Restaurateur Neil Barlow believes his dream of creating a continental-style dining area could become a reality this summer.

Mr Barlow, owner of Ocean on North Quay, Douglas, said: ’I am sure the government would like to support the hospitality industry get back on its feet after this devastating crisis.’

The restaurant boss wants to transform the North Quay with outdoor dining areas.

Mr Barlow believes that out of the coronavirus crisis a new can-do attitude is emerging.

He said: ’I can’t see why the government wouldn’t want this. I think the island is changing its mind on things.

’Instead of traa dy liooar - Manx for time enough - I think there is a definite can-do attitude out there of forging on and get things done. We can beat Covid-19 and we can beat the economic recession with a positive attitude.’

Mr Barlow added: ’I reckon it’s a 90% goer that we get this going. And I would hope it could be something for future years as well.’

In the last three months Mr Barlow and his ’fantastic’ team of staff have, like many other restaurants and cafes, transformed business to allow delivering to customers across the island. The proprietor said: ’We have a proposal that we think would be fantastic not only for us as a business but for the other hospitality businesses around us.’

Douglas Council’s executive committee met last Friday and decided to temporarily relax pavement café guidelines in a move to support the hospitality sector as Covid-19 restrictions are eased.

Council leader David Christian said: ’The survival of the hospitality sector is vital to the local economy. Café and restaurant owners have been showing great ingenuity in how they can provide food and drink while complying with current health and safety protocols.

’The council has therefore agreed to a temporary relaxation of pavement café guidelines in a bid to re-energise café culture in the town centre and support businesses struggling to return to a "new normal".’

Councillor Christian added: ’The council is aware that some businesses on Douglas promenade are calling for a pedestrianised zone.

’This is a matter for the Department of Infrastructure to determine. I would, however, expect my fellow councillors and all other interested parties to be as supportive as possible in any consultation process to enable these businesses to get up and running and trading again in these difficult times.’

â?¢Would you welcome pavement cafes? Email [email protected]