Revitalizing London’s Dining Scene: Alfresco Dining Districts Set to Open

Officials in London plan to reopen parts of the city centre as outdoor dining districts when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in July.

New Alfresco Dining Zones

Popular areas such as Covent Garden, Soho, Mayfair, Paddington, Chinatown, and some streets near Oxford Circus are about to become London’s new alfresco dining zones. Consequently, councils in London have laid out plans to widen pavements and install temporary road closures in these West End districts to facilitate restaurants, cafes, and bars when they open from 4 July. Tables and chairs will be moved outside so that businesses can observe social distancing guidelines, giving patrons enough space to stay apart.

Dining Guidelines

Under the guidelines, patrons must be seated at one of the outdoor tables when dining and drinking, and they can only enter the premises to use the bathroom. However, patrons aren’t required to use tables outside pubs that have outdoor drinking licenses. In some areas, parking spaces will be removed to make more room for diners. According to the Evening Standard, car parks and rooftops could also be used as dining spaces with no additional planning permission or licensing required. These measures, projected to remain in place throughout the summer, are expected to be adopted in other UK cities, including Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham.

Economic Importance of the Hospitality Sector

“The hospitality sector is vital to Westminster’s economy with more than 3000 bars and restaurants. They, along with our many other attractions, are the reasons people fly thousands of miles to enjoy the West End,” stated Rachael Robathan, leader of Westminster city council. “The West End, in particular, is a unique global draw, and I am confident we can give it and our other famous locations a continental sheen that visitors, residents, and regulars alike will enjoy.”

Impact on London’s Dining Experience

London’s West End is the home of fine dining, power lunches, and some of London’s most exciting new restaurants. It is hoped that the alfresco dining plan will revitalize the area, stimulate the economy, and provide residents with new ways to enjoy their city. Similar measures have been successfully rolled out in cities like Athens, Barcelona, and Paris.