An Accessible Queer-Owned Coffee Shop
4
4
Date of visit: February 2025
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
When I go to a coffee shop, I'll judge it first by the coffee, employing my one rule: if it needs sugar, it's not good coffee. I'm glad to say that Happy Out passes this test with flying colours. Their coffee is responsibly sourced from Bailies Coffee Roasters, a local company committed to ethical and sustainable practices, and if that isn't enough, this queer-owned café advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, donating 5% of profits to local LGBTQ+ groups and mutual aid funds. They also operate a pay-it-forward scheme where you can donate a coffee or one of their delicious cakes to anyone who might need one – no questions asked. It also doesn't hurt that Vic and Alex, the owners, are some of the nicest people I've ever met.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
The door to café opens inwards, and could be a little difficult for some but the super vigilant staff are on hand to make sure you get into the building. Just look out for the small lip as you enter. The café is small, which is nice for those who prefer more intimate coffee shops rather than some of the soulless coffee chains out there. There is level access throughout, and an accessible toilet at the back of the room. Despite the compact nature of the café, there's plenty of clearance space between the seats, which shows me that this business is more about inclusion than they are about profit. So many cafés try to cram in as much seating as they can, failing to realise that a cluttered room is not a pleasant place to spend your time and can actually be off-putting to patrons but they have it right here. There is no lowered counter, but you can see everything from a seated height if you're grabbing a coffee or a bite to go. There is a portable card reader in use, and the staff will gladly bring it around to you, or to your table if you're sitting in. There's also a few small tables for those who prefer to sit outside and get some sun about them - when there is sun! Service animals are of course welcome, with a water bowl provided for our furry colleagues.
Parking & Transport
Average
There is no dedicated parking that I could see. There are two car parks nearby, but I believe these are owned by other businesses. The one to the right was locked on my visit, though it does have two accessible parking spaces; the one to the left appears to be for the ambulance service. The closest train station is Titanic Quarter Railway Station, which is 480 metres away. The closest bus stop is the Short Strand stop, 105 metres away, where the 3A, 3F, 3G and EB2 services operate.
Accessible Toilets
Good
The door to the accessible toilet doesn't require a RADAR key and opens outwards. The door is secured from the inside by raising the handle on the inside of the door. The toilet is on the rear wall and has plenty of space for a right-side transfer. The grab rails on either side and the toilet bowl contrast nicely against a grey back wall and the black-panelled wall to the right of the toilet when seated. The red cord hangs freely to the floor and is clear of obstruction. There is a small sink on the wall, close to the toilet, which features a lever-style tap and grab rails on either side. You'll also find a hand dryer and wall-mounted baby change table in this room. It's worth noting that this is the only toilet in Happy Out, so it may also be used by other patrons. The toilet was pristine, well laid out and a great facility all round.
Staff
Excellent
I feel like we need a higher rating here. Vic and Alex are absolutely lovely, dedicated to inclusion with a passion for people and a desire to make the shop as welcoming as possible. We spoke at length about the intersectionality of queer and disabled people and how our communities work best together. At a time when I was feeling a little homesick, it was nice to have a family for an hour. I'd recommend Happy Out to anyone who happens to be exploring the Titanic Quarter.
