Month: November 2022

Accessible restaurants in the UK with festive menus

With December around the corner, many people will plan festive activities to enjoy with loved ones. In my opinion, food is always a good idea. Sometimes there’s nothing better than enjoying a great meal with some great company – especially when the festive menus are brought out for the season.

Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday elegant dining table place settings
Source: Liliboas

The following chain restaurants are renowned for their Christmas menus, and sometimes they’re more likely to have access provisions in place. Every venue and location will differ, so it’s still important to check out their access before making a booking or turning up – you could look on their website, get in touch with staff, or have a look at the outside of the building and the pavements or area around it using Google Maps. You may also find it helpful to use apps like AccessAble, where you can filter venues by your specific access requirements even when you’re out and about.

Restaurants generally launch their festive menus around the middle of November, though this can vary. Tables tend to get booked up quickly even well ahead of Christmas, so make sure you’re on the ball and ready to book so you don’t miss out!

Here are a few options to consider:

Pizza Express

Sometimes the only way to improve upon a delicious pizza is to make it Christmassy, especially when you have an abundance of ‘snowball’ dough balls on the side. In recent years Pizza Express has really upped their offering for vegans, so there are plenty of tasty choices for those who eat plant-based or avoid dairy too.

The Ivy

If you’re looking for something extra-fancy, The Ivy always offers a stunning environment and a dining experience like no other. Whether you opt for the set menu, a la carte or even afternoon tea, there’s an elegant meal or treat to please everybody.

The Botanist

Many people enjoy a party vibe around the holiday season, and The Botanist definitely delivers on that front. As well as a gorgeous menu and buffet options, they’re renowned for their ultra-Instagrammable alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Check your local venue to see when they have live artists playing – you can even request your favourite song.

Toby Carvery

For many of us, the highlight of the festive season is a hearty roast dinner. If you live with fatigue or struggle to cook, you may like to treat yourself to a roast out of the house this year… and Toby Carvery is the nation’s favourite. Bookings for Christmas 2022 are open now.

Zizzi

This restaurant is a firm favourite for many families, and this year their Merry Menu features rustic pizza and pasta, wild boar with all the trimmings, and puddings that will please everybody. There are also some great vegetarian and vegan options, including a vegan Zillionaire’s Fudge Cake for dessert that shall henceforth become my personal mission to try this year.

If you’re booking a festive meal at an accessible restaurant this year, we’d love to hear your plans. If you’re travelling by train in pursuit of the best food, don’t forget to book your journey assistance using the free Passenger Assistance app and booking website!

About the Author

Pippa Stacey is a disabled writer and presenter based in Yorkshire. She also works in communications consultancy in the charity sector and has been named by The Disability Power 100 as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK. In her free time, Pippa enjoys theatre, reading, travel, and blogging about her experiences at Life Of Pippa.

Travelling during the festive period when you’re visually impaired

If you’re anything like me, once Halloween is done, it’s Christmas time! I appreciate November is a month early, I just love this time of year. For me, finding the perfect present for someone is a must. Although this can be harder at times.

I’m registered blind and I have mild cerebral palsy. This can make travelling problematic — especially when it is busy! Here are my top tips for visually impaired people who will be travelling during the festive period.

Travel off-peak if possible

It might sound obvious, but off-peak travel is cheaper and often quieter.

Get ahead of the crowds and leave more time for that all-important festive shopping. When travelling during the festive period, I tend to leave plenty of time. For example, I might choose to travel the night before an event so there is less rushing and I can travel when it’s quieter.

Off-peak travel isn’t always possible. However, it can help to check for train disruptions before you travel.

Bring a suitable bag

Are you armed with luggage to keep all the presents together? I don’t know about you, but I find multiple bags a logistical nightmare. This is especially true when I’ve spent the day buying Christmas presents.

It is hard to carry everything in one hand if you use a long white cane. Also, it can be easy to leave a bag behind when you have a must needed coffee shop break.

I tend to use a backpack when I know I will be shopping. Even if that means I get on the train with an empty bag!

Using mobility aids

Some people who are visually impaired will use a long white cane or guide dog to mobilise. This can be vital in terms of getting about, but also is a visual symbol for everyone else.

If you are visually impaired and don’t use a long cane, you might find it helpful to use a symbol cane when travelling during the festive period. Here’s why:

● It could help you get a seat when the train is busy.

● It’s easier for train assistance to find you.

● Means people give you space when in crowded areas.

● Mobility aids can be empowering and not something to be afraid of.

I appreciate that not everyone will want to ‘announce’ their disability, and that’s okay! I started to experience sight loss when I turned 18 years old. Using a long cane took time to adjust to.

Book train assistance with Passenger Assistance

Whether you’re a seasoned train traveller or want to attend a festive gathering, Passenger Assistance can ensure your journey is as smooth as possible. They can help you:

● change trains or find the station exit

● get a seat on a crowded train

● carry bags and make sure no presents are left behind

You can download their free app on android or IOS, or use the online booking website. I use the app and love the profile feature. It has all my access needs saved and can be customised to accommodate multiple impairments. This makes it quick and easy to fill out, so I have more time for Christmas shopping!

About the Author

Chloe Tear is an award-winning disabled writer, speaker and advocate. In her blog, Chloe Tear, she writes about her lived experiences of being registered blind and having mild cerebral palsy. Chloe also works as a content designer within the charity sector. When she’s not writing, she can be found exploring new coffee shops, going to the theatre or playing Stardew Valley on the Nintendo Switch.