Mayor Sadiq Khan is making £400,000 available to councils across London for them to support local hospitality businesses to increase al fresco dining and extend opening hours ahead of a summer of events, which includes the men’s football World Cup taking place in June and July.
The fund includes grants of up to £100,000 for councils to help deliver large-scale al fresco pedestrianisation projects, as well as smaller ‘pocket alfresco’ schemes of up to £10,000 allowing cafes, small nightlife venues, pubs, and businesses, including live music and LGBTQIA+ venues, to expand outdoor spaces and welcome more customers over the summer months.
The fund will be open for applications in April, with boroughs and partners expected to provide match funding.
Summer Streets was launched last year to help the struggling hospitality sector make the most of the good weather and increase sales with streets in Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Westminster transformed into open-air dining areas.
“It was fantastic to see Londoners and visitors enjoying al fresco dining across our capital last year, so I’m delighted to announce the return of my Summer Streets fund,” says Khan.
“I want our wonderful cafes, bars and restaurants to be able to expand outdoor dining and opening hours throughout the summer, providing a great experience for all and a real boost to business, especially with the World Cup set to bring people together.
“I want this summer to be the biggest ever summer for al fresco 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.”