Londoner’s Diary: Soho hopes to turn the tables on alfresco curbs

Businesses in Soho are frustrated at limits on their alfresco tables this summer despite Labour’s victory in Westminster council in the recent local elections.

During the pandemic, hospitality venues were allowed tables in some streets, which many hoped would be extended. Lesley Lewis, owner of the French House, and Francesco Delfino, bar manager of Mimi’s Hotel, both told us they were frustrated by the curbs.

New Labour councillor for the West End Patrick Lilley told us “there will not be 14 streets closed off for partying”, adding he would “engage and listen to residents before we take any decision”, and any change would be “incremental”. He said many residents had been upset by increased revelry during the pandemic, which had included urinating in letterboxes.

A law in this month’s Queen’s Speech plans for some extension of alfresco dining nationwide.

One party declined by PM

At Boris Johnson’s school visit in Orpington yesterday, a young girl handed the PM a “will you come to our party” card, possibly egged on by a cheeky teacher. Perhaps uncharactaristically, he didn’t accept.

Pistols and the sensible ones

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Stars Talulah Riley and Thomas Brodie-Sangster posed at last night’s Leicester Square premiere of TV series Pistols, about the Sex Pistols. Sangster said he and Riley, who got together during filming, were nicknamed “mum and dad” by the teen cast for being the “sensible ones”. Also there were co-stars Anson Boon, who plays Johnny Rotten, and Iris Law, and Pistol Steve Jones with singer Chrissie Hynde.

Grayson fans draw the Queen

Grayson and Philippa Perry went to Chelsea Flower Show yesterday. The pair will mark next week’s jubilee with an episode of their TV art show about the Queen. Grayson called the monarch “a dream symbol” and an inspiration for artists. Perhaps pictures could include the buggy she debuted yesterday?