Road closures in Seven Dials boost hopes for a summer of alfresco dining

Timed road closures in Seven Dials should allow for more alfresco dining as well as increasing space for pedestrians in a bid to encourage people back to London’s West End.

Landlord Shaftesbury has announced it has worked with Camden Council to develop plans that will prioritise cyclists and pedestrians by closing roads between 10am and 6pm, seven days a week.

Further plans to provide additional external seating areas for F&B operators are also being developed with the council.

Charles Owen, portfolio executive at Shaftesbury, said: “The timed road closures in Seven Dials are a significant step in helping all our restaurants, bars, cafés and retailers rebuild as the lockdown eases and footfall begins to grow.

“The combination of open-air streets and, in effect, wider footways, will make Seven Dials an even safer and more enjoyable experience for visitors and residents.”

Alex Hely-Hutchinson, the founder of 26 Grains restaurant, commented: “A traffic-free Seven Dials will make the world of difference, providing all visitors with additional reassurance they can safely enjoy one of London’s best collections of independent brands, right in the heart of the West End.

“We also support Shaftesbury’s proposals to provide additional seating.”