Black Sheep Coffee

dystrophydad

16 Oct 2024

3

3

Improvement sorely needed.

Date of visit: October 2024

I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around

I use or have experience of: walking aid, wheelchair

Overall Rating

Average

I'll be honest, I like Black Sheep Coffee and given the choice I'd always go for them over the more well-known coffee chains. Their coffee is great, but this is the second location I've reviewed (the other being in Aberdeen) where I've had issues with the accessible toilet. I know it isn't but this this trend is starting to seem intentional.

Disabled Access In and Around

Average

The shop has level access throughout with enough space to navigate when using a manual or powerchair. There's limited signage, which is not a major issue given that the counter is immediately ahead as you enter. On the left, you'll find the order screens, which are all hall up and set back - not very helpful for those of us who use a wheelchair or simply can't reach as high. There is a lowered section at the counter, but this is being used as a storage of snacks. There is plenty of seating inside and out, but that's to be expected.

Parking & Transport

Good

The coffee shop is close to St Peter's Metrolink, which is the ideal way to travel around Manchester in my experience. I've reviewed the Metrolink separately but it's highly accessible, with ramp access and handrails on either side of the platform.

Accessible Toilets

Poor

I decided to use the toilet first before placing my order, but by the time I'd left, I decided I'd prefer not to give them my money. The toilet is small, featuring a low sink with a lever tap, contrasting wall and toilet seat, with grab rails at both the sink and the toilet. There is space for a left-side transfer, but it is tight, and a bin in the space makes it all but useless. The emergency cord wasn't wrapped around a grab rail this time; it was wrapped around the toilet backrest. When I say wrapped around, I mean looped over several times, tied in knots, and clearly a deliberate act by someone to make sure the cord wasn't just out of the way but impossible to pull. It took me five minutes to untie it and make it usable again—and there was no toilet paper. Given the colour of the emergency cord and how difficult the knots were to undo, it's clear it's been this way for a while, which means anyone cleaning the toilet or staff who have restocked the toilet paper have seen this and thought it was fine. This may sound like I was just annoyed that I experienced this inconvenience, but it's not that at all. I think about everyone who may need to use that toilet and what would happen if someone fell and couldn't signal for help.