With the beginning of the end of the lockdown in sight, Obiter reckons it is time to ponder what London’s legal heart will look like in the new normal. So we’re encouraged to hear that the City of London Corporation has a stretch of Chancery Lane under consideration for al-fresco dining.

The Chancery Lane Association, organiser of last year’s excellent Lunchtime Streets events (pictured), is collecting views on the closure of a stretch from Carey Street to Southampton Buildings. Closure has been mooted in the past, but ran into vociferous opposition from cab drivers, among others.

Complicating the situation is that the ancient winding thoroughfare marks the boundary between the cities of London and Westminster. Carey Street itself is in Westminster, which has its own programme of creating more space for outdoor dining and socialising. Obiter understands that two of our regular hostelries, the Seven Stars and the Knights Templar, are bidding to have Carey Street pedestrianised for the purpose. An outdoor pub would certainly be convenient for anyone leaving the Royal Courts of Justice by the judges’ entrance.

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