Some restaurants and shops at a favourite destination along Bristol's harbourside are closing today (18 July) due to the 'extreme heat'. The heatwave is bringing soaring temperatures of 36 degrees to Bristol today, with an amber weather warning.
Temperatures are soaring to unprecedented levels across the UK. The Met Office has issued a Level 4 Heat-Health Alert which indicates the severe heatwave could impact public transport, food, water, energy supplies and businesses.
Many restaurants and shops at Wapping Wharf, popular for hungry locals looking to grab some food near the water, are making the difficult decision to close to the public today (18 July). The metal cargo containers the businesses are housed in are not made for temperatures of nearly 40 degrees.
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Frankly, an ethical and sustainable shop selling fashion, accessories and gifts, shared on their Instagram story: "We We will be CLOSED today (Monday).
"Our shop is in a metal box and it gets VERY hot in there." Restaurant favourites at Wapping Wharf have also followed suit.
Wild Beer restaurant and bar announced their closure in an Instagram post, saying: "Due to the extreme weather forecast, we have made the decision to close for the wellbeing of our team. Stay safe, hydrate and enjoy the shade!"
Healthy fast food takeaway Loki Poké, winner of the Bristol Life Awards' Best New Business award for 2022, also announced their closure. They said that a "metal container + heatwave" was not a good idea.
For those looking to head down to Bristol's harbourside today, it is worth remembering that however hot it gets, Bristol Harbour is not a wild swimming destination. The council recently warned the public, reminding it is illegal to swim in the water there.
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