Mayor's office denies al fresco dining plans for Soho
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has neither the plans nor the powers to force through al fresco dining in Soho, his office confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, despite recent media reports suggesting otherwise. The clarification comes after confusion erupted over the future of outdoor dining in the iconic London neighbourhood.
Earlier this month, Khan criticised The Soho Society as “joyless NIMBYs” for opposing certain licensing applications, calling their stance “getting a bit silly”. He also labelled Westminster a “NIMBY Council”, claiming its councillors contributed to Oxford Street’s decline, according to LBC.
Summer Streets scheme and funding pot
The confusion stemmed from reports that Khan planned to push through al fresco dining for summer 2027 after Westminster City Council did not apply for this year’s Summer Streets scheme. The scheme is a seasonal fund of nearly £500,000 awarded to councils to support al fresco dining. Last year, Westminster was one of four boroughs to receive the funding.
However, the Mayor’s Office clarified that Khan has no such plans or authority to impose outdoor dining in Westminster. The office noted that the Mayor’s new licensing powers, granted under recent legislation, relate to premises and licensing issues such as extended opening hours after 11pm, not al fresco dining. Khan continues to encourage and support al fresco dining but cannot mandate it.
Westminster's existing outdoor dining scene
Westminster City Council confirmed it did not apply for this year’s Summer Streets funding, but highlighted that the borough already has 908 pavement licences, 690 of which are in the West End. Nearly 90% of all applications are granted. The borough also boasts around 1,700 venues open until midnight and more than 220 open until 3am.
A council spokesperson said: “Westminster already hosts the largest number of licensed venues in the country. With the World Cup, Pride and dozens of other activities planned our streets will be full of people enjoying themselves over the summer months. We’d be delighted to work with the Mayor to support the hospitality industry as well as our residents and the hundreds of thousands of visitors to our city. The council would welcome a meeting to discuss how the jewel in the capital's entertainment scene could be better with investment from the Mayor's office.”
15 summer streets projects in 2026
Despite the confusion, Khan announced 15 summer streets projects sharing the £500,000 funding pot. Four large al fresco projects in Barking & Dagenham, Brent, Greenwich and Lambeth will receive £100,000 each. Eleven smaller pocket schemes in Brent, Camden, Ealing, Haringey, Hounslow, Islington, Lewisham, Newham, Sutton and Waltham Forest have received up to £10,000.
Khan said: “I’m delighted that we’re working with boroughs and local businesses to bring al fresco dining, live music, events and later opening hours to streets across our capital. From Woolwich to Willesden Green, Finsbury Park to Feltham, and right in the heart of the capital in Waterloo, this investment will create new outdoor spaces, support local businesses and give Londoners and visitors even more reasons to get out and enjoy our city. Today also marks a landmark moment for London’s licensing system as for the first time ever City Hall has a direct say in how licensing decisions are made across the capital. By making it easier to extend opening hours and expand what’s on offer, I’m determined to support our hospitality and nightlife, as we build a better London for everyone.”
