Eighth and left no crumbs
4
4
Date of visit: October 2024
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
Located on Oxford Road, this vegetarian and vegan community co-operative has been in operation for over 50 years, although it has moved around the city several times in the last five decades. The shop stocks a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan products, including dairy and meat-free items, organic vegetables, alcoholic drinks, skincare products, supplements, and cleaning supplies. More than just a store, there's also a plant-based café downstairs, accessible via the lift, which serves hot meals, sandwiches, coffee, and cake with an ever-changing menu. They also host yoga and meditation classes. If you're environmentally conscious, vegan, or just looking to support fair trade projects, this is the place for you.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
I popped into the store and found the aisles wide enough to navigate in my manual wheelchair. I didn't notice any signage, but the products were grouped by type, which made it easier to instinctively navigate. The shop is on the street level and easy to access. The front door opens outward but was pinned open when I visited. I wasn't able to access the cafe, as it was closed when I arrived at 5 pm, but I've heard good things and hope to update this review at a later stage. I know there's lift access. I picked up a ginger and yuzu soda, which definitely gave me a boost for the trip home.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
There are four accessible parking spaces outside the store on the Sidney Street side of the building, and cycle parking is also provided on this street. Across the way on Oxford Street, you'll find a bus stop where the following services stop: 15, 18, 41, 42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 43, 85, 85A, 86, 87, 111, 142, 143, 250, 253, 263, and 751.
Accessible Toilets
0As I couldn't visit the cafe, I can't confirm the condition of the toilet.
Staff
Excellent
The staff were pleasant, making sure to look after me and hand down any products I wanted to buy or just have a look at. There's a real sense of community spirit in this store, which made me feel welcomed and included.
