Bizarre 'VIP picnic' event offering free reserved patches in public park in Soho is cancelled after fierce backlash
A ‘VIP picnic’ event allowing people to reserve patches in a busy central London park has been cancelled following a fierce backlash.
Restaurant booking app OpenTable offered customers the opportunity to book a spot in Soho Square for free over the bank holiday weekend.
The event, billed as the “perfect picnic experience”, offered guests 45-minute slots with rugs and cushions – all they had to do was bring their own food, drink and friends.
However, it sparked an immediate backlash on Twitter as angry Londoners complained about being asked to reserve a spot in a free public square.
“This is disgusting,” wrote Paul Carmichael, a classic theatre director and performer. “Soho Square is public. It isn’t yours to “reserve”.
“What are you going to do with people sitting in the "VIP area" who don’t have a ticket, call the police?” asked Michelle Thompson.
Dreadful idea. No need to section off our public spaces thanks, first come first served is a much fairer way.
— Helen Maybanks (@HelenMaybanks) May 17, 2018
If I want a picnic in Soho Square I'll sit where I want to sit; you can't portion off and privatise a bit of a public square.
— Joel Taylor (@JoelTaylorhack) May 17, 2018
Westminster Council confirmed that the rest of the park, near Tottenham Court Road station, would remain open to the public during the event.
A spokesperson said: “This is a public event in a public space and the park will remain open to everyone throughout the afternoon.
“The @OpenTableUK event is completely free of charge and involves providing blankets and cushions to enhance the experience of visitors in a small section of the park.”
And don't forget to download our sister app, #AirSpace, and book up to 5 cubic metres of quality breathable air to enjoy with your picnic
— Nicholas Nada ニコラスナダ (@nixnada) May 18, 2018
Hi guys! Just trying to look up at the night sky but can’t find the VIP area. Where do I book? @OpenTableUK @Londonist
— Jellyfish Blues (@JellyfishE17) May 17, 2018
But the backlash continued to grow and a Facebook event was created encouraging people to gather in the square on Friday in protest.
“If you're opposed to booking your own patch of grass under this farcical effort of corporate promotion, and wish to use this public space as it was intended, and as we all do already, join us,” wrote the protest’s creator.
Less than two days before the event was due to begin, OpenTable has now announced it is cancelling the picnic due to “feedback”.
A spokesman said: “Following feedback over the past week, we have taken the decision to cancel our upcoming picnic activation in Soho Square.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes those who have booked and will be in touch with you all directly shortly.”
Following feedback over the past week, we have taken the decision to cancel our upcoming picnic activation in Soho Square. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes those who have booked and will be in touch with you all directly shortly.
— OpenTable UK (@OpenTableUK) May 23, 2018
Soho Square was opened in 1681 and includes a statue of Charles II at its centre. There is also a commemorative bench for Kirsty MacColl, who wrote the song ‘Soho Square’ for her album Titanic Days.
During the summer months, it has occasionally hosted free open-air concerts.