Why Café in the Park will be taking over the Cha Café

On February 3 it was announced that the business, which also has locations in Rickmansworth and Linmere, will reopen the park's tea pavilion.

The Watford building was left empty when the former tenants retired in August last year.

When it closed, Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “The tender process will consider the special nature of Cassiobury Park, as well as the social value of having a local business run the café.”

Watford mayor Peter Taylor (Image: Watford Borough Council)

A post on the Cha Café Facebook page, still operated by the former owners, expressed disappointment at the choice the next day (February 4) because Café in the Park has the same ownership as Daisy’s in the Park.

Daisy’s already has a location at the Hub in Cassiobury Park, as well as in Radlett and Pinner.

While some who had already enjoyed the Rickmansworth location expressed excitement, others were concerned about a lack of choice for those visiting the park and were disappointed it will not be an individual or family operating the pavilion.

The Cha Café in Cassiobury Park

Watford Borough Council confirmed it was and is aware of the two café businesses having the same ownership.

The mayor replied to a resident that the tender process had looked at both the financial bid and the community offer when deciding on a tenant.

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Café in the Park, he said, “scored highest of any bid on community offer”.

Watford's mayor said: “Our priority when deciding the successful candidate for the lease was to maintain the café as a community hub.

“The successful organisation, Café in Park, is a small independent café operator and offered a strong business plan, good sustainability credentials and experience in a number of park operations, which is really important for a busy café that is open seven days a week.

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“I look forward to the café opening soon.”

He added that the council had taken on board feedback about maintaining cash payments and a dog-friendly environment.

Chartered Surveyors Perry Holt had told the Watford Observer there was a “large amount of interest” during the six-month process to find a tenant.

Café in the Park was contacted for comment.