Overview

We booked a table for 4 for Thursday 28 March. My friend had phoned to ask: is the pub wheelchair accessible?; is there a disabled toilet? She was told Yes to both. Eight Bells is a grade II listed building We parked in the car park and I was able to get into the pub using a short in-built ramp through a narrow door into the corner of the bar / lobby area with 3 or 4 tables. There is a large dining area to the side, accessed via one step down, then another step up - not wheelchair-friendly, The main bar area is accessed by 2 steps - not wheelchair accessible. The ladies and gents toilets were both accessed by steps down - not wheelchair accessible. The manager apologised and said: no there isn’t an accessible toilet, it’s a listed building. So why weren’t we told that when we booked? We stayed in the ‘‘accessible’ entrance area and had a meal, which was very good, but we didn’t stay long and I used the car park as a toilet on the way back to the car. The lack of a disabled toilet should be made clear on their website and to all of their staff! Meanwhile, we continue to be treated like second class citizens!

Transport & Parking

A car park is available at the side of the pub. Other parking could be found on the road if necessary (blue badge) but might involve a bit of a walk.

Access

Very limited ramped access to the corner of the pub - a small bar and 3 or 4 tables. Nowhere else is wheelchair accessible, No disabled toilet.

Toilets

No accessible loo.

Staff

The manager was helpful and apologetic. One other staff member was efficient but uncommunicative.