Cosy, Accessible and Welcoming Venue in Central Edinburgh
4
4
Date of visit: February 2025
I have experience of challenges around: hearing and moving around.
Overall Rating
Good
Came here for refreshments with a friend—quite a quiet, cosy venue with attentive staff and good facilities. Everything was step-free, spaces were well-lit and I didn’t have to worry about accessing the toilets or moving around. A really good experience, would definitely return!
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
There’s an accessible entrance at the back, which is completely step-free. The door handle was a little rusted and tricky to open, but the receptionist was quick to notice and came to assist. Inside, everything is level, and there’s a lift to access different floors. Most tables are at standard sitting height, with only a few higher ones by the window, making it an easy space for wheelchair users. If you have an issue with booking tickets for events online, you can easily drop by and ask reception for help. There was Braille signage in the bathroom but didn't check whether it was available everywhere. Hearing loops are available for reception and performance spaces. The reception has a framed QR code that states "Access the Audio Guide".
Parking & Transport
Average
I arrived by car, but parking nearby was tricky, even with a Blue Badge, as it’s in a busy part of central Edinburgh. I’ve also visited via bus before—while the stops I used were a bit far, it was still manageable with a powerchair.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
The accessible toilet was fairly easy to find and had enough space for me to manoeuvre my powerchair. It included grab rails, baby changing facilities, and a Braille sign on the door. However, the red emergency cord had been wrapped around a grab rail despite there already being presence of a red cord card in the bathroom, so I unwrapped it and added a new one. Otherwise, it was clean and well-stocked.
Staff
Excellent
The staff were lovely and very attentive. The receptionist quickly noticed when I struggled with the door and came to assist. At the café, the staff were friendly—one person helpfully called out the available bakes since they weren’t visible from my angle and brought my order to my table. Great service all around!
