Foxlow benefits from Sam Harrison's plan for part-pedestrianisation

Barley Mow Passage has been part-pedestrianised by Hounslow Council and outdoor dining is now permitted in the evenings. Foxlow restaurant has been allowed to place tables outside with covers for 20 people from 6.30 pm until 10pm Mondays to Saturdays.

The 'al fresco' dining in Barley Mow was the subject of a long and controversial campaign by Sam Harrison of Sam's Brasserie and Bar. Foxlows became the beneficiaries of this when Sam sold on his restaurant to Will Beckett last year, having spent ten years in business in Chiswick and Balham.

A spokesperson for Foxlow confirmed that they were now able to place tables outside each evening, from 6.30pm depending on the weather. They do not, however, take reservations for outside dining because of the unpredictability of the weather.

The original permission sought by Sam was for the scheme to operate from April to September.

A notice was published on 11 July in public notice record The Gazette by Hounslow Council stating it had made an Order under sections 6 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The Order came into operation on 19 July 2016.

"The general effect of the Prescribed Routes Order will be to prohibit vehicles from entering Barley Mow Passage, Chiswick during the prohibited hours between 6.30pm and 10pm Monday to Saturday.

"The area is from the north-eastern flank wall of no 12 Barley Mow Passage, to the western kerb-line of Bleak House Lane."

Sam Harrison

Anyone who wants to question the validity of the Order or any related provision or regulations has six weeks to make an application to the High Court.

In February 2015 Hounslow Planning Committee voted to give planning permission for outside seating following a long-running battle between Sam Harrison and some local residents. Two local residents had led a campaign against the project on the grounds of noise, pollution, and safety concerns for emergency access. Councillors at the Chiswick Area Forum had discussed the issue and referred it to the Planning Committee for decision.

Sam Harrison had based his proposal on the grounds that outdoor seating would enhance the neighbourhood and bring life to what he described as "an otherwise dreary alleyway".

The matter first arose in 2012 when Sam Harrison suggested it would help business for the restaurant and would also introduce a Continental feel to the area.

Two petitions were then drawn up on the proposal - one (by Sam) in favour and the other (by nearby residents) against the idea.

The permission was sought for enough table space for twenty-four covers for six months of the year, from April to September.

Hounslow Council officials recommended the scheme be approved as there had been no objections from Hounslow Highways, or Hounslow’s traffic department. They said the outside seating would be temporary.

July 21, 2016