COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on urban gastronomy. The example of Vistula Boulevards in Warsaw (Poland)

Restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the whole domestic economy, including the gastronomy sector. As a result restaurants had to change their operating models even to the extent of adjusting their interior designs. Changes were observed in the distance between dining tables, additional screens inside restaurants, as well as additional outside spaces. In some cases, the long-term closure resulted in liquidation. The Vistula Boulevards in Warsaw (Poland) are a well-known place for socialising and recreation, complemented by a varied food offer. The below study aims to present the changes which affected restaurants located on the Vistula river banks during the COVID-19 pandemic (in 2020 and 2021) compared with the previous period of 2018-2019. The results of the studies indicate that the number of restaurants, bars or gastronomic points (fast food) located on the Vistula Boulevards has changed only slightly. This can be attributed to seasonality, type of establishment (e.g. bar, restaurant, or gastronomic point), type of venue (for instance building or barge), as well as added value such as additional entertainment or recreation.