The cost of eating out in some parts of London, if you're the type who likes to drive rather than take London transport, has risen significantly after Westminster Council voted last week to change their parking restrictions. Whereas previously diners could drive in and park in places such as Mayfair, Soho or parts of Covent Garden for free on a weekday evening or a Sunday afternoon, they'll now have to pay to park.
Robin Hancock, co-founder of the Wright Brothers who have a restaurant in Kingley Street right in the middle of the affected zone, told Hot Dinners: 'Anything that restricts or puts people off coming into the West End isn’t good for small businesses, particularly in this climate." It may not be as bleak as you'd think, as he added "the majority of people also have a drink in restaurants so it may not affect restaurants as badly as other businesses."
The only good news for diners who drive is that the new rules aren't coming into force until December 2011.
Find out which areas are covered by the new parking restrictions.
