A hidden gem of a bookshop
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: May 2025
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
Tucked away down a little alleyway off Old Market Square, Five Leaves Bookshop is an independent bookshop with a variety of sections including music, spirituality, poetry, LGBTQ+ fiction and non-fiction, feminism, politics and more. I spent most of my time perusing their disability section which comprises a carefully curated selection of non-fiction and memoir. Unlike larger bookshops, where the sheer volume of choice can feel overwhelming, Five Leaves seems to strike a great balance. The staff are friendly and accommodating and there is a peaceful and relaxed vibe.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
As a wheelchair user, I had no issues with getting around the bookshop. It is ground-floor, with step-free access and there is adequate space to browse.
Parking & Transport
Good
Five Leaves is a couple minutes' walk (or roll!) from the Old Market Square tram stop. The closest bus stop is on King Street. Nearby parking can be found at Upper Parliament Street Car Park - a 6 minute walk away.
Accessible Toilets
Poor
There is a toilet situated at the front of the shop by the till. The toilet is quite cramped and as photos show, the space is being used to store items including chairs, a vacuum cleaner, ladder and sign. There was a red emergency cord hanging correctly. Grab rails were partly obscured by the ladder. No RADAR key needed to access the toilet and it was clean.
Staff
Excellent
On both occasions when I have visited Five Leaves, staff have been very friendly and helpful. I attended an evening talk and staff contacted me before the event to let me know that a space would be reserved for me at the front of the shop, nearest to the toilet and exit. Staff have also offered to move tables if I wanted additional space when browsing. They have always been accommodating and welcoming.
Comments
fiveleavesbookshop
19 Jul 2025
Thanks for posting this, and all your comments. The toilet... You are right, it is unsuitable for people in wheelchairs or other mobility problems. BUT it's a staff toilet only during work hours - there's a public toilet in the next alley three minutes away - and only accessible to others at events, during which the chairs are taken out (to be used at events) and the ladder and hoover etc. should also be taken out so that w/c users are able to use it. Nobody usually sees into it let alone uses it daytime other than the two staff on duty. I will remind other members of staff that it can't be used daytime, to avoid the problem we can see, and that even if it is a small event using some of our other chairs, in the evenings, it should be completely emptied. Thanks for drawing this to our attention and we look forward to seeing you back in the shop. Ross
