'It's the right thing to do': Benugo pulls out of Hampstead Heath cafe takeover after massive backlash

Benugo has pulled out of plans to take over a much-loved family-run cafe on Hampstead Heath after a massive community backlash.

The cafe chain said it was "stepping aside" because it was "the right thing to do".

The move represents a stunning victory for the thousands of people who objected to the decision to take the Parliament Hill cafe away from the D'Auria family - after 33 years - and hand it to Benugo.

A protest was scheduled to take place on Saturday against the decision, which had been made by the Heath's custodian the City of London Corporation.

Celebrities including former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell, former Spice Girl Mel C and rapper Professor Green were among those backing the community campaign to reverse the decision.

Benugo will also scrap plans to take over another family-run cafe in the Golders Hill Park area of Hampstead Heath, which also attracted thousands of objections.

Benguo tweeted: "We’ve listened to locals & Hampstead Heath users, many of whom are existing @benugo customers.

"After much thought, we’re stepping aside from Parliament Hill café plus two other Heath venues.

"We believe this is the right thing to do. We’d like to wish all Heath users and the future operators the very best."

The company's founder, Ben Warner, said: "We’ve listened, and are responding in the way we think is best for all."

A petition against changing the management of the cafe won more than 13,000 signatures.

Sally Gimson, a councillor in Highgate who backed campaigners, said the news "shows that people power really works".

The City said it would now retender the contract to run the two cafes and a third one in Highgate Wood, which Benugo was also due to take on.

A spokesman said: “We understand the reasons for Benugo’s decision and accept they have acted in good faith throughout.

"In view of public concern we will now re-issue the tender for running of the Parliament Hill, Golders Hill Park and Highgate Wood cafes to make sure we do what is in the best interests of the Heath and its visitors.”

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