Westminster City Council is installing air purifiers in restaurants as part of a trial to reduce air pollution caused by frying and grilling food.
The town hall said the pilot will run for three months and will come at no cost to businesses who sign up.
The programme is seeking to track and eventually reduce cooking emissions, which the council said is the third-largest single source Particulate Matter, also known as PM2.5 emissions, in the borough.
These come from burning fuels like charcoal, wood and gas. They can also come from frying and grilling. PM2.5 are found in the air and are small enough to travel deep inside the lungs, heart and brain.
Long-term exposure has been linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and even cognitive decline. Apricity in Mayfair is one of four restaurants trialling the new technology. Head Chef Eve Seemann hopes the trial sheds light on the impact of cooking emissions on her and her staff.
She said: "Although our style of cooking may not be as polluting as others, it's important to see what areas we could improve in. This data will allow us to see when there's a peak, what caused that peak and what we can do to try and remedy it. I'm glad we are part of finding a solution to reduce air pollution."
Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said emissions from commercial cooking proposed a significant air quality and public health challenge in Westminster. He said: "We want this pilot to raise awareness of air quality issues within the industry, and I hope it encourages other businesses to sign up to participate in the trial.
"I'm proud that we're leading the way testing innovative solutions to make sure our communities can live in a greener, more sustainable Fairer Environment."
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UK Hospitality, said: "The hospitality sector is working diligently to meet its 2040 net zero goal, with businesses committed to tackling emissions and reducing their carbon footprints.
“We will continue to engage with key stakeholders, such as local authorities, on collaborative schemes and initiatives, to ensure that the sector is supported in its efforts to becoming carbon net zero and beyond."
“According to the council, Westminster City has 3,600 registered commercial kitchens. Trials are taking place in Mayfair, the West End, St John's Wood and Victoria. More businesses are being encouraged to sign up by contacting the council.
