Staff at a café in Highgate Wood were left stunned last week when Sir Rod Stewart dropped in during filming for a new programme about his life.
The music legend, who turned 80 this year, grew up nearby on Archway Road and attended Highgate Primary School. As a boy, he played for the local football team the Highgate Redwings — founded by his father Robert — who would often visit the café after training.
So when manager Jacek Warmier looked up and saw one of Britain’s biggest-selling artists walk through the door, he was momentarily lost for words.
“My heart stopped beating,” he said. “Sir Rod seemed to love the café and commented on how much it had improved since he used to come here growing up.”
The visit comes at a tense moment for the café, which is one of five across Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park whose leases are being put out to tender by the City of London Corporation. Campaigners fear the process could push out long-standing independent businesses in favour of big chains.
“For us it would be a heartache if our local cafés were to lose their leases,” Jacek added to Ham & High.
Sir Rod also attended William Grimshaw School — now Fortismere — before leaving at 15 to pursue a football career. After that fell through, he worked in his father’s newsagents on Archway Road, delivered papers, and even took short stints at Highgate Cemetery and a Finchley funeral parlour before finding global success as a singer.
His appearance in Highgate has now prompted campaigners behind the Save Our Cafés movement — already supported by Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy — to invite the star to lend his backing.
Stefan Simanowitz, who is helping lead the campaign, has written to Stewart’s manager Arnold Stiefelent asking for his endorsement.
A decision on the future of the cafés is due on December 8, when the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee meets.
A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation said: “We have a responsibility and legal charitable obligation to ensure all café facilities on Hampstead Heath support the best interests of the charity and the millions who visit each year.
“All five operators are currently trading under short-term tenancies at will. A competitive re-marketing process will help ensure a high-quality visitor experience and welcoming community spaces.
“We deeply appreciate the long-standing contributions of our café operators, who have been invited to take part. We are now reviewing submissions.”
© The Standard Ltd