Britons heading out for a sausage roll or iced drink could find some Greggs stores unexpectedly shut this week.
The bakery chain has temporarily closed 11 locations as soaring temperatures sweep across parts of the UK.
Greggs has temporarily shut 11 branches across Britain on Wednesday and Thursday as the extreme heatwave poses serious risks to both employees and shoppers.
Staff working at the affected outlets have been transferred to alternative locations within the chain.
The decision has been made in order to “protect” staff, with customers being notified of the closures in an email sent by Greggs.
In the announcement, Greggs explained: “Just to let you know – the following shops will be temporarily closed on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June to protect our customers and colleagues during the severe hot weather.”
The bakery giant took the decision after concerns mounted over conditions inside stores, where large industrial ovens operate without sufficient cooling systems.
Full list of 11 Greggs stores closing due to the heat
- Wolverhampton
- Luton
- Gosport
- Trowbridge
- Barnet
- Marlborough
- Wantage
- Dudley
- Northampton
- Leicester Square, London – Flagship branch
- Aldridge
The closures place Greggs among more than 30 retailers that have announced full or partial shutdowns this week.
Bakeries, restaurants, and fish and chip shops are particularly vulnerable due to the intense heat generated by cooking equipment.
Temperatures across the country are expected to climb as high as 40C, prompting businesses reliant on ovens, grills and fryers to prioritise worker welfare over trading.
Greggs closes 11 stores including flagship branch amid heatwave
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One worker at a closed London store explained the difficulties to the BBC: “It’s very hot. We have industrial ovens but no proper air conditioning in stores.”
The chain is far from alone in taking such measures. Robins Pie & Mash has closed its Romford, Chelmsford and Chingford branches, citing heat “amplified from our machines and ovens”.
Widespread disruption has accompanied the scorching weather, with over 1,000 schools closing and transport networks struggling.
The RAC reported a 20 per cent rise in breakdown callouts on Tuesday compared to typical levels.
The Met Office has extended its rare red warning for extreme heat to cover Wednesday and Thursday
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MET OFFICEThe Met Office has extended its rare red warning for extreme heat to cover Wednesday and Thursday across southern England, encompassing Brighton, Bognor Regis, Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth and Dorchester.
An amber alert has also been issued for Friday, affecting eastern and central parts of the country as the punishing conditions show no sign of easing.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “We have issued another amber warning for eastern and central England for Friday.
The bakery decided this after concerns mounted over conditions inside stores without sufficient cooling systems
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GETTYAs the forecast continues to evolve we may need to issue further updates once more detail becomes clear.”
Deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway warned that red warnings are reserved for the most severe events, with significant health impacts expected for many.
Liberal Democrat MPs have urged ministers to immediately open air-conditioned public buildings including gyms, leisure centres and libraries as emergency cooling centres for vulnerable residents.