London is currently in the midst of scorching temperatures, reaching a blistering 30 degrees. The heatwave has taken a toll, with reports of soldiers fainting during the trooping the colour rehearsal. Meteorologists predict a 45% likelihood of a hot summer in Britain, which is 2.3 times higher than usual.
In order to cope with this intense heat, it is crucial to find ways to stay cool and beat the heatwave. Thankfully, some innovative UK startups have developed ingenious products and services specifically designed to combat sweltering conditions. Discover these groundbreaking solutions to keep cool and comfortable during London’s heatwave.
Ditch the underground, cruise around on an e-Bike from HumanForest!
Forget about crowded train platforms and stuffy tube carriages. It’s time to embrace a new way of getting around the city. With HumanForest, you can trade the hustle and bustle of the underground for the freedom and exhilaration of an e-bike. Say goodbye to delays, rush hour chaos, and cramped spaces in this heat. Instead, grab one of their sleek and eco-friendly e-bikes and zoom through the city streets with style and ease.
Founded by Agustin Guilisasti and Caroline Seton in 2020, micro-mobility operator HumanForest offers electric bicycles that are available for rent on a pay-per-minute basis. This service aims to promote eco-friendly transportation options and reduce the reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles, contributing to increased heat emissions and air pollution.
By encouraging to choose HumanForest bicycles instead of cars or other motorised vehicles for short-distance travel, the company helps lower carbon emissions and mitigate the heat island effect in urban areas. Equipped with pedal-assist technology, HumanForest bicycles provide a boost to your pedaling efforts and make cycling easier and more accessible.
The accredited B-Corp company touted as one of the most affordable and environmentally responsible bikes in the city has raised £12 million in a Series A funding round in April this year. It was announced that the funding will help HumanForest double the size of its London fleet to meet the growing demand for its services.
Embark on an eco-friendly beach adventure in the UK with Hiyacar!
Escape the scorching heat and explore the breathtaking coastlines of Cornwall, Wales, and other charming beach towns in the UK. But why contribute to environmental damage by driving your own car? With Hiyacar, you can enjoy a sustainable and guilt-free road trip experience.
Hiyacar, the peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, allows you to rent cars from locals in your community. Founded in 2014 by Graeme Risby, Rob Larmour, and Raj Sharma, this innovative service not only provides a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional car rental but also promotes eco-conscious transportation practices.
So, don’t let the heat get the best of you this summer. Plan your beach trip and embrace sustainable travel.
Beat the London heatwave and quench your thirst with Pentire Drinks!
In the scorching summer heat, staying hydrated is essential for your well-being. Proper hydration not only keeps your body temperature in check but also boosts your brain function and mood, and ensures smooth digestion and joint mobility. With increased sweating during hot weather, replenishing your fluids becomes even more crucial.
That’s where Pentire Drinks comes to the rescue. Founded in 2019 by Alistair Frost and Edward Grieg-Gran, this innovative brand offers a range of non-alcoholic spirits that provide a refreshing and flavorful beverage option. While these drinks may not be specifically formulated for hydration like plain water, they offer a more exciting and enjoyable way to quench your thirst throughout the day.
So, ditch the mundane and elevate your hydration game with Pentire Drinks. Stay cool, hydrated, and delightfully refreshed as you conquer the London heatwave in style.
If you are looking to cut back on or eliminate alcohol consumption, Pentire Drinks can serve as a suitable replacement. As alcohol can have a dehydrating effect on the body, choosing a non-alcoholic option like Pentire Drinks helps promote better hydration and overall well-being.
Wear light clothes – Buy or rent at Depop, ByRotation
Wearing light-coloured clothes in the summer can help you stay cool and comfortable. However, buying new clothes might add to greenhouse gas emissions and make the process unsustainable. This is where marketplaces such as Depop and ByRotation come to play.
Firstly, Depop, an online marketplace and social media platform focuses on secondhand fashion and vintage items. It was founded in 2011 by Simon Beckerman, Bobby Harmsen, and Sebastian Siemiatkowski. Depop gained popularity, particularly among younger generations who are interested in sustainable fashion and unique, pre-owned clothing.
Likewise, ByRotation, a woman-led peer-to-peer fashion rental platform, encourages you to rent what you need and lend what you don’t use frequently at a fraction of the retail price. The fashion platform doesn’t buy any inventory and aims to create an inclusive community and doesn’t charge any subscription fees.
Launched by Eshita Kabra in 2019, the company pocketed €2.7 million in seed funding in a round led by Redrice Ventures in 2022.
Order a chilled dessert from Deliveroo, and Zapp, and more
When the summer heat becomes unbearable, there’s nothing like indulging in a refreshing chilled dessert to beat the sweltering temperatures and elevate your summer experience. Whether you crave the creamy goodness of ice cream, the fruity delight of sorbet, or the tangy goodness of frozen yogurt, these icy treats offer immediate relief and help you stay cool when the sun is blazing.
