Public dining areas are now dotted across Carnaby and Soho.
The summer of al fresco feasting is upon us, and thus far we’ve got outdoor dining areas in – deep breath – the West End, Kensington and Chelsea, Mayfair and Belgravia, and Covent Garden to enjoy. It’s now time to add a new spot to that list, because Carnaby and Soho have unveiled outdoor dining space for 1300 hungry Londoners, and we’ve got our eyes on basically every restaurant in the area.
Thirty brightly-coloured tables have now been installed on Carnaby Street, Newburgh Street, and Ganton Street, all of which are available to visitors without a booking. They’re perfect for grabbing takeaway food from your favourite eateries – Pastaio, Dishoom, Kolamba, and Tapas Brindisa are just a handful of the restaurants now open – and pulling up a chair to enjoy it in the summer sunshine (hopefully).
Meanwhile, the ever-popular Kingly Court will have its full slate of restaurants and bars open for outdoor dining. So, take a seat in the colourful courtyard, and you’ll be able to enjoy delicious plates from the likes of Pizza Pilgrims, Cahoots, Club Mexicana, and The Good Egg. An exciting new addition is Bread Ahead Pizza, operating out of the brand’s usual Beak Street home and serving up 20-inch slices of goodness.
Carnaby Street itself has had a little makeover in time to welcome visitors back; their signature arches are resplendent with pink shimmering discs bearing the message ‘Welcome to Carnaby London’. You’ll also find a shimmering Union Jack high above the streets, and artist Kristjana Williams has created a piece that’s dedicated to the hard work of key workers during the pandemic (find it at the corner of Broadwick Street and Marshall Street). With non-essential retail making a comeback this week, many stores in the area are offering discounts until April 18 to kick-start your shopping trips. Pop on down to shop and feast in style!