First Paris, soon London, what of Hong Kong? Outdoor dining expands after the Covid-19 lockdown, and for the French the change could be here to stay
- Paris has brought in temporary rules allowing bistros and cafes to extend their pavement terraces to help them recoup earnings after a coronavirus lockdown
- Outdoor seating has taken over car parks and whole streets. A Parisian restaurateur until recently in Hong Kong says city could allow more al fresco dining too
Many of the world’s cities, Hong Kong included, have long had love-hate relationships with al fresco dining; diners would like to see more of it, while motorists and others who benefit from restaurants remaining indoors usually get the backing of the authorities.
As one particularly bold city emerges from Covid-19 lockdown, however, its residents are getting a taste of what a more outdoor dining scene feels like. Should Hong Kong diners dare to dream?
From Montmartre to Saint-Germain, the Bastille to the Champs-Elysées, Paris’ cafe pavement terraces have spread over once sacred parking spaces, even extending across whole streets. Overnight, bar and bistro owners have set up creative barriers to guard their newly won territory; luxuriant plants and potted vines, bamboo screens, plastic palm trees, even giant teddy bears on guard in deckchairs.
It is nothing less than a revolution, and moreover, it could be here to stay.
