Al fresco dining in Mosman more popular than ever but still a luxury for many businesses
MOSMAN Council has approved of 40 businesses using its footpaths for al fresco dining, but a restaurant owner believes the council could do more to support the trend.
Mosman
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OUTDOOR dining has gained popularity in Mosman: the number of approvals to occupy the council’s footpaths has grown about 50 per cent in the past five years. There are now 40 outdoor dining approvals in the suburb.
Mosman Council’s latest support of the trend includes a planned $350,000 to $450,000 Military Rd streetscape upgrade in its next budget and approval for a cafe to install demountable bench seating.
The Military Rd works to the Centenary Circle area, in front of The Buena hotel, will aim to boost the suburb’s night-life with new alfresco dining areas at Mosman Junction.
Carol Fallows, owner of Stranded, said Mosman had a cafe culture, but outdoor dining was still a luxury for many cafes and restaurants.
“I haven’t counted, but there must be well over 100 cafes in Mosman and if you take in surrounding suburbs, probably close to 200,” she said.
“Mosman people love their coffee and they appreciate good coffee.
“They like to get together with friends or simply grab a coffee on their way somewhere.
“Outdoor dining is rarer. Space is an issue for many places and unless the establishment has an outdoor area, many cafes are confined to part of the footpath which costs them a council levy.”
Ms Fallows said Stranded was fortunate to have a large garden courtyard, about 40 square metres.
“We have three ‘zones’: the outside garden courtyard, the kiosk area and the cosy indoors with booth,” she said.
“Customers tell us they love being able to sit outside without the traffic noise and the car fumes.
“It is a quiet space, sunny from mid-morning, especially mid-season when customers can enjoy a coffee in peace away from traffic and noise.
“They love the peace and quiet: many have described it as a ‘hidden treasure’.
“In the evenings we light the courtyard with hanging lights, candles and flares which customers tell us completely transforms the area into a Mediterranean-style taverna.”
Ms Fallows said the council could do more to encourage outdoor dining.
“Outdoor dining is great in quiet spaces, but these are frequently hidden away,” she said.
“Council could rent out space for A-frames in safe places to alert people to businesses hidden away.
“Our courtyard is hidden down the Strand passage next to Ewen’s hardware.
“We are not allowed to advertise the courtyard with an A-frame at the top of the passage — or anywhere — in fact.
“The council’s argument is that A-frames are a pedestrian hazard, however, if the board is against a wall or post it is much less of a hazard than goods laid out by retail stores on the pavements, which are permitted because the space is paid for.
“We have suggested this to council, but they have refused.”
The council’s Outdoor Dining and Goods on Footpath Policy prohibits A-frame signs, but permits alternatives including: movable menu boards, provided they are either mounted on or placed against a wall of the parent property or other suitable structure within approved outdoor dining areas; and chalkboards or similar, promoting in-store specials and events on the exterior walls of premises within or adjacent to approved trading areas, provided they: contribute to the streetscape and public domain, are fixed securely and do not represent a hazard or impediment to pedestrian movement.
A council spokeswoman said the council’s policy supported the use of council footpaths for al fresco dining while maintaining a balance with pedestrian access, safety and amenity of the environment.
“The council’s policy facilitates the appropriate use of our footpaths and public areas for outdoor dining in a way that ensures a positive contribution to the streetscape, amenity and economic viability of Mosman’s retail areas,” the spokeswoman said.
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