West End footfall returns to 86% of December peak since shops reopened

London’s West End footfall returned to 86% of the peak in December, 2020, following the easing of Lockdown 3 restrictions and non-essential retailers reopening from 12 April, 2021, according to London landlord Shaftesbury.

Shaftesbury expects this trend to continue in the weeks and months ahead as office workers, a vital part of the West End’s economy, begin to return to the area and, with indoor hospitality expected to be permitted from mid-May, increasing numbers of visitors being able to return to the area’s world-famous hospitality offer.

To support the reopening, al fresco seating has been introduced across Shaftesbury’s extensive West End portfolio, which incorporates large swathes of retail and hospitality venues across areas including Carnaby, Soho, Seven Dials, Chinatown, and Fitzrovia.

Shaftesbury CEO, Brian Bickell, said: “It has been heartening to see people returning in large numbers to our iconic streets over the past week, in a safe and secure manner. The West End is beginning to feel alive once more, which has been made possible by the commitment that our partners and local businesses share with us to kickstart its recovery.

"Now as we approach the next milestone, it is important that this momentum is maintained to ensure this positive start to the easing of lockdown is sustained.”