Mayor of London announces "Summer Streets" fund

The Mayor of London has announced a Summer Streets fund, designed to boost al fresco dining and extend opening hours for pubs, restaurants and venues.

The fund will be delivered in partnership with councils across the city to support restaurants, cafes, small nightlife venues, pubs and other businesses.

Hospitality, leisure and tourism in London accounts for one in ten jobs and generates more than £46 billion every year. Five million tourists are expected to visit London this summer.

The Mayor of London is working closely with London Councils and has written to local authorities and businesses, encouraging them to create more al fresco dining and extend opening hours.

Councils can apply for a share of the £300,000 fund to work closely with venues to create new outdoor eating and drinking hubs or extend existing areas.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is the greatest city in the world and as summer approaches and our city is set to welcome millions of tourists, I’m keen to put al fresco dining and later opening hours back on the menu.

“London’s world-class range of restaurants, cafes and bars is part of what makes our city special, but too often they have found themselves restricted through bureaucracy and rules constraining their growth. This new £300,000 Summer Streets Fund will help to kickstart al fresco dining and extend opening hours this summer, allowing the industry to thrive.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with councils and our fantastic hospitality sector to cut red tape and give the sector the boost it needs, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of the city. Hospitality is one of London’s biggest employers so a thriving sector will drive growth and deliver more jobs across the city, helping us to continue building a better London for everyone.”

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “London is beautiful in the summer and there are some incredible spots to enjoy a meal outside.

“Investing in al fresco dining and extended opening hours is not just about business recovery, it’s about reimagining our public spaces as vibrant inclusive destinations that support local economies, bring communities together and breathe new life into London’s streets.”