One for the road
4
4
Date of visit: May 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
The Last Post is the pub you go to for a pint before hopping on the train, and if you’ve not had too many, for one on the way home. On the site of what was previously a Post Office, this is arguably the best known pub in the town centre. Just off County Square, you can sit outside on a sunny day. or a rainy one, if that takes your fancy. It’s a Wetherspoons, so you know what you’re getting, cheap and cheerful drinks, and food served plates that aren’t dissimilar to the ones your granny used to have. This chain refits the most unusual places, a post office, a bank, a theatre and even a police station. There'll be one in your garden shed before long.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
The pub’s accessible entrance is to the rear, close to the entrance to Paisley Gilmour Street Station, which was closed the last time I attended. The doors are also the emergency exit, so the push bar needs to be depressed from the inside to open the doors. We were assisted into the pub by customers who happened to spot us, it was only upon leaving we noticed the call button on the wall. There was no signage, which made this small white button, on a deep blue wall, difficult to spot. We’ll need to try it next time to see if it works. There’s a seating area, with a high bench, a large booth with a table and 3 separate tables. This is the most suitable place to sit if you’re a wheelchair user, or have difficulty with stairs. There’s a short incline to the bar area from the seating area. A long bar lines the wall, it’s standard height with no lowered section. The floor is mostly high tables and chairs. There is additional tables on a raised platform with three steps along the window. A helpful feature of Wetherspoons pubs is the Wetherspoons App, which allows people to order food and drinks to their table, rather than going to the bar. It also lets others order food and drinks to your table - it's not uncommon for someone to send a bowl of peas to your table to see your reaction. Clear signage indicates the location of the accessible toilet. There is no induction loop, and as it’s a popular bar, it can get quite loud.
Parking & Transport
Average
There’s no dedicated parking for this pub, though there are a handful of accessible and standard parking bays on nearby Moss Street. Slightly further down Moss Street is a council owned car park with some accessible and standard spaces. The closest bus stop is located at New Sneddon Street 160 metres away, where the 66, 757 and 26 McGill’s bus services stop. As The Last Post is located at the County Square entrance to Paisley Gilmour Street Railway Station, it can be easily accessed by train. The station platform staff all have training on how to use the folding train access ramps, to make things a little easier. A taxi service also picks up from County Square, most of which can accommodate a wheelchair.
Accessible Toilets
Good
The accessible toilet is clearly marked and can be found on the left of the bar. The standard toilets are further to the left, up several steps. Entry to the toilet is through a large but light door, into a short corridor, with a second door to the toilet. The toilet is small and rather neat for those who may need a carer’s assistance. There’s a grabrail to the right of the toilet seat and on either side of the static sink. The soap dispenser and hand dryer are mounted to the wall to the left of the sink. The toilet has baby change facilities, a waste bin and a sanitary bin. The red cord hung freely to the floor. The toilet is clean enough, but it is a pub toilet.
Staff
Good
We nipped in to use the loo, so we didn’t speak to the staff but in the past I’ve found them to be helpful and pleasant. I tend to order through the app to save the hassle of going to the bar.
Additional Information
The call button should be made more visible, either with a sign, braille or other form of indication. The accessible entrance is also the emergency exit, but it would be nice if I could enter the building without having to alert someone, especially if it's wet or cold outside.
