Dry Dock Pub.
3.5
3.5
Date of visit: June 2018
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
The entrance to Dry Dock is two sets of double doors, which although not automatic, can be propped open (or held open by a bouncer) for easy entry. The doorway is wide enough to comfortably fit a large wheelchair through. There is a small lip in the doorway, but even my heavy powered wheelchair has no problems getting over the smoothed-down ridge. The bar is a little high, but the staff are very helpful, and will pass card readers down to wheelchair users as needed. The tables are spaced out so that a wheelchair can comfortably manoeuvre around them, with a range of heights available, and chairs can be moved out the way to accommodate a wheelchair. One end of the bar has a small step up and no ramp, but the facilities in this area can be found elsewhere in the pub, so nothing is missed out. There is a platform lift inside the pub allowing level access to the top floor, where again the tables and chairs are set out so that a wheelchair can manoeuvre between them. Alternatively, there is a concrete path with a slight slope outside the pub which also allows access to the top floor, although the ridge from the path to the top floor is difficult to surpass from a wheelchair. A disabled toilet is available by the bar, just inside the entrance to the women’s toilets. The key for this can be obtained from any member of staff in the establishment, who are all lovely. The cubicle is slightly enlarged and has grab rails and a pull cord, and is regularly checked for hygiene standards. Full changing facilities are unfortunately not available (but even baby-changing facilities are not available). There are several nearby bus stops and car parks for travel purposes, and because it is on a main road, all the crossings are traffic-lighted.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
The doors are not automatic, are narrow, and have a lip to traverse, but staff are always willing to help if needed.
Parking & Transport
Good
There are a few nearby car parks with disabled parking bays, and there are multiple bus stops very close to the pub.
Accessible Toilets
Poor
Small, lacking in full changing facilities, awkward to get into due to over-lapping doors (You have to open one, go through, let it close behind you, then open the next one). The disabled loo is behind the door for the womens bathroom, but is gender neutral.
Staff
Excellent
The staff are always welcoming, friendly, and willing to help with overcoming the accessibility difficulties at all times.
