24/7 Maintenance: Why It Matters (And How a Double-Decker Bus Proved It)
In today’s blog I want to tell you a story which happened a few months ago on New Years Day 2025.
For most people, New Year’s Day means a well-earned lie-in, a slightly sore head, and the hope of not breaking their resolutions before lunchtime. But at AM Planned Maintenance, our 24/7 maintenance team is always alert, ready, and raring to respond—whatever the day, whatever the hour.
Take this New Year’s Day, for example.
At around 1:23 PM, the manager of The Garden Gate in Hampstead was met with a sight no one ever expects: a double-decker bus careening through what’s proudly known as “one of the finest beer gardens in London” and slamming into the side of the 19th-century pub.
The Number 1 bus, traveling from Canada Water to Hampstead Heath, had lost control in the heavy rain. With over 12 tonnes of vehicle force behind it, the bus tore through the beer garden—ripping up seating, smashing planters, destroying electric lights and heaters, and even toppling a tree before colliding with the building itself.
Thankfully, no one was in the beer garden at the time due to the downpour, and the driver—the only person onboard—escaped unharmed. The same couldn’t be said for the beer garden, which was left in complete disarray just as the pub was gearing up for a busy holiday afternoon.
That’s when the call came through to us.
Within hours, our 24/7 maintenance team was on-site, damage assessed, and a clear plan put in motion—all before the end of the day. Because when you're relying on foot traffic, reputation, and a packed New Year’s crowd, every hour counts.
Thanks to our quick intervention, The Garden Gate was able to stay open with minimal disruption, turning what could have been a disaster into just another story behind the bar.
At AM Planned Maintenance, we’re always just a phone call away—rain, shine, or runaway buses.
With the above in mind, here are the top 5 reasons we think a 24/7 service is essential to your business:
🔧 1. Immediate Response to Emergencies
When things go wrong—whether it’s a burst pipe, building damage, fire door repairs or a bus driving through your beer garden—having a team available 24/7 ensures a rapid response to prevent further damage and get things back on track fast.
💰 2. Saving You Money
The longer your business is out of action, the more revenue you lose. A 24/7 maintenance team minimises downtime by addressing issues as soon as they arise.
📅 3. Flexible Scheduling
With our expertise and experience in hospitality and retail maintenance; We know that your building is literally your shop floor, and unsightly maintenance works are the last thing your customers want to see. That’s why our 24/7 team is able to quickly and efficiently work outside of business hours, avoiding disruption to customers and staff.
🛠 4. A Stitch In Time
Putting off a maintenance issue, even for only a few days, can lead to it spiralling out of control. Our 24/7 service prevents minor issues from turning into major (and costly) problems.
5. Time Is Money
In retail and hospitality, not all hours carry the same weight—peak times mean peak profits. That’s why unexpected maintenance issues during busy periods can hit twice as hard. With our 24/7 maintenance team, we’re able to respond within hours, helping you get back up and running before the next crucial rush.
