The Manchester Food and Drink Festival (MFDF) is an opportunity to promote the best in our area each year. We are working with the Festival organisers and the venues around Manchester to provide information about the accessibility of the places being nominated for awards. Some of these nominations are not accessible to disabled people, older people and children and we are working with MFDF to ensure that the award winners represent the best in Manchester and are accessible. We hope that you will choose to vote for the accessible venues.Information on events venues will be added regularly before the start of the Festival on 18th September 2014.
Nominations for awards 2014
Criteria used
Note 1: There should be safe, independent level access to the entrance of the venue. This means no steps or portable ramps. Also, customers should not have to be escorted through kitchens or other hazardous routes to get into the venue. Venues above ground level should have a lift and if there are small changes of level on the same floor these should be ramped and not just have steps.
Note 2: We have assessed the size of the toilets and whether there is space to allow disabled people to transfer on to the toilet. Where we found obstructions in the cubicles which could be removed, e.g. plants, bins, furniture and cleaning materials, we have judged the toilet to be accessible but we also found a number of locks and handles that would be difficult for some disabled people to use. Some toilets also have baby changing tables that, if left down, can obstruct access to the toilet area and some baby changing tables will be too high for disabled parents to use.
Note 3: Some of the venues we visited had dark areas, spots of bright light or shadows. These can be awkward for visually impaired people because they are unable to see obstacles but also for other disabled people, if others bump into them or spill things over them. We have made judgements about the reasonableness of lighting, recognising that clubs and evening venues may be darker.
Note 4: For a venue to have reasonable sound levels, there should be an option to ask the management to reduce the sound levels and turn off any music. We considered that reasonable sound levels may include some music and reasonable levels of conversation. Some pubs, restaurants and cafes may be too loud for people with hearing impairments, particularly at weekends and in the evenings but some restaurants and cafes have good spaces between tables to allow for conversation.
Note 5: This section provides a summary of minimal access required. We consider that there should be level access to facilities, including toilets and that there should be accessible toilets where people are eating and drinking in cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants. Where these facilities do not exist, we consider that as the venues would exclude many disabled people, that they do not represent the best of Manchester. We would like to thank the managers who have already made or are planning to make adjustments to make their venues more accessible during and after our visits, and those who are intending to review their access provision and hope to make improvements in the near future. Our reports represent the current situation.
Please note: We also recommend to disabled people that they may wish to check other access issues not covered in these simple surveys, such as:
Availability of parking, weight of doors, size of lifts, width of aisles and room between tables, signage to facilities, booking for accessible tables, split level venues, availability of removable seating, levels of sound in the venue, width of access routes particularly to accessible toilets, accessible baby changing facilities and other specific access issues that may be important. We have assumed that where there are menus or prices that are in very small print or use “fancy fonts” that are not sans-serif, that staff will be able to explain the options.
Award Categories
Restaurant of the Year
The table below lists all venues nominated for an award in the Manchester Food & Drink Festival. If we think they are accessible in the category mentioned, we have said “Yes”, but if we do not think they are accessible, we have said “No”.
| Name of venue | Level access | Accessible toilet | Reasonable lighting | Reasonable sound level | Summary |
| 63 Degrees, 20 Church St, Manchester, M4 1PN, Tel: 0161 832 5438 | No, independent access, a small step and door access is narrow without staff support to open 2nd double door | Yes, arrangements to use accessible toilet in adjacent hotel | Yes, reasonable light levels | Yes, reasonable sound levels | No |
| Manchester House, Tower 12, 18-22 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BZ, Tel: 0161 835 2557 | Yes, access by lift. Most of the restaurant and bar is level, but the bar has private areas which are up 2 large steps and the terrace of the restaurant is up 1 large curved step. | Yes, although the toilet is a bit dark because of poor lighting and dark decor. Patterned wallpaper and black and white chequered floor can be confusing for some people with visual impairments. | Yes, lighting in the bar area can be low but some areas have good levels of natural light. The restaurant has good lighting. | Yes, sound levels of music low in bar and low conversation levels in the restaurant, with good spaces between tables. | Yes |
| Mr Cooper’s House and Garden, The Midland Hotel, Peter St, Manchester, M60 2DS, Tel: 0161 932 4128 | Yes, steps at the Mount St. entrance, but accessible from main Midland hotel entrance | Yes | Yes, reasonable lighting levels | Yes, reasonable sound levels | Yes |
| Aumbry, 2 Church Lane, Manchester, Prestwich, M25 1AJ, Tel: 0161 798 5841 | Note: currently closed for refurbishment. No, cobbled route to level access entrance, and 2 steps from the street | Yes, accessible toilet | Yes, reasonable lighting | Yes, reasonable sound levels | No |
| Australasia, 1 Spinningfield Way, Manchester, M3 3AP, Tel: 0161 831 0288 | No independent access, lift access from another office entrance with assistance, need to contact restaurant but sign outside too small, exit from lift through kitchen area, hazardous and narrow route. Access also from the Grand Pacific restaurant nearby. | Yes, but needs refurbishment and access is through a narrow kitchen route with obstacles and small difficult to find signs | Yes, reasonable lighting | Yes, reasonable sound levels | No |
| Nutter’s, Edenfield Rd, Rochdale, OL12 7TT, Tel: 01706 650167 | Ramped access to the front door | accessible toilet | information to be added | information to be added | Yes |
Newcomer of the Year
The table below lists all venues nominated for an award in the Manchester Food & Drink Festival. If we think they are accessible in the category mentioned, we have said “Yes”, but if we do not think they are accessible, we have said “No”.
