Exellent for wheelchair user
5
5
Date of visit: June 2019
I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment and moving around.
Overall Rating
Excellent
Our first visit here recently was to see the excellent B52s. Upon arrival we were greeted by one of the dedicated accessibility staff and after a quick search we were escorted to our disabled area, which was to the far left of the auditorium and at a height that afforded a clear view of the stage There was full step free access from street to viewing area with no portable ramps to contend with. We were first to the disabled area and had our pick of where to pitch ourselves; we took up a position at the front of it, about sixty feet from the stage. The disabled area rises towards the back of it so those sat behind us had a good view too; I had to remember not to stand up and strut my stuff! I took the opportunity to have a look around the auditorium and foyer before the masses descended; it really is a lovely looking venue and has had a sympathetic restoration befitting of its glory days. The nearest bar to us was probably about forty feet away and although it was quiet to start with, when more people came in a wheelchair user would have had a struggle getting to the bar without taking out a few feet and ankles along the way. I didn't notice a lowered counter at the bar, nor was a 'drinks to your seat' service offered. The good sized accessible toilet was next to the disabled area, literally fifteen feet away from us. It required a Radar key, preventing it from being abused, and was also being policed by the dedicated staff near to us. At the end of the concert we didn't have to wait for the crowd to clear as there were exit doors really close to us that led straight outside.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
There was full step free access from street to viewing area with no portable ramps to contend with.
Parking & Transport
Good
Not sure about parking as we arrived by tube, across the road
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
The good sized accessible toilet was next to the disabled area, literally fifteen feet away from us. It required a Radar key, preventing it from being abused, and was also being policed by the dedicated staff near to us.
Staff
Excellent
All staff we encountered were friendly and accessibility aware.
Additional Information
All in all: a beautiful venue with great staff and an excellent disabled viewing area, and an accessible toilet close by. A 'drinks to your seat' service would have been very welcome.
