Level access to roomy pub/restaurant
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: August 2021
I am a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: accessing toilets, hearing and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hearing aid or cochlear implant, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Excellent
This is a Wetherspoons pub in the former Woolworths building and though it does not have its own car park (hence only 4.5 not 5 stars) it is fairly easy to get to.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
The interior is all level and so is the beer garden at the back (though I think the smoking section of it may be up a step.) There are two sets of doors, although the outer ones have always been open when we have been there. The interior ones are double doors which are very heavy and both need to be open to get a wheelchair through. They open outwards and there are hooks to pin them back while you bring a chair in. On our most recent visit one of the hooks was broken. However, one of the customers unfailingly leaps up to help when they see us. The tables near the front are mostly either booths or have a central pedestal which is a bit awkward with a chair, but there are many tables at the back which are easier to access.
Parking & Transport
Good
The pub is in the town centre and, as stated above, does not have its own car park but there is blue badge parking fairly close. There are two on-street spaces about 30 yards away. Sadly these are not well monitored and are often used by people who clearly think 'I'll just be 5 minutes' - and they are - but as soon as they have left another person drives up and does the same. A better option is the car park alongside the river behind the pub. There are quite a number of blue badge spaces here and level access for a wheelchair from there to the pub. The pub's outdoor space is on this street but you can only get to it from the inside of the pub, so it's not a handy shortcut.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
The toilet has a RADAR key and of course the staff will provide one if necessary. It is probably a good idea to keep it locked as the other toilets are up a lot of stairs - almost a double flight - so people would be tempted to use the accessible toilet. It is roomy enough for a wheelchair user and assistant. There are grips on both sides. The red cord hangs to the floor. It is very close to one of the grips and once my relative pulled it by accident. A member of staff appeared promptly - very reassuring.
Staff
Excellent
Always very pleasant. Service is swift.
Additional Information
Sanitiser and track and trace in place which can be done with a QR code or using a paper slip. When a couple entered not wearing masks a male member of staff (the manager?) swiftly approached and politely got them to put on masks. The centre of Dumbarton is all level and so easy to access with a chair. On the riverbank behind the main street there are two 'coin in the slot' toilets, which are accessible using a RADAR key. They are a good size and have grips on either side.
