Another good night at the Guildhall
5
5
Date of visit: October 2024
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
Portsmouth Guildhall is kind to its disabled customers. From the beginning where we are asked to join the front of the queue for early entry, to the 'whizzy' (I'm kidding) stair lift personally operated by a member of staff to the disabled platform at the back of the audience. The area designated gives you an excellent view with the standing audience several feet below. All of the staff are friendly and helpful. When the Seagirls finished their excellent set and the room was clearing almost everyone who climbed the stairs to exit grinned at me smiling away at the good time we had. And, once again, I was cheered by the leaving patrons as I made my stately way down on the stair lift! I love Portsmouth audiences!
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
I didn't notice any signage because we were immediately met by a member of staff who gave us directions. There were no steps into the venue and the stair lift was straightforward. We could see the entire stage and we were directed to the stepless exit door on the way out.
Parking & Transport
Average
The venue does not have parking of its own but we park in a disabled bay 5 minutes walk from the Guildhall Square. Lowered pavements all the way.
Accessible Toilets
Good
The single loo was fine but I would have appreciated a couple more grab rails. It was clean and tidy. There was space for a carer.
Staff
Excellent
Caroline on stair-lift duty made me laugh and was very good at operating the machine and stayed with us until we found our place on the platform. The other staff, including the security team, were all polite and friendly and I didn't mind being told to "Walk this way!" by one of them. Not sure if he realised what he had said to a w'chair customer but it made me giggle.
