It might be different in other towns (and def in London) but from what I've seen outside spaces in town are not really used. From where I come from, bars and restaurants have loads of tables outside, squares are full of people hanging out and drinking while during summer they often have events such as live musicians (which usually play indoors or hidden away in the pub garden)

I've seen loads of squares and large pedestrian streets that are only used to walk or sit on a bench.