Wheelchair Access at River Beat
3.5
3.5
Date of visit: September 2016
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
This is a restaurant keen to attract wheelchair users and make improvements where practical. There is already a wheelchair accessible toilet, level access in the restaurant area but alas, currently no access to the outside terrace, which has a great view over the Tyne towards Newcastle.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
The entrance from the street is through open double doors of a slight incline on the pavement. You will pass the door to the Accessible Toilet on the right before another set of double doors, which swing open forward into the restaurant and bar area. The restaurant has an outside terrace which overlooks the River Tyne, but that is currently inaccessible in a wheelchair. Many of the tables are pedestals, so it is easy to get underneath in a wheelchair as the height is about 75cm.
Parking & Transport
Bad
Unfortunately, no car park is available apart from a public car park (with Blue Badge bays) which is located about 200 yards away. However, outside the restaurant, there are yellow lines, so it feasible to park there for up to 3 hours with the badge. There is no public transport access near the restaurant. It would be necessary to alight a bus on Newcastle Quayside opposite and push across the Swing Bridge. Distance would be about 400 yards with some inclines.
Accessible Toilets
Average
The wheelchair accessible toilet is located just outside the restaurant double doors. It's a relatively small cubicle without a transfer area and it is difficult to turn around. However, it is functional for someone who doesn't need to transfer and can reverse out of cubicle.
Staff
Excellent
The staff were very supportive and willing to talk to me about my experience and were open to ideas on what could be done to make it better for people in wheelchairs.
Additional Information
Because I now know the layout and that the limitations satisfy my needs, I'd definitely visit again as the European and Asian Tapas they serve offer a fascinating experience for the taste buds.
