continue fighting against the takeover. The campaign’s success in garnering support from the local community and beyond is a testament to the cafe’s importance and the strength of feeling against the takeover.
Previous Attempts at Takeover
This is not the first time that the Parliament Hill Cafe has faced a potential takeover. In 2016, a similar re-tendering process was attempted, with coffee chain Benugo emerging as the preferred bidder. However, following protests backed by Sir Keir Starmer, MP for Holborn and St Pancras, Benugo ultimately dropped out of the takeover. Starmer, who is now the Prime Minister, played a key role in supporting the community’s opposition to the takeover. The success of the protests in 2016 will likely give hope to those fighting against the current takeover, and may serve as a precedent for the CLC to reconsider their decision.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The potential takeover of the D’Auria family’s Italian cafe at Parliament Hill Fields is a concerning development for the local community. The cafe’s importance as a community hub and the potential loss of jobs are significant concerns that need to be addressed. The "save our cafes" campaign, supported by celebrities and locals alike, demonstrates the strength of feeling against the takeover. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the CLC will reconsider their decision and whether the cafe will be able to continue serving the community for years to come. The community will be watching closely as the next steps are taken, and will likely continue to fight to save this beloved cafe.