With summer in full swing, the Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Licensing Committee has reaffirmed its support for the Square Mile’s pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Speaking to City Corporation elected Members ahead of today’s Beerfest in Guildhall Yard, James Tumbridge said that the committee’s work helps to promote the City’s attractiveness as a visitor destination.

As the governing authority for the Square Mile, he said that it is important that the City Corporation is open to holding major events and festivals, receptive to applications from responsible licensed premises, and supports the City’s hospitality sector where it can.

With Tuesday to Thursday footfall back to over 80% of pre-Covid levels, this is good news for the Square Mile, which is home to nearly one thousand licensed premises.

Footfall levels on weekends now exceed pre-pandemic figures, and Saturday and Sunday traffic at the City’s tube stations is already above where it was before lockdown on both days - up 107% and 131% respectively.

James Tumbridge’s comments follow the launch of a major new Square Mile visitor destination brand and website - thecityofldn.com

The platform was launched as part of the City Corporation’s Destination City programme and will showcase the best of the City’s consumer offer to domestic and international visitors - promoting its world-leading hotels, pubs, bars, restaurants, culture, heritage, attractions, and experiences.

Chair of the City Corporation’s Licensing Committee, James Tumbridge, said:

“Being flexible, supporting the City’s hospitality sector, and promoting the Square Mile as an attractive destination for visitors, workers, and residents is absolutely essential.

“We are encouraged by the increase in footfall and excited to showcase the City’s leisure offer.

“We take pride in being practical, pragmatic, and responsive to ensure that we are a great place in which to run a licensed premises or event.”

The City of London Corporation’s flagship Destination City programme sets out a vision for the Square Mile to become a world-leading leisure destination for UK and global visitors, workers, and residents to enjoy.

Run by the City of London Corporation and produced in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Brewers, Beerfest takes place today in Guildhall Yard, EC2, from 12.30pm to 9pm today. Tickets are available here.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For further information, please contact Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Licensing), City of London Corporation / 07795 333060 / andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation, which owns and manages London Metropolitan Archives, is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

About Destination City:

The City of London Corporation’s flagship Destination City programme sets out a vision for the Square Mile to become a world-leading leisure destination for UK and global visitors, workers, and residents to enjoy.

Find out more about the Destination City Programme here: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/destinationcity.