UK restaurants and pubs are racing to fit extra air‑conditioning after recent heatwaves put strain on workers and hybrids, forcing some venues to cut hours. A new spell of high temperatures is forecast, with 35C expected in south‑eastern England, raising the prospect of further disruption. aansluiting a government survey in 2023 found about half of cafés, restaurants and takeaways had some mechanical cooling. Operators say cooling is now crucial for retaining staff and attracting customers as heat becomes more common.

Caprinos has added air‑conditioning to more than 20 sites this year, with co‑founder Khalil Rehman saying new sites will need AC to stay competitive. Other branches awaiting planning permission are urged to offer more breaks and use fewer ovens, while Rehman also brings in new fridges after several failed during recent hot weather.

Italian eatery Tiella Trattoria in east London, run by founder and chef Dara Klein, is also hoping to install AC this summer after scrapping all pasta dishes when stove temperatures rose dangerously high. Melanie Norman of Leigh’s Café has entered talks with her landlord to install~

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