The concept of enjoying long summer evenings with diners conversing outside the lively restaurants of Soho is more than just a fleeting thought. Serious discussions are currently underway at City Hall and among local business groups regarding the potential return of pedestrianized street dining in 2025. What initially started as a temporary measure during the pandemic could now develop into a more strategic initiative.
For many residents of London, this revival would signify a return to an experience that infused a vibrant atmosphere into central Soho. However, for some local residents, it also raises concerns about noise, litter, and accessibility. As political and economic pressures increase, the streets of Soho may once again become a point of contention between community interests and economic sustainability.
A Look Back at the Original Soho Street Dining Scheme
In the summer of 2020, during the uncertainty of lockdowns and public health restrictions, Soho experienced a rapid transformation. A significant portion of the district closed to vehicular traffic from late afternoon to evening. The goal was clear: to allow hospitality businesses to serve customers outdoors when indoor seating was either banned or severely restricted.
Westminster City Council granted temporary permissions for restaurants, pubs, and cafes to set up tables and chairs outside. Streets such as Dean Street, Greek Street, Frith Street, and the entirety of Old Compton Street became pedestrian-only after 5 PM. Umbrellas, outdoor heaters, and wooden barriers turned these streets into open-air dining areas.
The results were immediate. By mid-August 2020, businesses reported increased foot traffic and revenue. Many attributed the success of the scheme to their ability to remain open during a time when closure seemed inevitable. More than 16,000 additional outdoor covers were created. Even visitors commented on the “continental feel” and said Soho felt more vibrant than ever.
Yet the success was far from universal. Residents began to voice frustration. Some described it as a disruption to everyday life. Complaints centred around late-night noise, overcrowding, and blocked pavements. Others said the area had become harder to navigate, particularly for those using mobility aids. In September 2021, the scheme was ended following a campaign led by The Soho Society. Despite its popularity among business owners and tourists, the council maintained that the measures had always been temporary.
Why the 2020 Version Cannot Simply Be Repeated
While the original scheme was created in response to a crisis, any return of street dining in 2025 must consider the long-term impact on both residents and the built environment. Businesses were allowed to place furniture on the pavement with minimal delay. However, the removal of items such as outdoor heaters and umbrellas in 2021 led to an immediate drop in takings for many venues. This highlighted the fragility of the set-up and how much businesses depended on weather protection and consistent regulation.
A key lesson from 2020–2022 is the difference between emergency action and lasting change. When the pedestrianisation first launched, few questioned its urgency. But as restrictions lifted, old tensions resurfaced. What was once considered necessary became a point of contention. The council faced pressure to balance economic needs with quality of life for residents.
Crucially, there was no long-term plan to manage deliveries, waste collection or accessibility. Businesses had to place and remove their own barriers each day. Delivery vans faced restricted access. Litter increased. And as indoor dining resumed, the urgency behind outdoor seating diminished in the eyes of some stakeholders.
The Push for Revival in 2025
A new scheme is now being discussed, but the conditions are very different. This is not about managing a public health emergency. It is about shaping the future of Soho as a cultural and economic centre. Letters from senior officials within the Mayor of London’s office have called on boroughs to support alfresco dining and later opening hours as summer approaches.
The Night Time Industries Association and the Soho Business Alliance have echoed this call. They argue that street dining is not just about experience. It is a tool for survival. Rising business rates, increasing insurance contributions, and higher staffing costs have created what some owners describe as a make-or-break summer.
Still, as of May 2025, no official confirmation has been given. The scheme would likely begin in late spring or early summer, but its rollout may depend on several factors. A major development is a proposed pilot scheme that would allow the Mayor’s office to override local licensing decisions. This proposal aims to limit what it calls obstruction from “a few resident complaints” that stand in the way of broader benefits for thousands of Londoners.
The Potential Shift in Licensing Power
The proposal to give the Mayor influence over licensing decisions represents a significant change in how nightlife and public spaces are managed politically. Currently, boroughs like Westminster have this authority. Under the new plan, City Hall could step in if a local council is seen as prioritizing complaints from a minority over the broader benefits to the city. This idea has not been universally welcomed. Westminster City Council has raised concerns about losing local control. The council insists that it approves most applications and seeks to balance business interests with public safety. It has also asked for representation on any working group involved in the Mayor’s new nightlife taskforce.
