City of London aims to attract more restaurants and bars

Leaders in the City of London have stepped up efforts to encourage more restaurants and bars to open in the area.

The City of London Corporation, which is the governing body of the Square Mile, has launched an interactive map to show sites suitable for opening hospitality venues and markets.

It also highlights premises with extended opening hours and spaces set up to host events.

The map is part of the Destination City programme, which was launched after the pandemic to promote the area as a leisure destination due to the rise of employees working from home.

Omar Gutierrez, co-chief executive of Sushisamba, recently told The Caterer the group’s City restaurants had struggled with a decline in lunchtime spending with fewer workers in the area enjoying a ‘power lunch’.

However, there have been a number of high-profile openings in the City since the pandemic, including Roe, Hawksmoor Wood Wharf, Blacklock and Dishoom.

The map has been developed by the City of London Corporation’s licensing team and is available to view on its Interactive Maps landing page. It will be updated regularly as new data becomes available.

Chris Hayward, policy chairman at the City of London Corporation, said: “I am confident that this new interactive map will be an important resource for businesses and residents alike.”

“The Square Mile has experiences to cater for everyone, attracting people to spend time in the City and supporting our retail and leisure offers.”

James Tumbridge, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Licensing Committee, said: “At the heart of this project is our strong commitment to encouraging good responsible business and investment in the City, as part of our wider ambitions for economic growth.

“The Square Mile is open for business, and we are building on its success to make it a thriving destination with increased footfall and spend. We are hoping to see ever more diversity in the offer, and to keep people wanting to invest in the City.”

Image: Kirsti Blokhin / Shutterstock