How to Survive the London Heat Wave at Your Desk

By Lara, Content Editor at Graen · 2 minute read

If you had told me at the start of the week that I would voluntarily step onto a Central Line carriage with the ambient temperature of a wood-fired pizza oven, I’d have said… absolutely not, fetch me an iced coffee and a block of ice to sit on.

But here we are. London and the South East are currently trapped in a record-breaking heat wave, and "the commute" has officially transformed into an endurance sport. If you’ve braved the subterranean depths of the Tube today, you deserve a medal. Or, at the very least, a lunch that doesn't require chewing through heavy carbs while your forehead gently weeps onto your keyboard.

To save you from hitting the mid-afternoon wall, I’ve rounded up the ultimate, ultra-refreshing corporate catering hits from our brilliant Graen restaurant partners.

Here is how to keep your cool at your desk today:

• The Crunch Factor: If your brain has melted, let your jaw do the work with the Crunchboxes from The Salad Kitchen. They are crisp, incredibly fresh, and essentially a hydration station in food form.
• The Pacific Breeze: Channel some cooler, coastal energy with a poke bowl from Abokado. It’s clean, light, and won't leave you needing a post-lunch tactical nap.
• The Custom Coolers: Build your perfect shield against the heat with salad bowls from Kurama Poke, tossed, or B Bagel. Think vibrant greens, light proteins, and absolutely zero heavy lifting for your digestion.
• The Mindful Melt-Prevention: Balance your inner temperature with a gorgeous Buddha Bowl from Pali Kitchen. It’s packed with colourful, nutrient-dense goodness to revive you after that humid walk from the station.

Feeling brave? Or just blessed with elite AC?

Now, a cheeky word of advice for two specific types of people. If you are lucky enough to work in an office where the air conditioning is set to "Arctic Tundra," or if you are just an absolute maverick who believes in fighting fire with fire… why not go the opposite direction?

Sweat it out in style by ordering a spectacular, aromatic curry dish from the likes of Pali Kitchen or Kaana. Science says spicy food cools you down eventually, right? (Don't quote me on that, I'm a content editor, not a scientist).

Stay hydrated, stay inside, and let us bring the ice-cold office lunch vibes directly to you.

Lara, who is currently 40% iced water, 60% desk-fan appreciation, and has absolutely no regrets.