London mayor backs new al fresco dining spots for summer

London mayor Sadiq Khan has announced new al fresco dining areas are set to open across four London boroughs this summer, as part of a mayoral scheme to support the capital’s hospitality industry. 

The Summer Streets Fund, a £300k programme backed by Khan, will see streets in Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Westminster transformed into open-air dining spaces.

The initiative aims to boost local food, drink and nightlife businesses by encouraging outdoor dining and longer opening hours. It comes ahead of anticipated new licensing powers for the mayor to help extend London’s evening economy.

In Westminster, the popular St Martin’s Lane will be car-free from 11am to 11pm, with al fresco licences offered to up to 34 businesses. The council plans to make the changes permanent later this year.

In Shoreditch, Rivington Street and Redchurch Street will be pedestrianised on Fridays and Saturdays for the first time, allowing independent venues to serve customers outdoors until midnight. Businesses will receive free licences for the first three months.

Brixton’s Atlantic Road will host weekend car-free days through to October. From August, the area will also see the launch of the “Brixton Summer Zone” on Saturday evenings, with open-air seating, performances and activities.

In Waltham Forest, Francis Road in Leyton will extend car-free hours to support street trading, games and events, alongside further outdoor dining on Leyton Midland Road.

London’s hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors contribute over £46bn annually and account for one in 10 jobs in the capital. The mayor’s office expects more than five million tourists to visit the city this summer.

Khan said: “I’m delighted to announce the first of many new al fresco hotspots across the capital to help Londoners and visitors make the most of our summer this year. With new car-free, al fresco dining in Westminster, Shoreditch, Brixton and Leyton there will be new and fantastic spaces to bring people together.”

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said: “the beginning of an important initiative that supports the recovery and long-term growth of London’s nightlife and hospitality sector.”

Kate Nicholls, chair of UK Hospitality, added: “These initiatives can provide a real boost for hospitality businesses, Londoners and visitors to the capital. I’m looking forward to seeing the impact of this investment.”