Cafe opening checklist (free printable)
By the Daybook teamPublished 20 October 2026Last checked 20 October 2026
Covers: England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with notes for Scotland
The short answer
Before you open, check fridges are cold and record them, look for pests, make sure hand-wash basins are stocked, surfaces are clean, food is in date and labelled, staff are fit to work, and allergen information is to hand. Tick and initial each item.
The checklist
- Fridges and freezers working; AM temperatures recorded
- No signs of pests: droppings, gnawing, insects
- Hand-wash basins stocked with hot water, soap and paper towels
- Work surfaces and equipment clean and disinfected
- Coffee machine, grinder and steam wands clean
- Cleaning products available, labelled and stored away from food
- Food in date, covered and labelled
- Cake display clean; cakes in date and labelled
- Allergen information up to date and where staff can find it
- Staff fit for work, in clean clothes, hair tied back
- Probe thermometer clean and working
- Bins clean, lidded and emptied
Why an opening check matters
It catches overnight problems before customers do: a fridge that failed, a delivery left out, a mouse in the dry store. And it proves to an inspector that someone looks every morning.
Make it yours
Cross out anything that doesn’t apply and add what does: a juicer, a panini press, an outdoor counter. Your list should match your food safety management system.
On a phone
In Daybook, the Opening Checklist is signed once each morning by the person who did it. The Hygiene Check covers each member of staff, and fridge temperatures are a separate check with AM and PM readings.
Free template
Cafe opening checklist (PDF)
Sources
Rules can change and differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Check with your local authority food safety team if you’re unsure. Daybook helps you keep records. It does not give legal advice or certify training.
Keep this record on your phone
Opening and closing checklists, signed and dated.
Daybook is the food safety diary for UK kitchens. Staff sign each check on their own iPhone; the office reads the week and makes an inspection record for any dates.