Great student bar; accessible, great food and drink
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: February 2018
I am a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: dexterity or coordination, moving around and seeing.
Overall Rating
Excellent
On the University of Leeds campus just outside the city centre, in the Student's Union, Old Bar is a great accessible pub! Obviously full of students, but lecturers and visitors too, Old Bar has a great atmosphere whenever you go. They have a wide range of food and drinks, with a varied menu that caters for vegetarians, vegans, lactose and gluten intolerances. There is a pool table and they have various TV screens that show the news or sports, with additional screens that come down to project bigger matches too. They have a pub quiz every Thursday, with other events such as gigs every so often. This does mean that it can be quite busy on Fridays and Saturdays, and the noise levels may be problematic for some people. There is a lift down to Old Bar as well as step free access around the side. There is an accessible toilet as well as gender neutral toilets if required.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Signs around the campus and in the Union to direct you to lifts; there are a number of lifts in the Union to allow easier access. There are seats near the entrance to the Union if you need to sit down, or there are also a number of seats in Old Bar, including a mix of booths, smaller tables and chairs, tall tables and chairs, and armchairs. Staff are very helpful, but no information about hearing loops, easy-read or BSL alternate formats.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
A number of disabled car parking spaces available around the University; disabled visitors can use these spaces by showing their “blue badge” on arrival to a Security Officer at the entrance gate. There are a number of buses that go to the University and will stop outside the Parkinson building; from there it is a 5 minute walk to the Union, with step free access.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Easy to find accessible toilet; very large with hand rails
Staff
Excellent
Very helpful staff; will carry your drinks or food to your table if you ask them too.
