La Verne Vintage, a popular café on the banks of the River Tyne in Newcastle, has announced it will not serve hot food on Tuesday or Thursday due to forecast temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius. The café has also asked customers not to bring dogs to protect the animals from the scorching weather, with owners warning they may close entirely if conditions become too extreme.
Safety measures amid heatwave
The café, located at St Peter's Basin, typically serves hot food but will switch to cold food and drinks only on Tuesday, June 23, and Thursday, June 25. Temperatures are expected to reach 29°C on Tuesday and 26°C on Thursday, according to forecasts. The owners explained that using the grill inside the trailer would push internal temperatures to 40-45°C, posing a risk to staff.
Instagram announcement
In a post on Instagram on Monday night, the café's owners wrote: 'About Tuesday and Thursday, we will attempt to open serving drinks and cold food only. If we feel we need to close, it will be posted on our story, so please check before visiting.' They added: 'Please don't try & bully Sue into making hot food - she won't - if it's 30 degrees outside, the grill combined with the coffee machine would make it 40/45 inside. Would you want to cook in that?'
Protecting dogs from heat
The café also addressed pet safety, stating: 'Potentially controversial BUT I will not allow people to sit with their dogs at our tables in temps above 25. I am a dog lover and a dog owner and refuse to see dogs suffer in 30 degree weather. Soz, but I care more about your dog than making money.' The move has received praise on social media for prioritising animal welfare.
Ice cream to cool down
From Wednesday, La Verne Vintage will serve homemade ice cream to help customers keep cool. The café's proactive measures highlight the challenges businesses face during extreme weather events, balancing customer service with safety concerns.
