City Corporation’s Licensing Chairman Asserts Square Mile’s Hospitality Sector is Flourishing
The Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Licensing Committee, James Tumbridge, has underlined their unwavering support for the Square Mile’s thriving hospitality sector – an essential part of the City Corporation’s vision to establish the area as a leading visitor destination. This comes as the Square Mile’s footfall is now back to over 80% of pre-Covid levels from Tuesday to Thursday, good news for the area that houses nearly a thousand licensed premises.
Tumbridge spoke to City Corporation elected Members at the Beerfest in Guildhall Yard, explaining how the committee’s work enhances the Square Mile’s attractiveness as a visitor destination. The key to achieving this, he said, is the City Corporation’s openness to hold major events, the welcoming of applications from responsible licensed establishments, and active support for the City’s hospitality sector.
The Square Mile’s weekend footfall now surpasses pre-pandemic figures, with Saturday and Sunday tube station traffic soaring above pre-lockdown rates – up by 107% and 131% respectively.
These comments coincide with the unveiling of the new Square Mile visitor destination brand and website, thecityofldn.com. This platform is part of the City Corporation’s Destination City programme and aims to highlight the Square Mile’s unparalleled offerings for both domestic and international visitors. This includes promoting its world-class hotels, bars, restaurants, culture, heritage, attractions, and experiences.
Tumbridge concluded, “Our dedication to the City’s hospitality sector and our commitment to promoting the Square Mile as an appealing visitor destination is crucial. The surge in footfall is an encouraging sign, and we look forward to showcasing the City’s leisure offerings.”
The City of London Corporation’s flagship Destination City programme presents a vision of the Square Mile as a world-leading leisure destination for UK and global visitors to enjoy. The Beerfest, a key part of this vision, is taking place today in Guildhall Yard, EC2, from 12.30pm to 9pm.
