Summer Facilities Management Checklist for Hospitality Venues

With warmer weather finally here (and we mean actually here, not just British optimism), hospitality businesses have the perfect opportunity to address maintenance tasks that protect their property and enhance customer experience. Our checklist helps restaurants, pubs, hotels, and commercial venues stay ahead of issues before they impact operations.

From HVAC servicing to pest prevention, these tasks ensure your building remains safe, efficient and compliant throughout the busiest trading months.

HVAC: Maintaining Guest Comfort

Your air conditioning systems face their biggest test during summer. Pre-season maintenance prevents costly breakdowns when you need cooling most, because nothing says "one-star review" quite like a sweltering dining room in July.

Essential HVAC maintenance:

Service all air conditioning units – Restaurants and hotels need reliable climate control. Schedule comprehensive maintenance before peak demand hits.

Replace air filters – Blocked filters in high-traffic areas reduce efficiency and air quality. Fresh filters lower energy costs and improve comfort (and stop that mysterious musty smell).

Beer cellar cooling checks – Pubs can't afford temperature fluctuations that spoil stock. Service cellar cooling systems before the summer rush – warm beer is a British crime.

Kitchen ventilation inspection – Commercial kitchens generate intense heat. Verify that extraction systems can handle increased summer loads when every table's full.

Test controls and thermostats – Check all zones respond properly, especially in guest areas where comfort directly impacts your guests.

Clean outdoor units – Clear debris from external condensers. Blocked units work harder and fail faster (usually on the hottest day of the year).

Seal ductwork leaks – Escaped cooled air wastes energy and money. Proper sealing significantly improves system efficiency.

Kitchen Extraction: Compliance and Safety

Kitchen extraction systems require special attention in hospitality venues. Poor maintenance risks fire, health violations and insurance issues – none of which pair well with your summer menu.

Critical extraction tasks:

Deep clean all systems – Heavy-use kitchens need cleaning every 1-3 months. Summer provides ideal conditions for thorough maintenance.

TR19 compliance verification – Maintain current TR19 Certificates of Cleanliness and complete documentation for Environmental Health Officer inspections. They do check and don't accept "it's on the to-do list" as an answer.

Grease trap servicing – Regular maintenance prevents fat, oil and grease from entering drainage systems and causing blockages. Nobody wants to explain why the kitchen's flooded on a Saturday night.

Replace canopy filters – Worn filters compromise extraction efficiency and hygiene standards. Install fresh filters before busy periods.

Test gas interlock systems – The Gas Safety Regulations require functioning interlocks between gas supplies and extraction systems. It's not optional, despite what that friend of a friend might tell you.

Update maintenance logs – Environmental Health Officers will request cleaning records during inspections. Keep documentation readily available. 

Building Exterior: Professional Presentation

Good weather makes exterior maintenance easier and more effective. These tasks protect your investment while maintaining kerb appeal, because you never get a second chance at a first impression.

Exterior maintenance priorities:

Roof condition assessment – Identify winter damage before autumn rains cause problems. Minor repairs now prevent major leaks during Sunday lunch service.

Gutter and drainage clearing – Remove accumulated debris to prevent water damage. Clear gutters protect foundations and walls (and prevent impromptu water features).

External lighting checks – Test car park illumination, emergency exits and signage. Well-lit premises improve security and help customers find you.

Seal inspection – Check window and door frames for gaps that waste energy and admit pests. Good seals reduce cooling costs and keep nature outdoors where it belongs.

Outdoor area preparation – Verify electrical supplies for external dining spaces. Ensure adequate power for summer service expansion without tripping the whole building.

Signage cleaning – Maintain illuminated signs for maximum impact. Clean, bright signage attracts passing trade better than that faded "ood & Dr nk" sign.

Pathway repairs – Address cracks and uneven surfaces before they become hazards or expensive liability claims.

Pest Prevention: Protecting Reputation

Rising temperatures increase pest activity around food premises. Proactive prevention costs far less than reactive treatment – and definitely less than a Trip Advisor review featuring unwanted guests.

Full pest control:

Full building survey – Identify entry points, including small cracks and gaps. Mice need just 3cm clearance to join your team uninvited.

Mesh barrier installation – Cover vents and openings while maintaining airflow. Professional mesh installation blocks access effectively (unlike that rolled-up tea towel).

Door seal maintenance – Fit brush strips beneath external doors. Replace worn seals that currently offer pests a red carpet welcome.

Drainage improvements – Eliminate standing water where insects breed. Repair leaks and improve surface drainage – mosquitoes don't pay rent.

Waste area deep clean – Maintain bin stores in pristine condition. Clean, sealed bins discourage pest activity and improve neighbour relations.

Vegetation management – Clear overgrowth near buildings where pests shelter. Tidy grounds reduce harbourage opportunities (and look better on Instagram).

Quarterly inspections – Professional surveys identify problems before infestations develop.

Electrical Systems: Safety and Compliance

Summer offers perfect conditions for electrical work without weather delays.

Electrical safety priorities:

Fixed wire testing – Schedule periodic inspections if due. NICEIC certification satisfies insurers and demonstrates you take safety seriously.

PAT testing programmes – Test portable appliances systematically across kitchens, bars and public areas.

Emergency lighting verification – Confirm escape route illumination works during power failures. Replace failed units immediately.

External socket weatherproofing – Check outdoor power points used for events remain watertight. Water and electricity still don't mix well.

Distribution board labelling – Ensure circuit identification is clear and RCD protection functions correctly.

Commercial equipment checks – Inspect kitchen appliances and bar equipment for electrical safety.

Expert Support: Professional Facilities Management

Managing comprehensive property maintenance across busy hospitality venues is challenging even for experienced businesses. Professional support ensures nothing gets overlooked while focusing on what you do best – creating brilliant customer experiences.

Medlec Group specialises in hospitality sector property maintenance across London and the Home Counties. Our multi-skilled engineers handle everything from emergency electrical repairs to scheduled HVAC servicing, helping venues maintain the highest operational standards.

Our NICEIC Approved electricians, qualified HVAC technicians and experienced maintenance teams provide both planned preventive maintenance and 24-hour emergency response – because problems don't check your opening hours.

We help restaurants, pubs and hotels stay safe, compliant and welcoming all year round.

Ready to complete your summer maintenance programme? Call 0333 344 5949 or contact us for professional facilities management that protects your business and enhances your customers' experience.