Why cafés in London need a focused fire-safety approach

Fire safety and compliance in 2025 demand practical, up-to-date action. In this guide we explain how to identify and mitigate fire risks in London’s cafés so managers and owners can protect customers, staff and property. You will find clear steps, legal context and a ready checklist to use on-site.

Cafés have unique risk profiles. They combine cooking equipment, hot liquids, flammable packaging and high customer turnover. Moreover, many London cafés operate in older buildings with tight layouts. Therefore, hazards multiply and escape routes may be constrained.

London’s busy streets and mixed-use buildings also affect emergency access. For example, a basement café in a Victorian terrace faces different challenges to a modern high-street outlet.

Consequently, risk identification must be tailored to the premises. This helps ensure plans are realistic and effective.

How to identify and mitigate fire risks in London’s cafés: a step-by-step approach

Begin with a structured fire risk assessment. This is the foundation for all mitigation work. The person carrying out the assessment should understand the building, its occupants and the type of cooking used. For legal responsibilities, consult official guidance on workplace fire safety and duties for responsible persons published by GOV.UK.

Step 1 — Identify hazards

• Check cooking equipment and extraction systems for grease build-up. Grease is a common ignition source.
• Inspect electrical appliances and wiring for wear or improper DIY fixes.
• Note combustible storage such as cardboard cups, decorations and stock.
• Identify smoking areas, if any, and potential ignition from discarded materials.

Step 2 — Identify people at risk

• Consider staff, customers, contractors and anyone with reduced mobility.
• Think about peak times when customer numbers rise quickly.
• Remember temporary staff and delivery drivers who may be unfamiliar with the layout.

Step 3 — Evaluate existing precautions

• Verify fire detection, alarm and emergency lighting are installed and maintained.
• Review means of escape for capacity and obstruction issues.
• Check staff training records and evacuation procedures.

Step 4 — Record findings and plan remedial action

• Prioritise risks by severity and likelihood.
• Assign responsibilities, timescales and resources.
• Review and update records after any significant change to the premises or operations.

For formal assessments and help implementing corrective actions, consider booking a professional fire risk assessment from Total Safe UK’s specialists in hospitality premises. Our consultants can prepare tailored reports and action plans to demonstrate compliance.

Practical mitigation measures for café safety

Once hazards are identified, apply practical controls. Use proven measures to reduce ignition sources and limit fire spread.

Kitchen safety

• Fit and regularly service automatic fire suppression over cooking appliances.
• Clean extraction ducts and hoods at suitable intervals. Grease accumulation must be removed.
• Keep portable extinguishers suitable for cooking fires close at hand and staff trained in their safe use.

Electrical safety

• Use PAT testing for portable appliances where relevant. Replace damaged cables promptly.
• Avoid overloading sockets with multiple high-draw appliances.
• Schedule periodic inspections of fixed wiring by a qualified electrician.

Fire detection and alarm

• Install a suitable fire detection and alarm system covering kitchens, dining areas and storage.
• Test detectors weekly and log tests. Ensure the alarm can be heard throughout the premises.
• Consider linked systems for multi-floor or multi-occupancy buildings.

Safe storage and waste management

• Store combustible materials in designated, ventilated areas away from cooking and electrical sources.
• Remove rubbish frequently, particularly greasy or flammable waste.
• Use metal bins for waste where suitable and keep them outside the building.

Means of escape

• Keep escape routes clear at all times. Staff must never block doors with deliveries.
• Post clear signage and maintain emergency lighting.
• Make sure doors open easily and are not locked or obstructed during business hours.

Staff training and drills

• Provide all staff with fire safety training on induction and annually thereafter.
• Run evacuation drills at busy and quiet times to check procedures under different conditions.
• Train designated fire marshals in use of firefighting equipment and evacuation leadership.

Customer safety and behaviour

• Display simple safety notices where appropriate to remind customers about safe behaviour.
• Supervise outdoor heating and candles. Use only commercial-grade equipment that meets standards.
• Manage queuing and seating to avoid blocked exits.

Legal duties and documentation for café operators in London

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 the “responsible person” must carry out and record a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. This applies across England, including London. Therefore, you must identify risks, take reasonable measures and keep records of significant actions.

For authoritative information on responsibilities, consult the Health and Safety Executive and official fire safety guidance. The HSE provides practical resources for small businesses and employers on managing risks. See the HSE fire safety pages for more detail at HSE fire safety guidance.

Keep complete and accessible records

• Maintain a written record of the fire risk assessment, action plan and training.
• Log maintenance, inspections and tests for alarms, suppression and extinguishers.
• Keep contact details for emergency services and your insurance provider.

Comply with relevant standards

• Follow British Standards such as BS 9999 for fire safety design and BS 5839 for fire detection and alarm systems.
• For guidance on standards and certification, the British Standards Institution offers resources on applicable codes at BSI.

Managing fire safety in listed and older London buildings

Many cafés in London operate from historic buildings. These often have unusual layouts, concealed voids and heritage restrictions. Consequently, standard measures may not be straightforward.

Work with conservation officers and fire safety professionals

• Agree sensitively designed measures to improve escape routes and detection.
• Use wireless or less intrusive systems where cabling would harm historic fabric.
• Work with your insurer to ensure modifications meet cover conditions.

Ensure compartmentation and signage are appropriate

• Check for hidden voids and cavities that allow fire spread.
• Improve compartmentation where practical, using reversible measures if required by conservation rules.
• Use discreet signage that still meets safety requirements.

Costs, insurance and business continuity

Investing in fire safety reduces long-term costs. It also protects revenue and reputation. Insurers often require evidence of compliance, including a current fire risk assessment and maintenance records.

Review your insurance policy

• Inform your insurer of any significant changes such as new extraction systems or layout alterations.
• Keep records to support claims and negotiate premiums.

Plan for business continuity

• Prepare a response plan that minimises downtime after a fire or false alarm.
• Consider temporary relocation plans for staff and customers.
• Document recovery contacts for suppliers, cleaners and contractors.

Quick checklist: actions to take this month

• Complete or review your fire risk assessment and record any changes.
• Clean kitchen extraction systems and schedule professional duct cleaning.
• Test fire alarms weekly and log the results.
• Check emergency lighting and escape routes for obstructions.
• Train all staff in evacuation procedures and fire extinguisher use.
• Store combustible materials away from heat sources and review waste disposal.
• Book a professional inspection of electrical systems if any issues exist.

For hands-on support with these tasks, Total Safe UK offers tailored services including professional fire risk assessment and ongoing compliance programmes. We also deliver practical fire safety training for front-of-house and kitchen staff.

Conclusion: practical next steps to reduce risk and stay compliant

Identifying and mitigating fire risks in London’s cafés requires a structured approach, ongoing maintenance and clear staff responsibilities. Begin with a thorough fire risk assessment. Then address high-priority hazards such as kitchen fires and electrical sources. Finally, keep records and train staff so procedures work in practice.

If you need expert help, a professional assessment and tailored action plan will ensure compliance and protect your customers and staff. Contact Total Safe UK to arrange expert support and to demonstrate due diligence to regulators and insurers.

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