I thought perhaps I would review the local coffee shop from an accessibility point of view. I would find this useful myself if I was considering going somewhere new, or planning on opening a shop or cafe.
I heard of the coffee shop opening on social media. There were announcements on the open day with photos that I used to examine their entrance. I needed to decide whether I would be able to get inside or not.
I saw on their photo there is a large step I to the shop with a manual door. I am in a manual wheelchair so I thought my husband would be able to manage to life me up the step.
My first visit there was actually with a friend. I was concerned for her being able to get me in there but she managed OK. Their door gets stuck on their carpet mat inside the entrance so it was tricky for her.
Once inside, there were a choice of different sized tables and chairs or sofas, but with only a narrow walkway straight to the far end and ordering point.
There were then 2 steps down to the till area and toilet so my friend had to order for me whilst I navigated my way back towards the chairs we had selected to use.
I was able to transfer myself over from my wheelchair to the chair, where I piled a scatter cushion on top of the seat to raise the level slightly.
My friend ordered my drink in a takeaway cup so I would be able to drink it, but they hadn't any almond milk.
The decoration inside was unusual, with pieces of laminate flooring cut arranged as an art feature on the wall and beautiful lighting.
After we had mopped up the tea and coffee I spilled from my legs shaking so much, it was a pleasant environment for a chat and catch up. There wasn't really any space to put my wheelchair so I tried my best to fold it next to me, but decided other people could have their pick of the seats easily enough.
My second visit was with my husband. It was very busy inside the cafe this time, and we ended up using the same seats again. The cafe had purchased almond milk, but forgotten to tell all their staff (fortunately I had my own with me). My americano arrived with milk the first time, then my second one didn't have the syrup in it. I didn't focus on this though as there were bigger issues on my mind...
How to drink this? The table was knee height, the coffee in a cup.
The solution ended up being my husband holding the cup on the arm of the chair whilst I bent sideways drinking the coffee with a straw! So dignified.
My second coffee went a lot better.
Once this had cooled down, it had a lovely hazelnut flavour syrup inside and was easy for me to drink without standing out or needing someone to hold the cup for me.
I find the little things really frustrate me lately though, like this:
I am sat there, in an arm chair, feeling the freezing cold breeze from outside and unable to walk across the short distance to close the door. One of the staff noticed eventually and closed it, but it really brings home to me the issues faced when one is unable to mobilise.
I also realised the window film is that little bit too high to be seen over when waiting for my husband to return to pick me up so transferred myself back into my wheelchair to be able to see over it.
All the staff were very helpful, friendly and I will definately be back. Whilst the step in and out is far from ideal, it is an issue with most of the properties in this area and leads directly onto the main road pavement so I am unsure if they could do anything about it anyway. Like most cafes they don't cater for food allergies but one comes to expect that and I really appreciate the almond milk addition.
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