Restaurants (most) are more accessible than ever, allowing people with mobility issues to enjoy every last bite
Dining out is a treat… that is enhanced ten-fold when accessibility is catered for by restauranteurs explains Euan’s Guide
North Harbour Bistro, Isle of Scalpay
To get to North Harbour Bistro and enjoy fine dining in the Hebrides, prepare yourself; the drive from the Isle of Harris to Scalpay is not for the faint-hearted! Goats wander the streets after dark and parking at the restaurant is limited, though there is more street-parking a short distance away.
Mouth-watering seafood, delicious classic meat dishes plus a well-balanced pudding menu have led to rave reviews. Equally excellent, is its accessibility. The restaurant is on one level with ramp access. The disabled toilet has plenty of room and grabrails. Staff are helpful and accommodate requests to move furniture around, checking in to make sure diners are comfortable.
“I wanted to visit this popular fine dining bistro for a while and wasn’t disappointed,” comments a Euan’s Guide ambassador. “Fully accessible and delicious food, exceptional staff, and an enjoyable visit.”
Visit www.facebook.com/northharbourbistro or tel 01859 540218
Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee
Entry to “The Rep” as it’s affectionately known amongst the locals, is through a door operated by a push pad. A ramp provides access to the foyer, and the customer service desk is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
The restaurant is through large glass doors which swing open both ways, and a lift provides access to the bar and auditorium upstairs. Wheelchair users enjoy plenty of space in the restaurant, and staff ensure visitors feel welcome.
Excellent food is a given; there’s something for everyone on the brunch menu, and at dinner time expect interesting takes on the classics, such as jackfruit, butterbean and coconut curry.
Recently refurbished, the lower-level toilet near the restaurant is slightly awkward to access but as with the rest of the facilities, it is spotless. A Changing Places toilet can be found on the upper level too.
“As a regular visitor I was over the moon to hear that the toilets were refurbished,” says a new review on Euan’s Guide. “The food is excellent and there’s plenty of space for wheelchairs.”
Visit www.dundeerep.co.uk or tel 01382 223530.
The Waterfront, Burton-on-Trent
Set in a lovely location with stunning views across the Barton Marina, The Waterfront is a relaxing restaurant with exposed brickwork and wooden beams. Replicating the style of a Victorian canal-side warehouse, there is plenty of room inside and out.
The car park has a few disabled bays near the restaurant with a ramp available to get inside, where it’s spacious and set on one level. The main door is automatic while the inner door is manual. The disabled toilet is roomy, with grab-handles and a pull cord.
The restaurant is spacious enough for a wheelchair user or guests using mobility aids and staff help make moving around easy and look after their guests.
“The exposed brickwork and wooden beams and plain, delightful decorations made the mixture of old and new welcoming, warm and inviting,” reports one Euan’s Guide reviewer. “The whole place is such a delight to visit.”
Visit www.waterfrontbarton.co.uk or tel 01283 711500.
The Chilworth Arms, Southampton
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a meal at The Chilworth Arms. Enjoying its own courtyard and garden, The Chilworth Arms is located in the heart of the picturesque town of Chilworth, only a 10-minute drive from Southampton.
Recently refurbished, The Chilworth Arms was a big hit with a recent Euan’s Guide reviewer.
“There is a large carpark with accessible spaces. Level access into the front door and level access throughout. Large, accessible loo with vertical and horizontal handrails.
The food was delicious and the service was wonderful. The table was even high enough for me to get my legs under. Faultless!”
Visit www.chilwortharms.co.uk or tel 02380 766247.
Trenchers, Whitby
Established in 1980, Trenchers of Whitby has cemented itself as a must-visit destination in the north of England thanks to its traditional menu of fish and chips, seafood salads, crab, lobster, fresh fish and homemade pies.
Situated on Whitby’s iconic harbour side, Trenchers provides the perfect setting for parties of any size with booth seating throughout and friendly service at every visit.
Level access means people with wheels can roll into Trenchers with ease. There’s plenty of space inside, plus a disabled loo upstairs – with lift access.
“This is one of the nicest, cleanest disabled loos that I have used,” says a Euan’s Guide reviewer. “It was spotlessly clean, had luxurious hand wash and hand cream and a well-placed mirror. Handrails were in the right place and the toilet seat was slightly higher than normal so it was easy for me to get on and off the loo.”
Visit www.trenchersrestaurant.co.uk or tel 01947 603212.
Like what you see? Check our our reviews of The Isle of Wight and The Scilly Isles.
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