| Name of venue | Level access | Accessible toilet | Reasonable lighting | Reasonable sound level | Summary |
| Superstore NQ, G18 Smithfield Building, Tib St, M4 1NB, Tel: 0161 834 3303 | No, steps to the restaurant and down to the toilets | No | No, use of spotlights with large areas of light and shadows | Yes, reasonable sound levels for the venue, can be turned down on request | No |
| Red’s True BBQ, Albert Square, 22 Lloyd St, Manchester, M2 5WA, Tel: 0161 820 9140 | No, there are 3 steps but there is a portable ramp (this could be steep and hazardous) | Yes | Very dark | No, a small space, very noisy with loud music | No |
| Volta, 167 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2LN Tel: 0161 448 8887 | Yes, level access | No | Yes, reasonable lighting and outdoor seating. | Yes, reasonable sound levels and space between tables, music can be turned down on request | No |
| Mr Cooper’s House and Garden, The Midland Hotel, Peter St, Manchester, M60 2DS, Tel: 0161 932 4128 | Steps at the Mount St. entrance, but accessible from main Midland hotel entrance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Salvi’s Cucina, 19 John Dalton Street, Manchester, M2 6LE, Tel: 0161 222 8021 | No, 3 steep steps at entrance | No | Yes, reasonable lighting | Yes, reasonable sound levels | No |
Pub of the Year
The table below lists all venues nominated for an award in the Manchester Food & Drink Festival. If we think they are accessible in the category mentioned, we have said “Yes”, but if we do not think they are accessible, we have said “No”.
| Name of venue | Level access | Accessible toilet | Reasonable lighting | Reasonable sound level | Summary |
| Marble Arch, 73 Rochdale Rd, Manchester, M4 4HY, Tel: 0871 951 1000 | Yes, but floor slopes | No | Yes | Yes, but small pub so may be noisy at busy times | Limited, no accessible toilet |
| New Oxford, 11 Bexley Square, Salford M3 6DB, Tel: 0161 832 7082 | Yes, one step up to main narrow entrance off street but portable ramp available at side entrance which is wider but has one step which is wider. | Yes | Limited lighting, back room is darker, use of spotlights in front room | Yes, but sound levels can be high at night, especially when TV and juke box in use | Yes |
| The Magnet, 51 Wellington Rd N, Stockport, SK4 1HJ, Tel: 0161 429 6287 | No, small step at the front, no ramp | No | Yes, reasonable lighting, can be dark areas | Yes, sound levels can be high when busy | No |
| The Eagle Inn, 18 Collier Street, Salford, M3 7DW, Tel: 0871 951 1000 | No, poor dropped kerb, very narrow pavement, small steps at entrance | No | No | Yes, small pub so sound levels can be high when busy | No |
| The Dockyard, Blue Tower, Media City UK, The Quays, Salford, M50 2EQ, Tel: 0161 359 3848 | Yes, level access including outside areas | Yes | Yes, lighting levels good | Yes, sound levels reasonable | Yes |
| The Rising Sun, 22 Queen Street, Manchester, M2 5HX, Tel: 0161 834 1193 | No, 3 steps of variable height, steps at rear | No | No, lighting dim and dark room | Reasonable sound levels, but noisy when busy. | No |
Food Pub of the Year
The table below lists all venues nominated for an award in the Manchester Food & Drink Festival. If we think they are accessible in the category mentioned, we have said “Yes”, but if we do not think they are accessible, we have said “No”.
