Letter: Why al fresco need not mean a car park

Sir: In his article advocating the use of public spaces for outdoor cafes, David Lister included the courtyard of Somerset House. Even more appropriate would be its 18th-century terrace, as I discovered only last Sunday.

With the approval of the porter, I entered the adjacent King's College and strolled along the splendid but sadly deserted terrace that the college apparently shares with Somerset House. Facing south, with a fine view of the Thames once captured by Canaletto and others, this sunny and impressive area would be a perfect location

to adopt Mr Lister's excellent initiative.

Yours faithfully,

MICHAEL WATKINS

London, W14