Let's turn Kettering's Market Place into open-air diner, says smokehouse owner

A Kettering smokehouse owner wants to turn the town's Market Place into an open-air diner for venues in the restaurant quarter.

Drew Wilcox, who owns Billionaires in Sheep Street, is working on an idea to bring the area's pubs and restaurants together in the open space which is used to host events such as Kettering by the Sea and the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

He thinks it could be a way to allow venues to run a table service and stick to coronavirus social distancing measures, which have so far forced restaurants to close apart from takeaways and deliveries.

He said: "I want to change that space and I love outdoor eating.

"When you go to France and you're outside in a square with a meal and some wine it's lovely.

"You can still keep your two metre spacing from other diners - it would be perfect."

So far Mr Wilcox has had two meetings with Kettering Council about the idea and has also suggested the open space could be used for free fitness programmes, a cinema screen and a 'battle of the bands' event.

He said: "I think it would make a massive difference to the area.

"There's nowhere else like it nearby and it would bring footfall to the town."

A Kettering Council spokesman said: "The council is considering how we can support any business owner within our town centres, who feel their business can be safely re-started by using available safe and appropriate public open space.

"We will need to ensure pedestrians can safely move and queue whilst observing social distancing, to access other retail and essential services."

Mr Wilcox has appealed for help to get the ball rolling on the plan.

Anyone with experience of putting on events who might be able to help should contact [email protected].