Sadiq Khan’s first al fresco drinking and dining hotspot is opening on Friday night – but thundery showers are threatening to spoil the party.
Shoreditch is the first of four locations selected for outdoor events as part of the mayor’s £300,000 “summer streets” scheme designed to increase outdoor dining and boost the capital’s nightlife.
Brixton will launch on Saturday next week and St Martin’s Lane, in the West End, will follow later this month.
In addition, a Saturday food market on Francis Road in Leyton launched last month.
Bars and restaurants in Redchurch Street and Rivington Street in Shoreditch will be the first to host weekend al fresco dining, with the roads closed to traffic from 6pm to midnight.
The plans were first announced in May, with the locations confirmed in June. The initiative will run until the end of the year.
Shoreditch businesses taking part include De Nada and Callooh Callay in Rivington Street, Nancy Spain in Curtain Street, Smoking Goat in Shoreditch High Street and BAO in Redchurch Street.
At St Martin's Lane, up to 34 businesses are expected to get alfresco licenses and the street will be car-free from 11am to 11pm.
In Brixton, businesses in Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road will get 80 extra tables and 400 extra seats outdoors. The roads will be car-free until 10pm on selected weekends.
In Leyton, outdoor dining is also planned in Leyton Midland Road.
The Government has promised to grant the mayor new licensing powers to help boost the capital’s nightlife.
This will give the mayor “call in” powers to decide blocked licensing applications of strategic importance, such as in nightlife hotspots, grant more al fresco dining and cut bureaucratic red tape.
Sir Sadiq has pledged to work with councils and businesses on the use of these new powers.
Sir Sadiq said on Friday: “I’m delighted to be able to support bars and restaurants in Shoreditch to offer al fresco dining from today.
“Through my Summer Streets Fund we are helping to put outdoor dining back on the menu, supporting businesses and helping Londoners and visitors to make the most of the summer.
“I’m determined to do all I can to support London’s fantastic restaurants, cafes and bars, and these schemes are just the beginning of what’s to come.”
Howard Dawber, the deputy mayor for business, said: “The Mayor’s Summer Streets Fund was designed to empower local businesses, stimulate enterprise and provide exciting opportunities for Londoners and visitors.”
Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas, Hackney council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “By pedestrianising Rivington Street and Redchurch Street on Friday and Saturday nights, we can offer more space for residents and visitors, in particular families, to enjoy some of the fantastic venues and food Shoreditch has to offer, with increased outdoor seating.
“I am excited to support this scheme as I believe it will be great for businesses and residents.”
