Heatwave and floods hit UK hospitality

Hospitality businesses were at the mercy of the weather at the weekend, with North Yorkshire hit by flash floods while the South wilted in the heat.

In the North, Helmsley was the worst hit town, with the Black Swan Hotel sitting at the foot of a hill feeling the full force of Sunday's downpour.

The hotel's kitchen and reception were gutted and restaurant staff spent Monday ripping up carpets and removing debris.

Shaun Brennan, receptionist at the hotel, said: "There's a pretty subdued atmosphere in the town. When it hit all hell broke lose; it took bridges out, washed the roads out, and there were trucks bobbing in the water."

Other hotels and pubs fared better, suffering only from access difficulties as several roads were closed.

Meanwhile, on Sunday London saw the hottest June day since 1976, with thousands of people heading to their nearest pub.

Dan Hughes, deputy manager at the Trout Inn, Oxford, said he and his staff pulled more than 1,100 pints during the weekend and served nearly 1,400 meals.

He said: "As soon as the sun shines every man and his dog comes here, so we took a bit of a beating. We were full from opening until closing on Saturday and Sunday."

Over in Parsons Green, London, the White Horse sold more than £10,000 worth of Pimms to thirsty customers.