Café culture first came to Scotland by accident, when there was an indoor smoking ban introduced in any premises dispensing hospitality.

That swiftly occasioned two unusual sights: a huddle of miserable tobacco addicts around the exit doors, and the sudden arrival of outdoor tables and chairs.

Some of these were quite innovative: one Glasgow pub pioneered massive canopy-style brollies fitted with overhead gas heaters, the better to protect their clients from the ravages of Scottish summers.

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Now we await the arrival of the mark two revolution in outdoor catering, as restaurants and pubs try to find ways to maximise their footfall with restricted indoor covers.

The most startling proposition I’ve come across is called Finnieston Green, an architect-designed proposal which would effectively cover an entire block of that now trendy Glasgow area which plays host to some achingly hip dining experiences.

In essence the plan is for what looks in the drawings like a huge conservatory built on the existing pavement, whilst the interior has all manner of Perspex separated booths allowing people to dine intimately but safely.

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Nearer home there’s been a big push to make sure there are no undue licensing delays where Helensburgh establishments want to make added use of the public realm during phase three of post lockdown Scotland.

The obvious contenders are the pavements on the front, which were recently widened during the CHORD project, and Colquhoun Square, which already has some outdoor seating, but where there’s more scope for expansion.

Clearly the weather is always going to be what we might charitably call unpredictable, but, as the authors of the Finnieston Green project have proved, necessity can prove the mother of some very interesting inventions.

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I doubt we’ll see the rise of mini conservatories locally, but finding ways of outdoor/indoor drinking and dining will almost certainly prove the new normal yet awhile.

And, in truth, given the added attraction of people watching, pavement dining has always seemed an attractive proposition -– provided you don’t get drookit in the process.

My first foray comes tomorrow as the Knockderry opens up. It is a wine event. Spoke to me, somehow. Can’t imagine why.

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