The owner of one of London's top-rated cafes has vowed to stay on after every business around him was forced to leave.

For years, Tania's of Hampstead, a cafe and deli in Heath Street,has enjoyed the passing trade of businesses and visitors to the Hampstead Antiques & Craft Emporium.

But the popular antiques market closed on Saturday after its owners Staplepine handed all 25 traders notice on November 7.

Camden Council last week made the emporium an Asset of Community Value, which means that the community could have first option to buy the site as part of any future sale - if the owner hasn't sold it already.

The cafe's owner Ghassan Akar has a lease running until May 2024 - and he says he will fight to stay.

Ham & High: Tania's of Hampstead blends its own tea all named after family membersTania's of Hampstead blends its own tea all named after family members (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

"This affects us big time. It's something we have to address with the new landlord," Ghassan said.

"We've got the lease until May 2024. I'll stay here but if the new landlord wants me out he'll have to buy me out,

"I will have to wait for him to come to me so we can have a discussion to agree terms. If we agree I go, if we don't agree, I'm staying."

Ham & High: Ghassan Akar next to his treasured van that he operated from when he started Tania's of Hampstead in 2009 and had to give away when the Emporium was closed downGhassan Akar next to his treasured van that he operated from when he started Tania's of Hampstead in 2009 and had to give away when the Emporium was closed down (Image: Tania's of Hampstead)

Ghassan began operating from a van at the emporium's entrance in 2009, before upgrading to a shop in 2014.

He recalls the uncertainy of starting the business after the global financial crash of 2008.

He said: "It was April 26, 2009, it was the height of the crash. It was Monday and raining. It was so scary because I'd borrowed money from the bank.

"I sat in my van crying like a baby thinking 'what have I done, am I nuts?'

"The second day machines arrived and I gave away free coffee and free waffles to everyone for a month because nobody had heard about us."

Ghassan makes his own brand of chocolate, coffee and of tea, each blend named after someone in his family.

Joseph's Heavenly Tea is named after his fifth and newest grandchild.

He has three types of sandwich - cheese toasties, lamb or chicken wrap or falafel wraps, which he says are a best seller.

Ham & High: Tania's of Hampstead is a top choice on TripAdvisorTania's of Hampstead is a top choice on TripAdvisor (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

He added: "From 2020 to 21 to 22 we're in the 10% of best restaurants worldwide by TripAdvisor.

"We are number 2 of 2,562 cafes in London by Trip Advisor and 2,000 followers on their instagram page," he said.

"Whatever happens I hope we will still be around even if he buys me out. 

"I'll try and stay in the north west area - Hampstead, Belsize, I don't want to go far."

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