York Bridge has closed as of Thursday 9th January for about 6 months for essential repairs. Access to all traffic – including pedestrians – will be closed. All vehicles will be re-routed to the inner circle via Chester Road.
A temporary path for pedestrians and cyclists is being created across Marylebone Green to the back end of the tennis courts as the shortest way to the inner circle. We will provide a map when we receive it.
Following the award of a new five-year catering contract to Benugo, the catering outlets in the Park will be undergoing refurbishments and extensive maintenance work this winter – some of which are already complete.
The works began in November and are expected to be complete by Spring 2025. The closures are planned to minimise disruption and ensure alternative offers are available to visitors. There will also be an additional temporary kiosk added at Gloucester Gate by the playground.
These are estimated closures – please refer to the Royal Parks website for updates. When completed, we have been told we can look forward to new menus & promotions across the catering offer in our park.
Waterside Café:
20/01/2025 to end of February
The Hub:
27/01/2025 to mid-February
Espresso Bar:
06/01/2025 to mid-February
Regent’s Bar & Kitchen:
06/01/2025 to mid-March
Primrose Hill:
10/03/2025 to end of March
During December, some misinformation circulated regarding the bedding in Avenue Gardens. Specifically, suggestions that the Park plan to reduce floral displays by 70% were inaccurate.
Park Management have been reviewing a range of options to enhance horticultural displays across the park. This may include diversifying some bedding areas with designs that offer greater horticultural value, support biodiversity, and align with their commitment to sustainability.
These ideas are still in the early stages of discussion and will showcase the best in plant friendly gardening that is beneficial for park visitors’ wellbeing too. The Park remains fully committed to maintaining and enhancing the beauty while prioritising biodiversity and sustainable practices to ensure it continues to be enjoyed by all visitors for generations to come.
Rumours have been spreading that the Park Police section of the Metropolitan Police based at the Old Police House, Hyde Park, might be disbanded. All we know locally is that due to a significant funding shortfall for the forthcoming MPS budget, there are proposals that could result in this unit being disbanded – this would result in officers being redistributed to other parts of the MPS. No definitive plans have been announced, and discussions regarding funding continue.
Loyd Grossman, Chair of The Royal Parks, has been awarded a Knighthood in the King’s New Year Honours list for services to heritage. Loyd has been Chair of The Royal Parks since 2016 and oversaw the organisation’s move from government agency to charity in 2017.
Topic ‘Fungi’ by Linda Seward of the Mycological Society
Linda lives in Primrose Hill and works as a freelance nature photographer, writer and lecturer, now on the council of the British Mycological Society (for the study of Fungi). Lockdown changed her view of life to study the natural world, photographing and researching everything she found on daily walks. She runs the website and Facebook page for her local fungus group and writes articles for regional newspapers and magazines to interest newcomers to the world of fungi—essential to life on earth. In this talk, you will see the myriad of beautiful species in our local parks.
We look forward to regular monthly talks until the summer, usually held on the first or second Wednesday of the month, primarily for Friends (only £20 per annum to join). Please indicate your attendance as space is limited to comfortably accommodate about 25 attendees – with priority given to Friends’ members. Please register via wildlife@friendsofregentspark.org to reserve your place.
We are looking for someone to replace our previous Treasurer Jody, when has since left the Committee after having a baby. (congrats!) It is not difficult work but you need bookkeeping skills. If this could be you, please write to Chair@Friendsofregentspark.org.
The Primrose Hill Café is closing for refurbishment from 10th March, 2025. Chit Chat will relocate to the newly-refurbished Broadwalk Café from Tuesday 11th March from 11:30am. – 1:30pm. until the clocks change, after which it will meet from 3pm to 5pm. We will return to the Primrose Hill Café on completion of the refurbishment.
Chit Chat enables members to meet new people, enjoy lively conversation in an informal café atmosphere with refreshments. No need to book, tell all your friends and come along.
Thank you to our sponsors
©2025 Friends of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill
Friends of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill is a registered charity in England and Wales (no 1201666)
