Clapham's Northcote Road will once again become a pedestrianised al fresco dining destination on weekends in July and August, after the scheme was reinstated by the newly elected Conservative council. The road closures will run every Saturday and Sunday from July 11 to August 30, between 6am and 10pm.
Background of the scheme
The pedestrianisation initially launched in 2020 during the pandemic, allowing diners to enjoy outdoor tables on the market street. It continued in 2021 and 2022 but was scrapped by the Labour council in 2023 due to annual running costs of £2.5 million. A petition to save it gathered over 5,000 signatures.
Council's decision to reinstate
After the Conservatives won the May 7 election, they announced the return of weekend road closures. Councillor Tom Pridham, Cabinet Member for Opportunity, said: 'We are delighted to bring back the weekend pedestrianisation over the summer, supporting local businesses while once again transforming Northcote Road into a destination for both residents and visitors.'
What to expect
Diners can enjoy food and drink from the street's many stallholders, bars, and restaurants, with long communal wooden tables available. The scheme aims to recreate the laid-back atmosphere of outdoor dining in Italy or France, away from the usual traffic of buses, bikes, and pigeons.
The closures will take place every Saturday and Sunday from July 11 to August 30, from 6am to 10pm, giving ample time for feasting on pizza, porchetta, or Peronis.
