Author Archives: Jinxcc

The Lane -Ashton Lane

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The Lane is a small bar attached to Grosvenor cinema in Ashton Lane.
Positives
there is level access to the venue and it is level throughout.
There is a disabled toilet available and is level access to all the bathrooms. The bar offers a range of cocktails, alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic hot beverages at reasonable prices. Especially offering student deals most nights of the week. It also provides a selection of light snacks and freshly made cakes throughout the day.
It has links to the adjacent cinema and drinks and food can be brought through. It has a nice vintage film decor and is a good spot from laid-back drink or a good chat
For any disabled smokers, there is a smoker’s area outside the bar with warm patio heaters
Negatives
parking is difficult as usual on byres road but there is a paying car park five minutes away along Ashton lane
The Lane bar can only be accessedalong the uneven cobbled Ashton Lane.
Overall I really rate this as a very accessible trendy bar that will suit you whether you need somewhere for a quiet coffee and cake or for your Friday night drinks  http://www.grosvenorcafe.co.uk/lane.php

Crepe a croissant- Byres Road

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this  small French cafe is located at the top of Byres Road.
Positives
Level access level into and throughout
Disabled toilet available and clean
Movable seating so could accommodate wheelchair although narrow may be difficult to manouevre at busy times
Uniquely for west end with its good selection of crêpes freshly made with sweet and savoury varieties
Reasonably priced

Disadvantages
difficult to park nearby. Although the Waitrose car park is available across the street
Small venue so tables can be difficult to get at busy times
http://www.crepe.org.uk/

My top 5 spots in Glasgow and beyond for a decent walk on wheels

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Ok time for something a little different. This site is about enjoying leisure time and that includes the outdoors so thought would highlight my personal top 5 spots in Glasgow and beyond for a decent walk on wheels. All of the below have parking nearby and level tarmaced walks
1. Botanic gardens – in the west end, handy for the shops the botanic is almost always lively and has beautiful array of walks. Plus if the weathers not great there’s always the stunning Kibble palace hothouse to take refuge in
2. Kelvingrove park- this is split into two bits divided by kelvin way but there is a pedistrian crossing between the two. Both have riverside paths and green areas. The museum side will be host to commonwealth lawn bowling next year whilst the larger park circus side has fountains, the old bandstand, a pond, tennis courts and extends far up towards great Western road. It also has good views of the beautiful buildings of park circus.
3. Pollok country park – on the south side of Glasgow has miles of paths passing by formal gardens, riverside, woodland and stables complete with cart horses
4. Esplanade at Greenock- just 30mins drive outside Glasgow and you can walk for miles beside the Clyde looking across to stunning mountains that scotland does so well. Great way to feel in the wilds of Scotland without the hassle
5. Almost any local park! Glasgow has more green space than most other European city and in all parts of the city you can find decent paths to get along on the off chance we have decent weather

Xscape Braehead

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This is a modern centre with restaurants, shops, activity centres eg bowling, climbing, indoor golf, skiing as well as a cinema.
Positives
blue badge parking is available
There is level access into the building and a smooth surface through throughout There are lifts and escalators available most restaurants and activities are accessible with reason. Obviously some activities within themselves could be difficult.
Wheelchairs are available for hire
Negatives
being picky- it is not attached to the adjacent Braehead so to go shopping would require driving across
Overall, it is a great place to go for accessible shopping, eating and activities http://www.xscape.co.uk/braehead/key-info/accessibility/

Cineworld Glasgow – Renfrew Street

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Cineworld Glasgow, Renfrew Street, is (I think) still the tallest cinema complex in the world. As such, it has 18 screens and so shows a variety of films at a good selection of screening times. Disabled access go has a really good guide for this venue but wanted to include some of my personal points Positives
- There is level access to the building off Renfrew street. There is a revolving door and push doors but there is also a power assisted door available.
- In general it is very accessible with public  lifts to all floors,  each floor excluding the ground has an accessible toilet.
- All screens are accessible as is the bar and snack points
Negatives
- there is no parking at the facility. Its useful to note that the concert hall car park is the nearest and is across one busy crossroads. Disabled parking spaces are available here. The car park charges but often just a flat £2 rate.
- disabled spaces are available within the cinema but they are usually at the very front of the theatre and can be quite close to the screen
Overall, this is a really accessible venue and if you’re in the centre of town looking for a film, it’s great. However if you want to be able to drive to the door and sit further back one of the out of town cinemas like the Springfield quay or Braehead might be more comfortable. http://www.disabledgo.com/en/org-results/glasgow-city-council

