Al fresco dining to return to Westminster next month

By Owen Sheppard, Local Democracy Reporter

Al fresco dining will return to the West End after the November lockdown, Westminster council has said.

Despite some initial uncertainty, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the lockdown will end on December 2.

And it is hoped that the West End’s economy could recover in the run up to Christmas, if Londoners can be tempted back for more dining with outdoor heaters and umbrellas.

Westminster council leader Rachael Robathan said: “We are going to use the next four weeks to work at pace on recovery for the West End with initiatives like al fresco dining now set to run into the new year, and a fresh push to attract shoppers and visitors back to the City.

“We have extra pavement space, temporary bike lanes, social distance signs and sanitiser throughout the city, so people can come back to Westminster with confidence.

“This pre-Christmas period is critical for traders and the priority is to kick start the economy for the moment lockdown lifts.

“One in 10 of all London jobs are in the West End, and a thriving Westminster is in the capital’s interests. That’s why there will be no let-up in our campaigning to extend the business rates holiday beyond April and against plans to phase out VAT-free shopping.”

Pictured top: Al fresco dining in Soho