Beat the Heat: Your Summer Essentials Guide

summer essentials

The sun is out, Bath is baking, and we’ve got everything you need to survive the heat, right here on Moorland Road.

Fans: essential for every room

We carry a range of fans to suit every space and budget: compact desk fans that sit perfectly on a bedside table or windowsill and larger pedestal fans for living rooms and shared kitchens. For students especially, a small desk fan is an absolute must-have – light enough to take home at the end of term too.

Pro tip: Place your fan near an open window overnight to draw cooler air in from outside. During the day, face it outward to push hot air out of the room. Pop a bowl of cold water in front of it and you’ve got a basic DIY air cooler – costs nothing and works better than you’d think.

Paddling pools: the garden hero

Got a garden? Then a paddling pool is non-negotiable. Whether it’s for little ones on a family afternoon or a group of housemates looking for a laugh, paddling pools are one of the easiest ways to make the most of a hot day. We stock a range of sizes, from small toddler pools to larger family-sized options – and they sell out fast once the temperature climbs, so don’t leave it too late.

Top tip: Set your paddling pool up in the shade during peak sun hours (11am–3pm) to stop the water getting uncomfortably warm, and empty it overnight to keep it fresh and bug-free.

BBQ charcoal & grilling essentials

Nothing says summer like a garden BBQ. We stock both lumpwood charcoal and briquettes, along with firelighters and long-reach matches, so you’ve got everything you need to get going. Lumpwood lights faster and burns hotter – great for burgers and sausages. Briquettes burn slower and more evenly, which is better for chicken or anything needing a longer cook.

For students sharing a house, a BBQ in the garden is one of the best (and most affordable) ways to feed a crowd over summer. If you don’t have a full BBQ setup, ask us about disposable options – perfect for a one-off occasion and no cleaning up afterwards.

Safety first: Never use a BBQ indoors or in an enclosed space – this includes sheds, garages and tents. Always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby and allow coals at least 48 hours to cool completely before disposing of the ash.

A few more summer must-haves

While you’re in, it’s worth picking up a few extras. Watering cans and hose attachments keep your garden or window boxes alive when the ground dries out. Outdoor extension leads are handy when you want to run a fan or speaker in the garden.

Your local shop, just down the road

We’ve been serving the Oldfield Park community since 1967 – families, homeowners and students alike. Whether you need a fan, paddling pool or a BBQ kit for the weekend, come in and have a chat. We’re open 7 days a week and offer free local delivery, so if you can’t get to us, we can come to you.

Photo by Jo Jo on Unsplash