Amidst the general awfulness of the worst years of the COVID pandemic, one bright spot was London’s al fresco dining. In 2020 and 2021, streets across the city were pedestrianised for restaurants and venues to spill out into the streets. This was particularly popular in Soho, where seventeen streets were closed to traffic each night. This allowed local bars and restaurants to remain profitable whilst observing social distancing measures. And now, these pedestrianised dining areas could be returning this summer, with council support.
London’s Deputy Mayors have written a letter to London councils and chairs of licensing, asking them to support London’s venues this spring and summer. The letter comes in the wake of the news that London will take part in a “landmark pilot to support hospitality, leisure and tourism in our city through new strategic licensing powers for the Mayor.”
But instead of waiting for the pilot to help, Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, and Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business are asking councils to start working now to support their resident businesses.
Pedestrianised dining areas in London
In the letter, London councils are urged to consider beneficial opportunities and ideas. The letter includes examples such as al-fresco dining and late-night openings. It reads:
“(London’s hospitality, leisure and tourism) industries have faced significant challenges with rising operating costs and the ongoing cost of living crisis that is affecting consumers. Yet London’s pubs, clubs, theatres, restaurants, hotels, and cultural venues are not only critical to our economy—they’re the lifeblood of our communities and a key reason people choose to live, work, and invest here….
We encourage you all to do what you can to support popular and exciting ideas like al-fresco dining and late-night openings during this spring and summer period to boost our economy and tourism offer in our capital this year ahead of the pilot coming in.”
The possible pedestrianisation comes in the wake of other similar instances happening around the city. Sadiq Khan announced plans to ban traffic from Oxford Street last year. Similarly, Lewisham Council revealed plans to pedestrianise Deptford High Street seven days a week. And over in Camden, plans are underway to trial making the popular Camden High Street accessible for pedestrians only.
There are no concrete plans yet for the return of the expanded al fresco dining areas. But we’ve got our fingers crossed!
You can read the full letter from Simons and Dawber here.