However, for many business leaders, the intervention from City Hall is long overdue. They argue that councils have sometimes prioritised short-term complaints over long-term viability. With more than 3,000 hospitality-related businesses having closed across London and the commuter belt since March 2020, the stakes are high.
Fun Fact: The Soho Summer Street Festival created an estimated 16,000 outdoor seats during its peak — the equivalent of seating the entire crowd at London’s Royal Albert Hall outside across the streets of Soho.
What Business Leaders Are Saying Now
Support among business owners is widespread. Coral Anderson of Swift Bars called for a return of the scheme, provided it is better managed than in 2020. She pointed to falling foot traffic and higher operating costs, noting that many venues are struggling with profitability.
Anna Watkins, managing director of Barrafina, said her team had seen a decline in customer numbers and would welcome anything that could revitalise interest in the area. She highlighted the emotional and economic boost that comes with a buzzing outdoor scene. Other high-profile figures such as John James from Soho Estates were even more direct. He described the decision to end the previous scheme as “baffling” given its impact on jobs and revenues.
Chef-patron Victor Garvey of Sola said many restaurants are still recovering from pandemic-era debts and cannot absorb another slow summer. Brian Hannon of Kiln credited the previous scheme with saving positions that would otherwise have been cut. Their views reflect a consistent theme — outdoor dining is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity.
Practical Concerns That Must Be Resolved
While the support is strong, business owners are clear that they do not want a repeat of the previous model. Key demands include a clear framework for waste management, consistent rules for street furniture, and better infrastructure. The decision made in 2021 to ban umbrellas and heaters without prior consultation was viewed as a turning point that eroded trust between the council and the business community.
Accessibility is also a crucial issue. Any future scheme must guarantee that pavements remain accessible for individuals with mobility needs and that routes for emergency services are not hindered. Suggestions from previous years such as designated delivery hubs and timed waste collections are back on the table.
There is also a growing call for financial support. Businesses previously had to pay for their own barriers and coverings. With margins already stretched, many argue that support should be provided either through grants or a shared funding model, especially if the scheme is being promoted as part of a wider economic recovery strategy.
Resident Perspectives and the Fight for Quiet Streets
While the business community is pushing hard for a return to alfresco Soho, many residents remain cautious. The strongest opposition during the 2020–2022 scheme came from The Soho Society, which mounted a campaign against what it described as a disruption to daily life. From their point of view, the scheme may have served businesses, but it came at a steep cost to peace and order.
Concerns centered on three main areas. First, noise: with open-air dining extending into the late evening, the usual soundproofing of indoor spaces was compromised. Conversations, music, and the clinking of cutlery echoed down narrow streets and into the apartments above. Second, litter: disposable menus, takeaway packaging, and discarded bottles contributed to an untidy environment. Third, accessibility: residents reported blocked pavements, crowded walkways, and difficulties navigating with prams or mobility aids.
In response, Westminster City Council announced an increase in anti-social behaviour enforcement in its 2025 budget. This includes a planned doubling of CCTV across central areas, new teams dedicated to managing public nuisance, and a focus on West End hotspots like Soho and Leicester Square. These actions suggest that, even if pedestrianisation does not return in full, the pressure on public order in Soho is being taken seriously.
A More Collaborative Approach
Westminster has signalled a shift toward a more inclusive model. It is working on a new “Vision for Soho”, which aims to bring together businesses, residents, and planners to co-design the district’s future. While details remain limited, this framework could facilitate the resolution of long-standing tensions through structured dialogue rather than confrontation.
At the same time, the possibility of the Mayor gaining new powers to override council decisions adds a layer of uncertainty. While this may speed up implementation of schemes, it could also risk alienating local groups who feel their concerns are being bypassed. Finding the right balance will be critical. Clear guidelines, defined roles, and a commitment to consultation will all be necessary if any scheme is to move forward with public support.
