Following the success of last year’s “Summer Streets” programme, the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has confirmed its return for 2026.
The initiative aims to boost alfresco dining by allowing extended opening hours, the use of additional outdoor space, and temporary road closures in selected areas across London. The scheme is expected to provide a significant uplift for hospitality businesses, particularly with increased footfall anticipated during the World Cup in the USA this summer.
The Mayor of London said: “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. 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.”
The scheme offers grants of up to £100,000 for boroughs to deliver large-scale pedestrianisation and outdoor dining areas, alongside “pocket alfresco” grants of up to £10,000 to help smaller venues create additional outdoor space.
Boroughs which would like to get involved will need to make an application to the Mayor to be considered for the funding in April.
While details of this year’s locations or boroughs are yet to be confirmed, areas included in last year’s programme were:
- Westminster: St Martin’s Lane was pedestrianised daily from 11am to 11pm, with up to 34 businesses eligible to apply for alfresco licences.
- Shoreditch: Bars and restaurants on Rivington Street and Redchurch Street were permitted to offer outdoor dining and drinking until midnight, with road closures in place on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Brixton: Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road gained an additional 400 square metres of outdoor space, with weekend road closures in place until 10pm.
- Leyton: Francis Road extended its car-free hours, while Leyton Midland Road saw increased outdoor seating capacity.
The announcement comes as the Government moves to grant new licensing powers to the Mayor of London, with the aim of reducing bureaucratic barriers for businesses.
If you would like further information on how you can benefit from the Summer Streets initiative, please feel free to contact our licensing solicitors on 0115 953 8500.
