Lovely Café and Craft/Gift Shop
5
5
Date of visit: March 2025
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
Used to love this place and had been many times. This was my first visit since becoming a wheelchair user. Food was good, well portioned and hot. A couple of off-menu alterations were no problem at all. Service was exceptionally quick and really friendly. I'd also like to say that that was one of the best filter coffees I've had in a long time! The attached gift shop is great for crafts and gifts... ideal for souvenirs for tourists. They've a good selection of books and some lovely prints by local artists. There's been a recent change in ownership but it was great to see that little has changed. I'm sure the new owners will make their mark but it's nice to know they realise that this place works. If it ain't broke...
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
There are few problems with accessibility... if you come in through the outside eating area to the side of the building there is a slight but easily negotiated lip at the door. It's also possible to come in through the front entrance and the shop, although the flagstones make it a bit tricky. Parts of the shop are also a bit tricky to manoeuvre round. The café part is mostly on the flat, although a couple of tables are up a step. As mentioned, there has been a recent change in ownership and staff informed me that they are reviewing some of the accessibility issues.
Parking & Transport
Average
The main car park is gravelled and not easy to self-propel across. It is also on the other side of the road. There are no specific disabled spaces. In fact, the lack of marked spaces at all can be problematic as people are able to park blocking the easier egress points (across a drainage channel) for those in a wheelchair. It is possible to park outside the café to be dropped off if someone else is driving.
Accessible Toilets
Good
Access to the disabled toilets is through the shop which can be a bit tricky and the floor is made up of flagstones which aren't the easiest to self-propel over. The toilet itself is mostly good but ever so slightly too small to manoeuvre a wheelchair. It has all the standard grab rails. It has a RADAR lock, but it's usually unlocked when I've been.
Staff
Excellent
Staff politely asked someone who hadn't started their meal to move to another table so I could get to one with my chair, which was a step above and beyond that I've not experienced anywhere before so kudos to them.
