Mini heatwave gives 'welcome surprise' to Ely fish and chip shop
They've seen trade not as badly affected as predicted during the hot spell
Businesses in Cambridgeshire may be coping well with the soaring heat so far, including fish and chip shops.
Temperatures are due to hit the 30C mark as the east was issued with an amber heat health alert until Sunday.
And the Met Office has predicted today’s maximum temperatures could match this year’s record of 32.2C in June.
Ian Kilby owns The Fish House in Ely:
“We all enjoy a portion of fish and chips but we like to top it off perhaps with an ice cream or cold drink afterwards,” he said.
“Like the public, it’s cool drinks, stay in the shade and try to keep the breeze coming through.
“We’re starting to think about investing in things like air conditioning where we perhaps wouldn’t have done in the past.
“That has challenges for us to overcome with regards to extraction, but sunshades, umbrellas and trying to keep that sun out certainly during hotter parts of the day.”
The latest heat health warning had been upgraded to amber for 8 of England’s 9 regions, meaning people of all ages could be affected.
Trade in the heat has been pleasant surprise
Temperatures are likely to return to average levels for September next week, and trade for The Fish House this week has been a welcome surprise.
“It’s been better than expected; we were expecting perhaps a larger drop in trade given the heat,” said Ian.
“You can see people staying out of the heat during the centre of the day, but we’re happy.
“It’s the same whether it’s hot or cold and that is the interaction we have with our customers; we enjoy that interaction of being able to serve and be a part of that community.”