A new online tool could help people across Essex track down air-conditioned spots as the current heatwave makes homes and offices increasingly uncomfortable.
The website, called “Where’s Cool”, allows users to find nearby cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants with air conditioning – offering a potential escape for those struggling in the heat.
This comes as temperatures soared to break the May record in Essex.
The free map, available at wherescool.uk, can be used to search locations across Essex and beyond, highlighting venues where people can cool off, work remotely or take a break from the rising temperatures.
It was created by Thomas Chivers, who said the idea came after he found it difficult to locate air-conditioned spaces while working from home.
He said: “As a ginger man, the heatwave this week has been the undoing of me.
"Unfortunately, working out of my sweatbox flat wasn’t an option and finding a reliable cafe with AC wasn’t as straightforward as I thought it was.
“When doing the research, I managed to find a data source that shows confirmed venues that actually have air con.
"When I told this to some remote working friends they asked if I could create a map so they could benefit as well.
"It made too much sense not to share it around.”
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According to the site, there are more than 280,000 pubs, cafes, restaurants and bars across England and Wales, but only around 8,000 – around three per cent – are confirmed to have air conditioning.
The map uses data from the Food Standards Agency’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, alongside Government Energy Performance Certificate records, to identify which venues are likely to have cooling systems.
Users can also contribute by confirming whether locations have air conditioning, helping to improve accuracy over time.
However, around 30 per cent of food business listings do not include map coordinates and are not currently shown.
Some non-public venues, such as school canteens, may also appear and can be reported by users.
The tool currently covers England and Wales, with plans to expand into Scotland in the future.
With temperatures remaining high, it could prove a useful resource for Essex residents looking for a cooler place to work, meet friends or grab a drink.
