London Mayor Sadiq Khan on June 19, 2025, announced a significant initiative aimed at revitalizing the capital’s vibrant hospitality sector ahead of the summer season. The Mayor unveiled plans for new al fresco dining and drinking hotspots across London, supported by a dedicated £300,000 Summer Streets Fund. This strategic investment seeks to transform key streetscapes in several boroughs into bustling open-air destinations, providing a much-needed boost to businesses recovering from economic challenges and preparing for an influx of tourists.
The initiative targets specific areas within the boroughs of Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest, and Westminster, promising enhanced outdoor spaces that will allow cafes, restaurants, and bars to expand their capacity and offer patrons a lively street-side experience. The Mayor emphasized that the hospitality sector is a cornerstone of London’s economy, contributing over £46 billion annually and supporting one in ten jobs across the city. With projections anticipating over five million tourists visiting London this summer, the expansion of al fresco options is seen as a crucial step in maximizing economic potential and enhancing the visitor experience.
Key Locations and Transformations
The Summer Streets initiative outlines detailed plans for several distinct locations, each tailored to the local character and business needs. These transformations aim to create inviting public spaces that encourage social interaction and support local commerce.
In Brixton, situated within Lambeth, the areas around Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road are set to undergo a significant transformation. Plans include the addition of approximately 400sqm of new outdoor space, designed to accommodate an estimated 80 extra tables and 400 seats. These popular thoroughfares will become car-free on selected weekends, extending until 10 pm. Beyond dining, the enhanced public realm will host a variety of daytime activities, such as food markets and live music, fostering a festival-like atmosphere.
Further east, Waltham Forest will see enhancements in Leyton. Francis Road, known for its independent businesses, will benefit from extended car-free hours, facilitating expanded street trading and special events. Additionally, plans include provisions for additional outdoor dining options on Leyton Midland Road, further integrating local businesses with the public space.
Expanding Opportunities in Hackney and Westminster
Hackney’s creative hub of Shoreditch is also a key focus, with interventions planned for Rivington Street and Redchurch Street. For the first time, independent businesses in these areas will be permitted to offer outdoor dining and drinking services until midnight. To create a more pedestrian-friendly environment conducive to extended outdoor activity, these streets will be made car-free on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer months. Recognizing the importance of supporting local enterprises, the initiative includes initial free licenses for businesses seeking to utilize these new outdoor spaces.
Economic Rationale and Future Outlook
The Mayor’s office highlighted the strategic importance of this investment, noting that the £300,000 Summer Streets Fund is a targeted effort to stimulate economic activity directly within the communities. By enabling businesses to operate outdoors, particularly during peak summer months and anticipated high tourist numbers, the initiative aims to increase revenue streams, protect jobs, and contribute to the overall economic resilience of the city’s hospitality sector.
The expansion of al fresco dining aligns with broader city efforts to enhance public spaces and promote sustainable urban living. The transformation of streets from car-dominated thoroughfares into vibrant pedestrian zones is expected to improve air quality in localized areas, reduce noise pollution, and create more pleasant environments for both residents and visitors.
While the initial focus is on these specific hotspots, the success of the Summer Streets initiative could pave the way for similar projects in other parts of the capital in the future. The Mayor’s announcement signals a clear commitment to supporting London’s businesses and leveraging the city’s unique urban landscape to create dynamic, engaging public spaces that benefit the economy and enrich the lives of Londoners and tourists alike.
