Cosy destimulating getaway in Central London
5
5
Date of visit: October 2023
I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, moving around and understanding.
Overall Rating
Excellent
As an autistic wheelchair user who has chronic pain and fatigue, this is my favourite place in central London to relax, rest and destimulate. In the day time the bar/cafe at the back of the venue is very empty, with dim lighting, comfy velvet sofas and string curtains that separate areas. It's also quiet and you can have your own space. You can curl up and sit there undisturbed for hours, slowly sipping on a hot chocolate. And then, if you fancy it, you can pick and watch an arthouse film. When I was a student I would also come here to study, and took advantage of the £3 film tickets for under 25s. The bar gets busier later in the early evening, but ideal during the day.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Is wheelchair accessible via a set of those lifts where you need to hold the button down to operate, but they are well serviced. The door to get in the lift from the side entrance is heavy. Some front of the building has thick carpet so I prefer the side entrance. The accessible toilets are large and next to the bar. The staff are nice and accommodating.
Parking & Transport
Poor
From Waterloo station (closest station/tube stop), as a wheelchair user, it is down a very steep hill and over a lot of uneven paving. Coming from the closest bus stop on Waterloo bridge, there is only stairs down to the Southbank, so you have to go all the way down to the roundabout and then back round.
Accessible Toilets
Good
Very large accessible toilets with grab rails. Space for 4 other wheelchair users if you wanted! But not a chancing places facility. Can be a little bit smelly.
Staff
Excellent
