A pub with a secret...
4
4
Date of visit: August 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
Named after the wrecked SS Politician, Am Politician is the best restaurant on the island. It is also the only restaurant on the island, but the food is spectacular. The access was generally good, but the accessible toilet is tiny, which is a real shame.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
There is a ramp leading up to the front entrance. There is a wall to the right of the ramp, which effectively functions as support for those who need it. There is an alternative route to the top of the ramp with three steps. this route has a simiar wall to the left. The door is manual, which I managed with some assistance, although my front wheel did pull up the rug a little as I entered. There is space for most wheelchairs and powerchairs, but I would not fancy trying to use a scooter inside. There are plenty of tables, with seats that can be easily moved. If going out to the beer garden, there is another lip at the door. I bumped over it, but this may not be safe for everyone. There are no alternative formats in use. Menus are printed in English only.
Accessible facilities: Step-free entrance
Parking & Transport
Average
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
There is a car park near the entrance, which is across a cattle grid. The bays aren't marked but it is pretty spacious, a second smaller car park can be found a little further down the street - again, there are no marked bays.
Accessible facilities: Dedicated on-site parking
Accessible Toilets
Poor
This was the low point for me, I’m afraid. The door to the toilet opens inwards, which cuts into the space inside. I managed with my wheelchair, but larger chairs or powerchairs might struggle. The entire room is white, including the toilet pan and the grab rails on either side, which offers zero contrast. There is no emergency cord, which is a massive issue. The sink has a small basin and a lever-style tap. There is a mirror above the sink, but it is much too high, and turning around in the accessible toilet is pretty much impossible if using a wheelchair or powerchair. There is no colostomy shelf, but there is a baby change.
Facilities: Accessible toilet
Staff
Excellent
Lovely, helpful and accomodating.
Additional Information
The secret alluded to in the review title is that the pub actually has several artefacts from the wreck. These include a 50 shilling note, whisky bottles, a flare gun, which is very heavy, and a very dull machete (blunt, not boring). Just ask at the bar and the staff will be happy to let you handle the items.
