Welcome to Sevenoak's new hospitality area!

Businesses in Bank Street have taken advantage of the relaxation of Covid rules allowing customers to eat and drink if they are sitting outside by moving out onto the pavement - with the blessing of the district council.

Council leader Peter Fleming said: "We are doing everything possible to support our local businesses as we come out of lockdown.

"Opening up Bank Street for safe, outdoor eating and drinking will really help local hospitality businesses with little or no outdoor space."

Two pubs, the Anchor and the Restoration, and three eateries, Basil, Sopranos and Eat For Energy, are now welcoming customers to Bank Street, which is pedestrian only.

Businesses can serve customers outdoors from Monday to Sunday, 10am to 11pm.

Cllr Fleming said: “I’m confident this new outdoor hospitality area will complement the space Sevenoaks District Council has already gifted Sevenoaks Town Council for their new outdoor market over the summer, giving residents and visitors even more reasons to visit the town, and giving the wider town economy a real boost."

He said: "We want to thank Kent Highways for allowing us to use Bank Street and Sevenoaks resident Matthew Neave for promoting the idea."

Sevenoaks District Council's Town Centre Ambassadors and local businesses will work together to help keep the area safe for everyone.

If successful, the outdoor seated area could stay in place until the end of September 2021.

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