Author Archives: Jinxcc

Buchanan galleries

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On the theme of shopping have also recently been to Buchanan galleries. It’s not somewhere I go as often so am less familiar with it but do have some thoughts
- disabled parking–> lots though small charge depending on when and for how long
- smooth level surface throughout, lifts one end, and in some stores
- disabled toilets available but locked requiring radar key which you can get from information desk or management suite floor 2. Ok but not great if you’re desperate for the loo
- most shops have disabled cubicles in fitting rooms, often with buzzer
There are some minor issues but overall it is a great place to shop on wheels and out of what’s available in town it’s out on its own http://www.buchanangalleries.co.uk/shop-info/how-we-can-he

Disabled go.com

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I want to highlight this website: http://www.disabledgo.com/
It’s great+ far more professional than anything I could achieve. BUT I think this page compliments it in the following 3 ways
1. Disabled access glasgow will cover the West End
2. It will assess places unofficially meaning it’s more realistic than when everyone’s on their best disabled friendly behaviour
3. I’ll try and give an idea about the feel of a place from how good the food is, atmosphere, price, friendliness etc.
My aim is to fill these gaps and hopefully between us we can get out and about all over :)

Pollok Country house

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This may not be for everyone but this is one of my favorite places in Glasgow. It’s a beautiful country house in huge park but still within city. Inside it has a lovely restaurant and shop and upstairs all the old fashioned downtown style grandeur of an old house. So enough about that.
Access wise I just want to explain a few of the things they say on the website.
- The marked disabled spaces are by the front door but this isn’t disabled accessible. There are unofficial spaces in the courtyard at back of house which are right by the disabled entrance. This door is locked with a bell which does work but can take a wee while before they answer.
- The cafe and food shop are on entrance level from this door and there is an old but adequate disabled loo.
- Theres a platform lift over 3 steps up to next shop and rest of house access. This is locked and again you will need someone to go and ask for key.
- Similar story regarding asking to get up to main body of house. There is a small internal lift which takes you to the first floor only but you can see a good deal up here.
Overall it is accessible but it takes a little bit of perseverance and asking because the adaptations are not obvious. It also usually much easier if you have someone with you. That said for an old building it does pretty well and is beautiful, plus the very modern and accessible Burrell collection is just 10minutes drive away across the park if you want to combine trip

Kelvingrove art gallery and museum

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KELVINGROVE art gallery and museum
Positives
- 10 disabled parking spaces
- Level access at university side
- Lifts to all floors
-Disabled toilets on all floors
- Wheelchairs available for rent
Generally great to get around and really fabulous museum. Plus restaurant’s not too bad either. There’s good access info for all the Glasgow museums at the link below.

SECC

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This weekend’s update is on the SECC. In general they are very good.
Positives
- there is always disabled accessible seating areas
- your accompanying person usually goes free
- there’s designated disabled parking
- there’s disabled loos
- access within building is all on the level
Negatives
- I was at clyde auditorium and entrance is a revolving door which is mot very compatible with wheelchair. Had to get friend with me to go in and ask then they let me in through fire door which could only be opened from inside. Not sure what you’re supposed to do if you arrive by yourself though. The main part of SECC I can say from experience doesn’t have this problem

Tony Macaronis- Byres Road

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Tony macaronis on byres road is a great classy Italian restaurant and champagne bar. Overall it is a great Italian and good spot for a night out with friends. There’s a nice buzz, the food’s delicious and not too pricey
The science bit
- level access through one set of doors
- relatively good room to get about inside
- disabled loo accessible clean and not full of junk
- staff really helpful when I phoned to check in advance
Suitable for wheelchair users
Downsides: No nearby parking and there is upstairs bit so would need to specific downstairs table when booking

Epicures of Hyndland

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Epicures of Hyndland is a modern posh local cafe/ restaurant
Positives
- level access to main dining level (there is a mezzanine so if booking table be careful about that)
- relatively easy to manoeuvre around
- nice clean disabled loo available
- seems to have good buzz whatever time you go there and does lovely deli type food
Negatives
- parking in hyndland is tricky but it is near stops for no.44 bus which first bus informs me is predominantly run with accessible buses (have not tested this myself)
- at busy times staff can be little keen to get you out the door
Overall, parking aside this is a great accessible spot for some sophisticated light bite

tinderbox – byres rd

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Tinderbox is a great wee coffee shop chain. One I’m reviewing is the byres rd branch
Positives
- level access and majority, one elevated seating area (2-3 steps)
- disabled loo clean and accessible
- great range cakes, coffees etc if a little pricey
- happy to offer to carry your order across/ provide assistance
Negatives
- parking very difficult as always in west end. A small paid car park is available across the crossroads
Overall a friendly and accessible cafe

http://www.glasgowonline.co.uk/info/25768

Strata – Queen Street

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Strata in Queen Street is a recently reopened cocktail bar and restaurant. It used to be one of the more popular Glasgow cocktail bars but closed for a number of years so if you Google you may find it seems to be closed. I promise it’s very much open for business.
Positives
-level access to restaurant
-disabled toilet available, although lacking an emergency cord
-staff very friendly and helpful
-good menu ranging from light lunchtime snacks to more substantial dishes but far more sophisticated than your usual pub grub
-good selection of more unusual cocktails albeit not as many as used to be available -likely, trendy bar with a good bit of buzz
Negatives
-some areas of the restaurant do not have level access so should specify when booking a groundfloor table
-partying in this part of town is very difficult. There are one or two disabled on street spaces in the surrounding area. And there is an NCP car park at Central Station and the car park at St Enoch  centre although both of these are about 10 minutes walk away.
Parking aside, this is a relatively accessible cocktail bar and restaurant situated nicely between Buchanan Street, Royal exchange square and merchants city and I would thoroughly recommend it.

Cup- byres rd

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Cup is a New York style cup cakes speciality Cafe in the West End.
Positives
-level access and a decent amount of seating on the ground floor. It is also possible to book advance so tables on the ground floor can be guaranteed
-bathroom is available on the ground floor but space is too tight to accommodate a wheelchair
-it has the most awesome and extensive range of cupcakes I’ve found in the West End. It also has a much better than average range of herbal teas plus a decent range of savoury snacks and lunches. -staff are really friendly, helpful and accommodating
Negatives
-save the lack of a disabled toilet the main disadvantage as always on Byres Road is difficult parking
Overall I would strongly recommend cup to those with limited mobility (though not dependent on wheelchairs) as a fun, friendly place great for afternoon snacking and gossiping http://www.cupglasgow.co.uk/