Opening, closing and inspection · free PDF
Free cafe opening checklist template.
Work through the list before you open, tick each day and initial it. Anything you can’t tick needs sorting, and a note, before service.
A4, landscape. Free, no sign-up. Print as many as you need.
Business: ________Week commencing: ________
| Opening check | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fridges and freezers working; AM temperatures recorded | |||||||
| No signs of pests (droppings, gnawing, insects) | |||||||
| Hand-wash basins stocked: hot water, soap, paper towels | |||||||
| Work surfaces and equipment clean and disinfected | |||||||
| Coffee machine, grinder and steam wands clean | |||||||
| Cleaning products and disinfectant available and labelled | |||||||
| Food in date, covered and labelled; use-by dates checked | |||||||
| Cake display clean; cakes in date and labelled | |||||||
| Allergen information up to date and available | |||||||
| Staff fit for work, in clean clothes, hair tied back | |||||||
| Probe thermometer clean and working | |||||||
| Bins clean, lidded and emptied |
Plus space for: problems found and what was done.
How to fill it in.
- 1
Adapt the list to your cafe; cross out anything that doesn’t apply.
- 2
Tick each item as you check it, then initial the day.
- 3
If something isn’t right, sort it before opening and write it under Problems found.
The rules behind it.
- This is a starting point, not a legal list. Your checks should match the food safety management system for your business.
Official guidance: GOV.UK: food hygiene for businesses · Food Standards Agency: fitness to work
Daybook helps you keep records. It does not give legal advice or certify training.
Read the guide
Cafe opening checklist (free printable)
A cafe opening checklist covering fridges, hand-wash stations, surfaces, pests, staff fitness, allergens and the coffee machine. Free printable PDF.
Prefer it on your phone?
Opening and closing checklists, in Daybook.
Staff sign each check on their own iPhone with a personal PIN. Every entry is named and timed, and the office makes an inspection record for any dates.
See how Daybook does it →More opening, closing and inspection