Monthly Archives: May 2013

Cafezique and delizique – Partickhill

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Cafezique and delizique are two linked eateries in the West end. This review focuses on Cafezique
Positives
-level access to building, to some of the tables, to the bar and toilet facilities
-good range of unusual deli type food including all day breakfast, soups, sandwiches, main meals and cakes
Negatives
-parking in this part of the West End can be almost impossible
-pathway to toilet too narrow for a wheelchair due to tables and bar stools.
There is a 5 cm step up to the toilet entrance. Within the toilet there are no grab rails, the emergency cord is tied up out of reach and the sink/hand dryer facilities are at normal standing height.
Overall, this is a nice Cafe but is not suitable for the was dependent on a wheelchair. It would be suitable for those with mobility difficulties provided they could be dropped at the door

Theatre Royal Glasgow

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I’ve always liked going to the theatre for different kinds of shows and so I’m glad that they still some options available to me.
Positives
There is level access to the building and there is level access to the all seats in the stalls although this is down a moderately steep ramp.
There are two specific wheelchair seats and four transfer seats. These seats are near the stage which is good. However, if watching a production with supra titles they can be difficult to see from so far forward.
There are disabled accessible toilets and the box office/ bar are all on the ground floor
Negatives
Seats in the stalls can be expensive but there can be bargains if you book early. In a wheelchair seating there is a small discount in price.
If choosing an non-wheelchair specific seat in the stalls legroom can be cramped
There is no disabled parking  immediately nearby but there are two NCP car park’s within a block of the venue at Cambridge Street and concert halls.
Overall, whilst disabled seating is in short supply and a little more expensive it is still eminently possible to visit the theatre and have a very enjoyable experience http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow/#showinfotabs=access

voice recognition software

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So today I wanted to talk about an app called Dragon. I think it could be really useful for those with upper limb problems as well as lower limb. It’s a free app from Apple. It converts your speech into text. So that by simply speaking into your phone you can send text directly to SMS, twitter, Facebook, e-mail or copy paste it to any other setting you’d like. I’ve recently started using it and find it really useful and hopefully others might too

Heart Buchanan -Byres rd

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Heart Buchanan is a small cafe and deli on Byres rd

Positives
the restaurant and deli are level inside
There is movable seating
It has a nice selection of deli type sandwiches, soup, quiches and lots of different cakes

Negatives
there is a step up to the premises
There is no disabled toilet and the non disabled facilities are downstairs
There is little room to manoeuvre within the venue
Being on Byres rd, parking is difficult although the Waitrose car park across the street does provide limited parking free up to 1hr

Overall this venue would not be suitable for wheelchair users. Users with limited mobility may be able to manage although not if they require the use of bathroom facilities.

The Hanoi bike shop

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The Hanoi bike shop is a Vietnamese style restaurant  just off Byres road.
Positives
there is level access to the venue but note there is some seating upstairs so be sure to specify a floor if booking and mobility is a problem.
There is level access to the ladies toilets and disabled toilet is available
There is movable seating so a wheelchair could be accommodated
The restaurant serves delicious Vietnamese food at a reasonable price. I would specifically recommend the caramel chilli chicken
The staff are friendly and helpful. And its cool colourful almost shack like interior adds to the laid back studenty feel
Negative
The restaurant can only be accessed by walking down a small and uneven lane which might be difficult for those with mobility difficulties or some wheelchairs
Note, most of the seats low stools with no back support which might be difficult to some individuals
As usual, parking on byres rd remains difficult
Overall, aside from the access down the lane, this is a lovely new unique Vietnamese restaurant offering a refreshing and tasty change from the usual on Byres road http://www.thehanoibikeshop.co.uk/

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