What Would a Well-Managed Return Look Like
To succeed in 2025, any new pedestrian dining plan must be more than a repeat of the past. It would need to show clear evidence of structure, communication, and fairness. Based on lessons from previous years, several safeguards are expected:
- Defined operating hours, likely similar to the previous 5pm to 11pm slot, balancing commerce with residential quiet time
- Clear noise protocols, including bans on amplified music and use of monitoring tools
- Formalised waste management schedules and responsibilities
- Increased presence of security and council marshals
- Strong enforcement of accessibility requirements, with dropped kerbs, wide pathways, and reserved access for delivery or mobility services
- Transparent licensing terms, avoiding sudden changes to allowed street furniture
- Financial support or shared cost models for infrastructure such as barriers and parasols
If these elements are introduced from the outset, it would mark a shift away from the reactive mode of the 2020s scheme toward something more sustainable and equitable.
Connecting Soho to London’s Wider Pedestrian Future
Soho is not the only part of London rethinking its public space. Across the city, local councils and the Greater London Authority are pushing pedestrianisation as part of a larger strategy to support the economy, improve air quality, and reduce road danger.
Oxford Street is currently undergoing consultation for a phased transformation that would limit traffic, introduce public realm upgrades, and support economic regeneration. Camden Council is running an 18-month trial of a pedestrian zone on Camden High Street, citing severe overcrowding and a need for improved pedestrian safety. Covent Garden has already made its temporary traffic management scheme permanent after receiving strong public backing.
In each case, lessons are being learned. Camden’s launch was supported by a public event, helping build community buy-in. Covent Garden framed its changes around a holistic approach to neighbourhood traffic rather than simply focusing on dining. These examples suggest that when managed well and supported by residents, pedestrianisation can gain traction and become a permanent success.
Soho’s case, however, is more sensitive. Its high residential density, historic street plan, and intense nightlife scene create a complex setting. Applying a template from Camden or Covent Garden will not be enough. Soho will need a tailor-made plan, shaped by its unique social and commercial landscape.
Visitors Will Return in Numbers if It Succeeds
For visitors, a successful alfresco scheme means safer, more pleasant evenings. Reduced vehicle traffic makes walking more enjoyable and air noticeably cleaner. Public health studies have linked pedestrian streets with lower pollution levels, and research from New York City has shown that pedestrianisation leads to fewer injuries and more foot traffic.
Venues such as Bar Italia, Barrafina, and Kiln are likely to benefit most. These businesses rely on atmosphere and street presence. A lively pedestrian space enhances their offer. Tourists and Londoners alike will be drawn to the buzz — provided it is well managed.
Booking in advance, especially during warm evenings, will be crucial. Diners will also need up-to-date information on road closures and transport changes. Bus routes may be diverted. Tube stations like Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square will remain the main entry points. Real-time updates from TfL and Westminster Council will be key.
There is one caveat. Without strong accessibility planning, the scheme risks excluding people with mobility impairments. Pavement obstructions, limited drop-off points and lack of signage were common complaints in 2020. This time, every street configuration should include step-free paths, seating spaces for rest, and accessible public toilets.
A Wider Strategy Must Emerge
As various boroughs begin to transform their city centres, a larger issue becomes visible. London currently operates on a patchwork model, with schemes implemented by boroughs or the Mayor’s office individually. A more coordinated strategy is necessary. Without it, initiatives risk duplication, inconsistency, and confusion among both residents and visitors. Westminster’s commitment to a public realm strategy and new planning documents indicates it is considering this approach. But greater alignment with City Hall, particularly around licensing and nighttime economy policy, could help unify efforts across boroughs. If Soho succeeds with its revival, it may become the model — or the warning — for other parts of central London.
What Happens Next and Why It Matters
At present, there is no final decision. The Mayor’s licensing override powers remain in development and require parliamentary approval. This process could stretch into late summer or even autumn, potentially missing the busiest season. Meanwhile, Westminster’s “Vision for Soho” initiative remains at a formative stage.
Still, the alignment of political support, economic need, and local pressure suggests some form of action is likely. Whether it arrives in time for this summer, or becomes a pilot for 2026, will depend on how fast planning and consultation progress.
If successful, a new pedestrianisation scheme in Soho could offer much more than extra seating. It could signal a new way of thinking about London’s streets — not simply as routes for traffic, but as vital spaces for culture, commerce, and community. What happens next could reshape the way London eats, walks, and lives for years to come.
