The Wee Red Bar

justjules

03 Mar 2024

A rare accessible gig venue in Edinburgh

5

5

Date of visit: March 2024

I am a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets, moving around and understanding.

I use or have experience of: autism, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, learning disability, mobility scooter, pmld (profound and multiple learning disabilities), powerchair, wheelchair

Overall Rating

Excellent

UPDATE: I held my 50th here in February 2025 - met with the bar manager, Colvin, who was super helpful at helping me arrange furntiture (and advising how to ensure the accessible parking would be open) so we could make it as easy as possible for everyone to move about. And I'm pleased to say there are now automatic doors leading to the accessible loos (since my original review) - so I'm updating it to a 5-star. Thanks Wee Red Bar! My pal's band played here - he was very passionate that this the only venue his band wants to play in because it is accessible. The Wee Red Bar is both wee and also red! It is part of Edinburgh University's College of Art. There was a ramp leading up to the bar. An automatic door opens to let you in. No stairs in the venue. The stage area is also on the one level.of floor. A previous review says there is no accessible toilet but after a quick chat with the friendly bouncer I found one just down the hallway toward the Hunter Building. It is up a bit of a slope and the doors do not automatically open. The doors are a bit heavy and as they are at the top of sloping floor this could present a problem if you don't have someone to help. The accessible toilet was clean and had grab rails. I like the vibe of the Wee Red Bar with its old gig posters on the walls. I have always found the staff to be friendly and the drinks are reasonably priced, although the selection is quite small. Food isn't served here. There are not many places to sit and I am pretty sure the only seating is on stools at high tables.

Disabled Access In and Around

Excellent

Up a ramp. Venue is all on one floor.

Parking & Transport

Excellent

Parking in the parking lot - we were here in the evening for a gig. The band were parked about 30 metres away from doors. I imagine it would be ok to park here if you required access - you'd have to ask!

Accessible Toilets

Excellent

I had to ask the bouncer were the accessible loo was as it was not obvious. He was happy to show me. It is in the Hunter Building - a very short distance from the Wee Red Bar. The doors could present an issue if you didn't have help. The toilet was clean and there are lots of grab rails.

Staff

Excellent

I've always found the staff at the Wee Red Bar to be helpful and cheerful.