Refreshing the look and feel of al fresco in Covent Garden

Every street within the Covent Garden Estate has its own character, pavement widths, uses, and local context. Our refreshed framework seeks to reflect this, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

While there are some broad principles we would hope to see reflected across the whole estate around quality, sustainability, safety, and respect for the Conservation Area setting, we also recognise that what works well on the Piazza may not be appropriate for some the Estate’s narrower streets. The framework therefore proposes some location-sensitive guidance.

Wheelchair-friendly outdoor dining

Currently the majority of restaurants in the Market Buildings, and some of those on the Piazza are difficult for wheelchair users and there is no lift provision. Al fresco dining gives those with access needs the opportunity to enjoy the Covent Garden food offer, but only if we ensure that al fresco dining locations are fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Screens and demarcation

We are supportive of the benefits that screens can provide in principle, particularly in providing shelter from poor weather and crime prevention. The tall 1.8 metre sliding screens that have dominated much of the estate’s al fresco areas – typically installed without any associated planting – will be phased out. Operators in some parts of the estate will be encouraged to use planting with integrated screens, no more than 1.5 metres in height to mark dining boundaries. In other areas of the estate, we will encourage operators to use rope-and-pole barriers instead of screens.

Both of these proposals are intended to bring a softer character to dining boundaries. We recognise, however, that some operators have recently invested in their existing equipment, and we are not seeking an immediate change, but we would welcome a move in this direction over time.

Parasols and cover

On the Piazza, we are proposing that parasols be standardised to an off-white finish, and sized approximately 3 x 2 metres, aligned to the bays of the Market Building. We believe this will create a more coherent, visually attractive dining environment at the heart of the estate.

Corner pavilion operators will have some flexibility to personalise the underside of their parasols with alternative colours, with historic tones preferred. In streets where awnings attach to buildings, we would encourage this approach as an alternative to freestanding parasols.

Furniture and equipment

We would like to see high-quality, well-maintained furniture used across al fresco pitches. Ideally this will take the form of heavier, slatted wooden pieces that complement the character of the estate. Operators are of course welcome to reflect their own identity through cushions and accessories. As part of this we would like operators to ensure furniture stays within WCC approved pitches to maximise space for pedestrians.

Greening and biodiversity

Natural high quality planting is something we would like to see as an integral part of the al fresco offer across the estate. We would therefore encourage all operators to incorporate genuine, well-maintained planting into the al fresco provision, in support of Westminster City Council’s urban greening objectives. This approach will improve the outlook for passers by alongside reducing the instances of table surfing experienced across the estate.

Seasonal operation

We have been trialling a seasonal approach to al fresco provision on the South Piazza for the past 18 months, replacing the 1.8m sliding screens with enhanced greening, and contracting the numbers of tables and chairs in winter whilst expanding these in warmer months to satisfy customer demand. The results can be seen in the photographs below. We are eager to understand people’s views on how this has worked.

You can view our full draft refreshed framework below.

You can download the full draft framework here.

Our goal is to refresh our existing al fresco framework that supports the traders and businesses operating across the Covent Garden estate while respecting the amenity of those who live and work here. We believe a thoughtfully evolved approach to the look and feel of outdoor dining can deliver real and lasting benefits.

	A more inclusive destination By strengthening accessibility standards across al fresco provision throughout our estate, the framework aims to ensure that everyone, including wheelchair users, visitors, and families with mobility needs, can fully enjoy Covent Garden’s hospitality offer.
	A thriving local economy The framework will support the continued viability of one of London’s most significant retail and hospitality destinations by maintaining and improving the quality of al fresco provision and helping to protect the long-term commercial competitiveness of the estate.
	A greener, more sustainable estate By encouraging high-quality natural planting as part of all alfresco provision, the framework supports Westminster City Council’s urban greening ambitions that contributes to the biodiversity and environmental quality of the city.
	Safer, effectively managed public spaces The framework seeks to maintain Covent Garden as one of the most carefully managed public dining environments in London, with clear guidelines around how screens and planters should be used to protect outdoor diners and those passing through the Estate.
	An enhanced Conservation Area Moving away from Covid-era infrastructure and towards coherent, high-quality furniture, planting and demarcation will make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the Covent Garden Conservation Area.

We are eager to understand the views of the local community on the look and feel of al fresco dining as we finalise this framework. We would therefore be grateful if you could take the time to provide your feedback via the feedback form below.

Fill out the feedback form

If you have any further questions or wish to provide your feedback to the team directly. Please get in touch via the details below.

• shaftesburycapital@hedry.co.uk
• 0800 061 4770