To make your summer even cooler, you can now conveniently order chilled desserts from the comfort of your own home. Thanks to online delivery services, satisfying your sweet tooth has never been easier. Just browse through the tempting options available on your favorite delivery app and choose from a variety of flavors and styles to suit your preferences.
One such delivery service making waves in the market is Zapp, founded in 2020 by Joe Falter and Navid Hadzaad. Zapp goes beyond just desserts, delivering a wide range of last-minute essentials, snacks, drinks, personal health and hygiene products, and much more – all within an impressive 20-minute delivery window, 24/7. Earlier last year, Zapp picked up $200 million in Series B funding in a round led by internationally renowned investors.
Meanwhile, Deliveroo, the global food delivery platform, has been experiencing remarkable sales growth in a relatively short period. Committed to making a positive difference, Deliveroo encourages its fleet of riders to utilise bicycles or electric vehicles for deliveries, reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly transportation.
Eat light, cool meals from Gousto, Karma Kitchen and more
When the summer sun is scorching, the last thing you want is to turn your kitchen into a fiery furnace by cooking heavy, hot meals. It’s time to embrace the cool and light side of dining, which not only helps you beat the heat but also keeps you refreshed and hydrated.
One company that understands the need for convenience and flexibility in meal planning is the British recipe box company, often referred to as the ‘Netflix of food’ – Gousto. Founded by the dynamic duo of Timo Boldt and James Carter, Gousto offers a hassle-free meal kit service that brings the joy of home-cooked meals right to your doorstep. With a diverse range of recipes, Gousto focuses on quality ingredients and sustainability, making cooking enjoyable, accessible, and environmentally friendly. Recently, the company secured an impressive £50 million investment, with a valuation soaring to $1.7 billion.
In a similar vein, Karma Kitchen, founded by the visionary sisters Eccie and Gini Newton in 2018, has a mission to revolutionize the culinary landscape. Karma Kitchen builds functional commercial kitchens on a large scale, providing the essential resources necessary for passionate food businesses to thrive and swiftly deliver their delectable creations to your doorstep through trusted partners like Uber Eats.
Work in air-conditioned workspaces near you: Tally Workspaces
Keeping a cool, comfortable workspace is essential when the summer heat becomes a relentless force. AC workspaces offer the perfect solution, creating a refreshing oasis where you can focus and excel, even amidst scorching temperatures.
Tally Workspace, founded by the visionary duo of Laura Beales and Jules Robertson simplifies the process of discovering the perfect office, meeting room, or coworking space. With an extensive network of thousands of offices and coworking spaces across the UK and beyond, Tally Workspace provides a transparent marketplace that caters to all types of workspace needs.
Get pampered at spas and wellness centers: Fresha
In the summer heat, finding solace and promoting wellness are paramount. That’s where spas come in, offering a haven of tranquility where you can escape the sweltering temperatures and prioritise self-care.
One renowned platform leading the way in spa and salon bookings in London is Fresha, founded by the visionary William Zeqiri in 2015. Fresha has revolutionised the way we discover and book appointments, offering a user-friendly platform that brings the best spas and salons right to your fingertips. Through their convenient mobile app, available on Android and iOS, you can effortlessly explore a variety of spa and salon services and secure your appointment with just a few taps.
With Currys, Argos, and more, you can get the best price on air conditioning, coolers, and fans
When the summer heat becomes intolerable, it’s time to gear up and embrace the cool side of life. Getting an air conditioner, cooler, or fan is the ultimate formula for staying refreshed and comfortable. And guess what? You can find these must-have appliances at unbeatable prices from retail tech giants like Currys and Argos, among others.
But wait, there’s more! These retail powerhouses often roll out enticing promotions, discounts, and special offers that make your cooling dreams even more affordable. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, clearance events, and exclusive online deals that can score you the best price.
Elevate your summer experience: unwind at the best open-air rooftop bars with DesignMyNight!
Step out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary as you embrace the summer sun at open-air rooftop bars. These vibrant spaces offer a breath of fresh air, letting you soak up the warmth while indulging in a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.
When it comes to finding the ultimate open-air rooftop evening spots – founded by the dynamic duo of Nick Telson and Andrew Webster, DesignMyNight is your go-to platform. This popular online hub is your passport to uncovering and booking unique experiences, venues, and events across the UK. From hidden gems to well-known hotspots, DesignMyNight has a treasure trove of options, including bars, restaurants, clubs, immersive experiences, and pop-up events. Say goodbye to boring nights and hello to unforgettable memories.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to elevate your summer game, hope you found this article useful!
