Trying to be accessible, in a tough building
3.5
3.5
Date of visit: December 2014
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
The Picturehouse is the top part of an old cinema, where the ground floor has now been converted into a pub. So the building is a tough starting point. The staff do appear to be trying to be disability-friendly, but there is more that could be done to make the experience smoother. However, its worth the effort to get to see the interesting range of films they show here.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
There are stairs or a small lift to access the foyer and screens. A separate set of stairs or another small lift gives access to the bar. The lifts are large enough for 1 wheelchair and 1 other person, but that's it. The bar was inaccessible for wheelchair users due to chair / table layout. There is a slope (for everyone) to go down to the three screens. It was quite steep. Each screen has a single wheelchair spot at the back - the one I used they had to remove 2 seats to make the space. I understand they have audio-described and autism-friendly screenings.
Parking & Transport
Bad
There is no specific parking for the venue. We used the nearby Grand Arcade's parking, which gives 3hours free when you scan your Blue Badge. Cambridge is renowned for its parking being very limited and expensive. There's a lot of bus stops relatively nearby, although accessibility varies.
Accessible Toilets
Poor
I found it impossible to access the toilet without assistance from an able bodied person. There are two doors - one into the toilet 'corridor' opens in. The accessible loo door opens out. When they're both open, they prevent anyone getting in or out of the toilet corridor! I needed my husband to open the toilet door (I knocked to show I was done) as otherwise I could have hit someone with it. Its not possible to wash and dry your hands while sat on the toilet as the drying facilities are out of reach.
Staff
Average
The person I booked with on the phone was very helpful. He explained you can register with them and this allows you to book your tickets online (including wheelchair spot, which you can't otherwise). Carer's go free. They encourage you to become a member. This is good value if its in the disabled person's name, as you get some free tickets and discounts on tickets (and you'll only need one for 2 of you).
Additional Information
The biggest challenge is moving around when there's lots of people there. The bar was totally inaccessible, due to the layout of chairs and tables meaning there was nowhere to go once I was out of the lift. People waiting for their showing or for their friends to use the toilet before leaving block the foyer. While I was there I saw another 2 people in manual wheelchairs - one attendant propelled and one in a manual. The lady in the manual wheelchair was particularly struggling with people not leaving enough space for her to get through the foyer, backing into her etc.
