Al fresco dining in Newport city centre could become a permanent feature

Until last summer, lovers of eating and drinking outdoors had precious few options in Newport city centre.

Before the pandemic, dining al fresco was limited to a small collection of bars and restaurants dotted around different parts of the city.

But one of the positive ways in which Covid-19 has transformed Newport has been the pedestrianisation of the city centre and the number of gazebos and outdoor tables and chairs that have filled up the high street since.

Earlier this summer, staff here at NewportOnline wrote how we believed pedestrianisation of the city centre had been a huge success and should be made permanent.

Seeing pubs and restaurants packed with revellers sipping a pint, listening to live music or tucking into a sandwich under the sun has been a rare bright spark in an otherwise incredibly difficult year for hospitality businesses.

It's also provided a welcome boost for businesses like McCanns, The Carpenters, Le Pub and Popadoms Indian Restaurant on the street.

Thankfully, it appears outdoor seating could be hear to stay, as Newport City Council has revealed this week they are looking at making it a more permanent feature.

On Thursday a council spokesperson said: "The council is always looking at ways to help improve the city centre economy. The outdoor seating areas in the city centre, part of our response to the pandemic, have been of great benefit to businesses during the last 16 months.

"As we work to help our businesses recover post the easing of social distancing restrictions, we will consider continuing to provide appropriate outdoor seating areas for premises on a more permanent basis."

Barriers were put up last year when the city was partly pedestrianised (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

As well as being popular with visitors to the city centre, closing many roads off to cars has also proved a hit with traders.

Earlier this year, Amy McCann, who runs McCann's on High Street, said: "The atmosphere is lovely, especially with the other pubs either side. It's a really good vibe."

She added: "I would love to make it permanent - the extra seating has helped the business massively."

While Wales is set to announce on Friday whether or not to move to alert level zero, which would see most restrictions removed, the news that outdoor seating could be here for good is a welcome development.

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