Overview

I didn’t expect it from the relatively subdued exterior, but stepping into Planet Bar & Kitchen is like stepping into a world of colours, sparkle and queer comfort. One might say that the chunky silver sparkle on the walls is the real decor highlight, but I think it is the combination with the cosy upholstered booths (and wall!) in more colours and patterns than you can count that really made me feel at home. It put me right in the mood to cheer on a drag performer or belt my heart out on the wee stage, bathed in the sparkle of several disco balls and the iconic walls. It was easy enough to get in and to the bar in my powerchair, but there are a few steps down to the stage area and the bathrooms – one of which is technically accessible except for the “small” issue of being down some steps. The bartender told us that the ramp they initially had was not suitable for the place and that it is currently being altered. They’re also considering putting in a bathroom closer to the entrance, so hopefully the steps will stop being a problem soon!

Transport & Parking

I was wheeling from Princess Street via St Andrew’s Square and Elder Street. This is not the only way, but if you do go down Elder Street, keep in mind that only the left-hand sidewalk is step-free. If you are coming from Waverley and don’t mind a steep hill, you can take the back exit from the station and come up Calton Road. Planet is not too far from the Picardy Place tram stop and between the Leith Street and Elm Row bus stops. There is no parking right by the venue. You might be able to find some on-street parking in a side street, but I expect it would not be easy or closeby.

Access

There is outside seating with moveable tables and chairs.The chairs are metal folding chairs with a backrest at the top and no armrests. The main entrance is a double door that opens to the inside and was propped open when I visited. The floor goes up like a ramp right inside the front doors and flattens out before another set of double doors into the bar. As you come in, there is a seating area by the window to your right behind you that has booth seating on one side and movable chairs on the other side. This seemed like the best place for wheelchair users to sit at the table, but there would also be just enough space to sit at the end of the booths along the right wall without blocking the walkway. There is a mixture of more booth and bar-height seating and a few chairs throughout the venue. The bar is straight ahead and the counter is low enough to easily reach from a seated position. The left side of the venue is two steps down either a narrow set of steps by the door or a wide set by the bar. There are railings at the side of the steps. The dancefloor, stage and bathrooms are at the back of the venue, down three steps to the right of the bar. There are railings on either side of the steps.

Toilets

The toilets are at the back of the venue to the left of the stage. The whole area is down three steps with a railing on either side. The “accessible bathroom” is in the women’s toilets through the door right next to the stage. The door is not automatic and opens to the inside. The larger bathroom at the back of the women’s toilets is a good size. The door opens to the inside. A RADAR is needed to access and lock the bathroom. Staff are able to provide the key. There is no door opener. There is a fixed horizontal handrail on the wall opposite the door, to the left of the sink. There is a horizontal handrail to the left of the toilet that can be lifted and moved out of the way and a fixed vertical handrail on the same side. The flush is a lever with a wide end. The toilet paper holder is to the right of the toilet. There is space for a right-side transfer and a little less for a left-side transfer. The is no red cord. There is a vertical handrail on the right side of the sink. The sink is a small wall-mounted sink and the tap has a short lever. There is a liquid soap dispenser on the wall to the left of the sink. There is only a hand dryer, no paper towels. There is no mirror inside the cubicle, but there are mirror above the sinks in the main part of the bathroom, although they would be too high to use from a seated position. There is a small foot pedal bin to the right of the toilet.

Staff

Nice and helpful, welcoming in a quiet way.

Photos