Rewarding Foody Experience
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: April 2018
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
Inveraray is a beautiful, planned Historic town (by the Duke of Argyll) pinned to the banks of Loch Fyne, world famous for its, ahem, Fyne seafood, and a beautiful castle and Jail (both limited access). Due to its protected heritage status, the town hasn't changed much since its inception in 1745. Unfortunately, there are no lifts in Inveraray and there are a few of the retailers entrances on the Main Street inaccessible to wheelchair users due to their steep step entrance and subsequent tight turns into the retail space. However, none of this should put you off visiting the town. The lochside and most of the historic Main Street are on the flat, with a slight incline up towards the church. The views are stunning even when the weather is not. A day trippers paradise. While enjoying the scenery, be equally comforted in the knowledge that Fyne dining awaits. For a small town of 600 or so, there are a number of accessible options to consider. I recently paid a lunchtime visit to Brambles. Brambles has a smaller, more accessible lip entranceway and once inside, accessing a table is easy due to wide passageways and not cramped tables. Staff are on hand to remove seating from your choice of table. Dogs are welcome. Brambles specialise in its bistro and baking. The menu is, in itself, mouthwatering with a decent variety of sandwiches, soups, mains and desserts. I would gently nudge you towards one of the bagel options, with a side of lovely chips. Following your food choice, a lovely selection of teas and coffees await. If, like me, you have limited dexterity, the cup handles can be narrow and awkward but takeaway cups can be requested. Staff are welcoming, attentive, without ever being overbearing. Indeed, it's a great place to sit with just a coffee and a newspaper. There's always a buzz in the town so if people watching is your thing, this ticks all the boxes too.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Other than the lip at entrance, once inside, facilities are accommodating and sensitive to the power or manual wheelchair.
Parking & Transport
Poor
There is no no designated parking for Brambles itself. However, nearby, there are a number of Blue Badge designated spaces, which are adjacent to the main thoroughfare. For non Blue Badge holders free (off season) parking (paid Mar-Nov) are available on Main Street or The Avenue. Holiday weekends and the summer season can be especially busy with cars, touring buses and bikers. The nearest railway station is 17 miles away at Dalmally. For bus info and contact details see http://www.westcoastmotors.co.uk/
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
The loo's are on first sight, hidden away, but are in an alcove corner at the opposite end of the restaurant area from the main entrance. Signage is limited but passage to the toilet area is accessible and staff point you in the right direction. In a manual wheelchair, I found the facilities to be accessible, well equipped, and clean. Check with a member of staff on arrival for advice specific to your own requirements.
Staff
Excellent
Could not do enough. Staff encapsulate the relaxed, homely, bistro dining experience. Friendly and always good to talk with.
Additional Information
Perhaps, given its location and rural proximity (61 miles from Glasgow) and limited transport options, I'd recommend doing some research on the town prior to travel to relate to your own abilities. http://www.inveraray-argyll.com/ and http://m.exploreargyll.co.uk/ are a very good place to start.
