A Petition of Protest: The Battle to Save London's Family-Owned Cafes from Gentrification
The takeover of four family-owned cafes in north London by the Australian-inspired chain Daisy Green has sparked widespread dismay among locals, with several high-profile patrons, including James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch, signing a petition protesting against the move. For Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, who recently visited one of these beloved cafes, the loss is not just about the business itself but about the sense of community it represents.
The Parliament Hill cafe, in particular, has been a staple for over 40 years, run by the D'Auria family. The humble, no-frills decor and lack of social media-friendly features make it an oasis from the polished, trend-led interiors of its rival cafes. On New Year's Eve, Cosslett found herself among a diverse crowd of customers, all united in their appreciation for the cafe's welcoming atmosphere.
But this isn't just about nostalgia; it's about something more fundamental – social atomisation. As chains continue to dominate high streets across the country, truly mixed and inclusive spaces are becoming increasingly rare. The loss of these cafes would be a devastating blow to local communities, who rely on them for affordable food, friendly service, and a sense of belonging.
For Cosslett, the value lies not in the aesthetics or pricing but in the human touch that sets these cafes apart. It's the staff remembering her name, asking after her son, and offering him a free treat – it's this kind of connection that makes all the difference in our increasingly lonely lives.
As the City of London Corporation reconsiders its funding model for green spaces, Cosslett urges them to rethink their priorities. The pursuit of profit must not come at the cost of community spirit. We don't need avocado toast or Instagrammable backdrops; we just need a place where we can connect with others and feel seen.
The fate of these family-owned cafes hangs in the balance, but it's also a reflection of our broader values as a society. Do we value inclusivity and community over profit and gentrification? The answer will decide the future of these beloved institutions – and our collective well-being.
The takeover of four family-owned cafes in north London by the Australian-inspired chain Daisy Green has sparked widespread dismay among locals, with several high-profile patrons, including James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch, signing a petition protesting against the move. For Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, who recently visited one of these beloved cafes, the loss is not just about the business itself but about the sense of community it represents.
The Parliament Hill cafe, in particular, has been a staple for over 40 years, run by the D'Auria family. The humble, no-frills decor and lack of social media-friendly features make it an oasis from the polished, trend-led interiors of its rival cafes. On New Year's Eve, Cosslett found herself among a diverse crowd of customers, all united in their appreciation for the cafe's welcoming atmosphere.
But this isn't just about nostalgia; it's about something more fundamental – social atomisation. As chains continue to dominate high streets across the country, truly mixed and inclusive spaces are becoming increasingly rare. The loss of these cafes would be a devastating blow to local communities, who rely on them for affordable food, friendly service, and a sense of belonging.
For Cosslett, the value lies not in the aesthetics or pricing but in the human touch that sets these cafes apart. It's the staff remembering her name, asking after her son, and offering him a free treat – it's this kind of connection that makes all the difference in our increasingly lonely lives.
As the City of London Corporation reconsiders its funding model for green spaces, Cosslett urges them to rethink their priorities. The pursuit of profit must not come at the cost of community spirit. We don't need avocado toast or Instagrammable backdrops; we just need a place where we can connect with others and feel seen.
The fate of these family-owned cafes hangs in the balance, but it's also a reflection of our broader values as a society. Do we value inclusivity and community over profit and gentrification? The answer will decide the future of these beloved institutions – and our collective well-being.
and I'm still reeling, you know how some music festivals have those crazy long lines for the bathrooms 
? Anyway, I was thinking, have you guys tried that new vegan cafe downtown? I went there with friends last weekend and OMG their matcha lattes are TO DIE FOR 
️. But what's really cool about this place is they use compostable cups and lids 
. I'm all for sustainability and reducing waste. We should totally support more eco-friendly businesses like that, maybe it'll inspire the City of London Corp to rethink their funding model for green spaces 
.
just reading about how much ppl care for these family-owned cafes in london... its not just bout the food or prices, its about the human connection we're losin in this age 
who needs instagrammable backdrops when u can have staff rememberin ur name & askin bout ur kid? 
anywayz, gotta wonder whats gonna happen 2 these cafes & our high streets in general... seems like profit's becomin more important than community spirit 
! I mean, I get that Daisy Green is trying to bring some Aussie vibes to the UK, but it feels like they're just trying to suck the soul out of these iconic spots 
. These cafes are more than just a place to grab a coffee, they're community hubs where people from all walks of life can hang out and feel welcome 
.
. The staff knowing your name, asking about your family... that's what makes it special 
.
. We need more spaces where we can connect with others, not just Instagrammable backdrops 
. Let's hope they don't get lost in the process 
.
... I mean, I get why chains come in & offer convenience, but can't we just find a balance between progress & preserving what matters? These family-owned spots bring so much character to the community, it's not just about the food or vibes, it's about the people 
. For me, it's all about supportin' small businesses & local entrepreneurs who genuinely care about their customers. We need more of that, not less 
. And yeah, let's focus on makin' our cities more inclusive & community-driven, rather than just chasin' profit 
they r not just bizz, they r hubs 4 community & connection 
i mean i get that ppl wanna make $$ but cmon, its all about profit over ppl?!?! these cafes r where ppl go 2 feel seen & heard, not just 2 take pics 4 Instagram 
they're not just places to grab a coffee, they're hubs for connection and community 
I mean, I love a good brunch spot as much as the next person, but there's just something special about these old-school cafes that you can't replicate with Instagram and avocado toast 
, it's like they're trying to suck the soul outta every neighbourhood! These family-owned cafes are more than just a place for coffee, they're community hubs that bring people together. What's the point of having a pretty cafe if you can't even get the staff to remember your name? It's all about the human touch, fam! And let's not forget, these places have been around for decades, they're not just some flash-in-the-pan trend. We need more of that community spirit, not just Instagram-worthy backdrops and overpriced avocado toast 
those family-owned cafes are more than just a cuppa and a seat, they're community hubs where people from all walks of life come together 
it's time for us to rethink what matters most - is it profit or people? 
The fact that these cafes bring ppl together is priceless – let's not forget that social atomisation is real 
We need more spaces like this where strangers become friends over a cuppa 
. We're losing those quaint, welcoming spots that foster meaningful connections between strangers, and that's a loss for everyone. The idea that these family-owned cafes are being priced out by corporate chains is just a symptom of a larger problem – our society values convenience over character, and that's not sustainable in the long run 
. We need to find a way to balance economic growth with community spirit, or risk losing the very things that make us human 
) it's about the ppl, the community, the vibe. it's so sad 2 see these family-owned spots getting pushed out by greedy corporations 
let's make some noise & support our local faves! 
People need human touch not just food 
. newsflash: if they can't compete with the big chain then maybe they should've thought of that before they started their business like 10 years ago 
. we need to stop being so entitled to our precious 'human touch' and just chill out