London Goes Al Fresco: Mayor Pledges £400k for Outdoor Dining Boom

The London Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, has announced the return of ‘Summer Streets’ fund with £400,000 available.

The funds are aimed at helping businesses to increase alfresco dining and extend opening hours ahead of the summer.

Councils can also use the money to help deliver large-scale alfresco pedestrianisation projects, or “pocket alfresco” schemes.

Last year, Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Westminster used the funds to create open-air dining areas. The Mayor is currently consulting on new proposals to strengthen licensing practices across the capital, after the government announced it would give strategic licensing powers to the mayor.

He said: “I want this summer to be the biggest summer for alfresco dining in our capital’s history and I’ll continue to support our vital hospitality and nightlife industries, as we build a better London for everyone.”