Overview

The Dock is a cafe-bar on Torquay's Harbour. It's in a lovely location. There is step free access to the ground floor but there is no accessible toilet and the regular toilets are accessible only by a flight of stairs. Food and drink were delicious.

Transport & Parking

Torquay train station is about a mile away, but several buses go along the sea front and stop close to the restaurant.

Access

There are some free standing tables and chairs outside the cafe. The double, manual entrance doors were open when we visited and there is step free access into the cafe. Inside there are free standing tables and chairs. The bar is at standing height. I don't know if there are any tables upstairs but they would be accessible only by stairs.

Toilets

My friend who made the group booking, phoned up to check accessibility and was told that there was an accessible toilet. When we arrived there was no accessible toilet and the regular toilets were up a flight of stairs, with a handrail on one side, see photo. I wish I could give minus points for being misleading!

Staff

The member of staff who spoke to my friend and informed them that they had an accessible when very clearly they do not, was ill informed at best or deliberately misleading to ensure a booking. I was with friends, who gave me the choice for our group of 6 to remain or look for somewhere else. In my instance. I knew we would not be staying too long and I could manage without using the toilet. However, this is not going to be the case for everyone, and it could be extremely embarrassing and uncomfortable for some disabled people. On the day the staff were friendly, empathetic about the situation. To order you have to go to the counter which is at standing height. Then food is served to your table. Apart from the issue with the accessible toilet, the rest of the staff were very helpful.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

We all enjoyed our visit. The food was delicious. I had a cream tea and a mocktail. This is a great location if you need a step free restaurant- bar but are ok with not having an accessible toilet. I would return on the bases that I know what to expect now, the food and location is lovely.

Photos