Greenwich has declared itself open for business after the easing of lockdown restrictions on Monday, with people flocking to newly reopened venues.

New outdoor 'Street Eats' venues were joined by pub gardens, non-essential shops and leisure centres in reopening their doors on April 12, taking us one step closer to getting back to normal.

Councillors celebrated the big day by touring some of the borough's best offerings to get a flavour of what's going on.

Greenwich Street Eats

Greenwich Street Eats

Councillor Danny Thorpe, leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant to get out and about today.

"It feels like such a momentous day, after such a long time with so much closed to us.

"But now Royal Greenwich is OPEN! I’ve really enjoyed meeting some of our local businesses and will be visiting more over the coming few days."

 

 

Sports and leisure facilities have opened their doors to welcome residents back, and the council have been working with Better to plan their safe reopening.

The new Street Eats initiative set up by Greenwich Council has seen places set up for the public to enjoy food and drinks purchased from participating pubs and restaurants, popping up around the borough until September.

Greenwich Street Eats

Greenwich Street Eats

The council says Street Eats will help support local hospitality businesses as they start to partially reopen, giving a much-needed boost to the local economy.

Street Eats locations

Greenwich Street Eats

Greenwich Street Eats

  • Abbey Wood and Thamesmead - outside Abbey Arms
  • Charlton Village - outside Village Green Grocers
  • Eltham Town Centre - Pound Place and Passey Place
  • Greenwich Town Centre – Cutty Sark Gardens
  • Woolwich Town Centre – Beresford Square
Greenwich Street Eats

Greenwich Street Eats

Leisure facilities including gyms, pools and activity spaces will re-open at Waterfront Leisure Centre, Eltham Centre, Greenwich Centre, Plumstead Centre, Thamesmere Leisure Centre, Coldharbour Leisure Centre, Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre and Charlton Lido & Lifestyle Club. Junior lessons will also resume, including swimming, gymnastics and performing arts.

Outdoor sports activities across the borough have already restarted and there are loads of community sport and physical activity sessions which are affordable or free. The Greenwich Get Active website lots of information about exercise and activity classes near you, whatever your age or ability. Find out more at greenwichgetactive.com

Street Eats locations are on Council owned land and will run to September. To ensure they are COVID secure the rule of six will apply - that means up to six people can meet up - or two separate households. The Council will work in partnership with supporting businesses to ensure any additional seating space is kept safe, clean and tidy.

Greenwich Street Eats

Greenwich Street Eats

From the 17 May it is anticipated that pubs and restaurants will be able to serve indoors again but the rule of six seated will still apply and up to 30 people may be able to meet outdoors.

Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy & Skills, said: “Like many others I can’t wait to have meal out and a drink with my friends and family.

"We have waived the cost of pavement licenses so that as many hospitality businesses can re-open as possible. In addition, our Street Eats pop-ups will provide further seating areas for customers of participating venues close by.

“Royal Greenwich Street Eats will help support local pubs, restaurants and cafés as they start to partially reopen by maximising our outdoor space throughout the summer until restrictions are lifted further.

"Residents will be welcomed back to our high streets for some much-deserved conviviality."