top 5 tips for travel

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Disabled Access Glasgow is having a little holiday so thought would give my top5 tips for a Preholiday travel checklist
There is all the usual holiday preparations such as clothes, tourist information etc. But there’s also some disability specific extras including
1. valid travel insurance: make sure this includes any medical conditions and covers for mobility equipment. A valid E1 11 card is also required in the European Union
2. Ensure a full supply of medications including spares in case of unexpected extended stay. Consider carrying your medications in hand luggage in case your bags are lost. Consider getting a letter from your doctor if you have any medication such as opiates, other substances which may be illegal abroad or medical equipment such as syringes or needles. Obviously check with your doctor that its safe to travel and check foreign office guidelines on hygiene and vaccinations
3. If possible get as much accessibility information in advance especially regarding your accommodation but also tourist information. It can be easier to gain this from websites here especially if language will be a barrier. It also allows you to plan better your activities
4. Ensure all any mobility equipment is charged and in good condition before you go.
5. Have a backup/ in case of emergencies plan. For example, enough money for emergencies, reliable communications eg landline at hotel where you can be contacted in case of mobile phone issues, first aid kit for likely minor ailments.
I know it sounds a lot of hassle and hopefully you won’t need any of it but at least it means you can relax on holiday and if the worst happens it won’t be a disaster

The chop house brasserie – merchant square

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Positives
There is level access to the venue through the central cobbled square of merchant city.
The venue has an upstairs area but tables are available downstairs and can be reserved in advance.
The toilets are on the ground floor with level access. However a specific disabled toilet is not available within the restaurant and has to be accessed elsew…here within merchant city Square.
There is a good range of steaks plus food for non-meat eaters. The prices are relatively reasonable for the merchant city and the staff are friendly.
As before, with the merchant city (see review of boudoir or Italian caffe) the big benefit of merchant city Square is that several bars and restaurants are available on the level under one roof.
Negatives
Parking is available in a carpark five minutes walk away. However the surfacing is uneven and you have to pay.
Apart from the difficulty with parking and the disabled toilet being out with the restaurant. This is a relatively accessible venue and a good place to start a Saturday night out. http://www.thechophousebrasserie.co.uk/

wheelchair accessible trolleys

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A slightly more unusual note today. I wanted to highlight  wheelchair accessible trolleys. these clip onto the front of most wheelchairs. These are useful in that you don’t have to balance your shopping on your legs
they provide independence for wheelchair using shoppers
They’re also a protection against people bumping into you with their trolleys.
They should be available in all major supermarkets but can be difficult to get in reality. I have had a 12 months battle for my local supermarkets to order them but now they are available to anyone who wishes to use them.
I’m sure most of you know all about this but I just wanted to make sure anyone who might benefit is aware

Nicks Italian bar and Grill – Hyndland Road

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Positives
There is level access to the venue
The bar area and some dining tables are available on the ground floor. This can be specified in advance
There is movable seating to accommodate wheelchairs
There is a disabled toilet on the ground floor
The staff are very friendly and accommodating
It serves nice quality slightly different to the usual Italian fair.
There are also numerous 5 PM deals if you’re hunting for extra good value.
It has a nice lively atmosphere most nights of the week and quite a hip trendy west end feel
Negatives Parking in Hyndland is difficult as always. There is a bus stop 20 m from the venue.
Larger parties can only be accommodated in the upstairs section of the venue.
Overall this is a great local restaurant and bar if you’re looking from this stylish Italian meal out http://www.nickswestend.com/about.html

The Gallus Pub – Dumbarton Road

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Positives
Seating is available on the level but it is mostly fixed booths
there is a disabled toilet available with the key from the bar. Other toilets are also available on the level
This is a lively local pub with a range of activities most nights of the week including pub quiz, live music and showings of sporting events.
Negatives
the church st entrance has five steps down. The alternative entrance is up one large step and then through two double doors.
Parking can be found on Church Street but is about 20 to 40 m from the venue
Overall this venue is not suitable for wheelchair users but maybe suitable for those with mobility implements who can manage one step and transferring to booth seating. http://bargallus.com/