The accessible toilet is not accessible
2.5
2.5
Date of visit: April 2024
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Average
The Gallery is a cafe/ restaurant in a former church. There is step free access to the ground floor and the accessible toilet, is not accessible, as it filled with a baby changing facility and bins, which meant I was not able to use the toilet safely. I only went in for a hot chocolate and while staff were nice and friendly, the cafe was rather disappointing.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
There is a permanent sloping ramp with grab rails both sides leading to the front door. The outer door was open and the inner door was a manual, single door. The main cafe is on the ground floor and is step free. There are plenty of free standing tables and chairs. The cafe is self service, with a counter at standing height. I ordered my hot chocolate and it was brought to my table when it was ready. There is a first floor which appeared to be only accessible by steps.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
The cafe is on the harbour and a short level walk from the bus stop.
Accessible Toilets
0There is a ground floor accessible toilet, but IT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND IT IS NOT SAFE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE TO USE. 1) The accessible toilet is cluttered and therefore makes manoeuvring and transferring from a wheelchair very difficult. 2) There is a baby changing facility, a freestanding stand one with a mat blocking access to one of the grab rails. It is impossible for a person to use one of the grab rail without having to move out of the way the baby changing facility and the large bin which is directly in front of it first. For me on my own it was not possible for me to consider moving it as I could not have lifted it. On the other side directly under the grab rail is a sanitary bin. The location of the clutter makes it impossible to use the grab rails without moving the items first. This means that the grab rails are useless with the current configuration. 3) It was only when I was looking at my photos later, that I noticed that they had a red emergency cord. However, it is sitting on a ledge behind and above the toilet, making it impossible for anyone who falls and is lying on the floor to reach it. This is the worst accessible toilet I have come across. If they moved the items out, it would be fine, as the toilet is well maintained and clean. However, as it is set up at the moment it is UNSAFE for disabled people to use it and therefore not fit for purpose.
Staff
Excellent
Staff were welcoming and friendly. They brought my drink over when it was ready rather than me having to return to the counter.
Additional Information
My hot chocolate was lovely and nicely presented. From the outside the building is impressive, in the gothic revival style. Inside its character has been mostly stripped away. Compared to other places it came across as being a bit soulless. Personally, I wouldn't return as there are nicer cafes/ restaurants by the harbour.
