The phrase ‘dining al fresco’, is likely to conjure up a very European picture; cobbled streets with small tables, lots of wine and the warm sun beating down your back.
In its native Italian, ‘al fresco’ really means ‘in the cool’, which is perhaps more appropriate than the British translation – ‘outdoor dining’. Or, much to the amusement of England-dwelling Italians, the term is often used to mean ‘in prison’ in Italy, due to the cold temperature of jail cells. Ironically, this year, al fresco dining is a symbol of our freedom. Lockdown has eased and we are once again allowed to eat and drink in the outdoor areas of pubs and restaurants.