Local Democracy Reporting Service
Getty ImagesA new al fresco dining scheme is expected to begin in London’s West End on Friday but some businesses have questioned its timing.
Sir Sadiq Khan’s Summer Streets Fund, news of which was first announced in May, will support new outdoor dining spaces to open up in four locations across the capital.
A date had not been given for its introduction to St Martin’s Lane, but the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has spoken with several restaurants and cafés there, all of whom said their licences become operational on 22 August until the end of October.
The scheme, which is backed by £300,000 from City Hall, has already funded al fresco dining in locations in Leyton, Shoreditch and Brixton.
Getty ImagesThe mayor’s press team was approached for comment though did not confirm the launch date. An officer instead referred the LDRS to the mayor’s previous statements and press releases.
While each location chosen to benefit from the Summer Streets Fund is to operate slightly differently, the overriding intention is to support the local hospitality industry and boost outdoor eating and drinking.
When the scheme was first announced, Sir Sadiq said: “We saw what a success it was during the pandemic, and I want to expand al fresco dining further in the years to come, all part of building a better London for everyone.”
‘Good for business’
All of the businesses the LDRS spoke to on St Martin’s Lane, which is receiving £50,000 of the £300,000 pot, said they were optimistic about the scheme.
General manager at Côte Brasserie, Natalia Prusik, said she was “excited” by the upcoming launch.
“[It would have been] much more exciting if it started in May, but we will take it as it comes. But it’s really good for the business for sure,” she said.
Ms Prusik said they are to have around 14 tables on the street and 28 covers.
Antonio Simonte, general manager at the Italian restaurant Fumo, echoed Ms Prusik’s enthusiasm.
“It’s been a number of years I have tried to get tables outside,” he said. “We should have started earlier I believe. It’s the end of August.”
Mr Simonte added he would like to see the scheme rolled out in future years and to make the most of the summer weather.
Other spots which confirmed they will be involved included The Real Greek, La Roche, Pizza Express and Browns.
Once implemented, St Martin’s Lane will be car-free from 11:00 to 23:00 with al fresco licences available for up to 34 businesses, City Hall had earlier said.
A spokesperson for Westminster City Council, the local authority, said: “Westminster is home to a thriving al fresco dining scene, with over 900 licences for outdoor dining granted in the past six months alone.
“The St Martin’s Lane initiative, in the heart of West End Theatre Land, is part of a broader programme to help visitors make the most of Westminster’s world-class restaurants, bars, and cultural destinations this summer.”
The other locations to benefit from the scheme are Redchurch Street and Rivington Street in Shoreditch, Atlantic Road in Brixton and Francis Road in Leyton.
Waltham Forest has been allocated £50,000 of the fund, with Hackney and Lambeth getting £100,000 each.