| Name of venue | Level access | Accessible toilet | Reasonable lighting | Reasonable sound level | Summary |
| Eagle and Child, 3 Whalley Rd, Ramsbottom, BL0 0DL, Tel: 01706 557181 | Yes, accessible from front door with a small lip, but not from car park, which has a long route with a hill. Outside there are steps and a small ramp, but none are marked but shale surface | No | Yes, bright but some spotlights | Yes, some music but can be turned down on request | No |
| The Wharf, 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester, M15 4ST | Yes, level access and outside area | Yes, but very difficult handle | Yes, lighting can be dim in the evening | Yes, reasonable sound levels | Yes |
| The Parlour, 60 Beech Road, Chorlton, M21 9EG, Tel: 0161 881 4871 | No, steps in front and very hazardous ramp at back with small turning space at door | Yes, transfer space difficult | Yes, lighting can be dim in the evening | Yes, reasonable sound levels | No |
| The Red Lion, 112 Buxton Rd, High Lane, Stockport, SK6 8ED, Tel: 01663 765 227 | Yes | No, too small | Yes, but dark in some areas | Yes, but sound levels may be high when busy | No, no accessible toilet |
| Albert’s Chop House, Memorial Hall, 14 Albert Square, Manchester, M2 5PF,Tel: 0161 834 1866 | No, steps at main entrance, alternative entrance also has one step. Door requires key from staff and the intercom and entry button don’t work. | No, toilet is too small and not located near the restaurant and bar. | No, lighting in the lobby is too dark but lighting in the restaurant and bar is reasonable. | Yes, sound levels reasonable but tables close together, quieter during the week | No |
| Dukes 92, 18 Castle St, Manchester, M3 4LZ, Tel: 0161 839 8642 | Level access and ramped access, also outside area | Yes | Yes, even lighting | Yes, reasonable sound levels, can turn any music down on request | Yes |
Bar of the Year
The table below lists all venues nominated for an award in the Manchester Food & Drink Festival. If we think they are accessible in the category mentioned, we have said “Yes”, but if we do not think they are accessible, we have said “No”.
| Name of venue | Level access | Accessible toilet | Reasonable lighting | Reasonable sound level | Summary |
| Revolucion de Cuba, 11 Peter St, Manchester, M2 5QR, tel: 0161 826 8266 | Yes | Yes, but RADAR key required, have to ask at bar or use your own | Yes, but spotlights can produce shadow and glare on floors | Yes, reasonable levels, but can be high at times | Yes |
| Manchester House, Tower 12, 18-22 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BZ, Tel: 0161 835 2557 | Yes, access by lift. Most of the restaurant and bar is level, but the bar has private areas which are up 2 large steps and the terrace of the restaurant is up 1 large curved step. | Yes, although the toilet is a bit dark because of poor lighting and dark decor. Patterned wallpaper and black and white chequered floor can be confusing for some people with visual impairments. | Yes, lighting in the bar area can be low but some areas have good levels of natural light. The restaurant has good lighting. | Yes, sound levels of music low in bar and low conversation levels in the restaurant, with good spaces between tables. | Yes |
| Mr Cooper’s House and Garden, The Midland Hotel, Peter St, Manchester, M60 2DS, Tel: 0161 932 4128 | Yes, steps at the Mount St. entrance, but accessible from main Midland hotel entrance | Yes | Yes, reasonable lighting levels | Yes, reasonable sound levels | Yes |
| Kosmonaut, 10 Tariff St, Manchester, M1 2FF | No, steps and no ramp | No | No, very dark even in the day | Yes, reasonable sound levels but could get noisy | No |
| Grand Pacific, The Avenue, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3AP, Tel: 0161 831 0288 | Yes, level access to interior and patio area | No, need to be escorted through a lift. working area and corridor to the accessible toilet for Australasia. This is in need of refurbishment, a long way from the bar and is not independently accessible | Yes, good natural light, but little colour contrast between the pastel colours of the decor and the furniture | Yes, low level of music internally | No |
| Neighborhood, The Avenue, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3BT, Tel: 0161 832 6334 | Yes, level access to restaurant & level access to bar through another entrance. Steps between bar and restaurant | Yes, although space is a bit small. awaiting information | Yes, a lot of natural light but decor & furniture is dark with little colour contrast | Yes | Yes |
Chef of the Year
The table below lists all venues nominated for an award in the Manchester Food & Drink Festival. If we think they are accessible in the category mentioned, we have said “Yes”, but if we do not think they are accessible, we have said “No”.
| Name of venue | Level access | Accessible toilet | Reasonable lighting | Reasonable sound leve | Summary |
| Adam Reid, The French, The Midland Hotel, Peter St, Manchester, M60 2DS, Tel: 0161 236 3333 | Ramps at entrance and internally at the Midland Hotel | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mike Jennings, Grenache, 15 Bridgewater Road, Walkden, Worsley, M28 3JE, Tel: 0161 799 8181 | Limited, hazardous turning space at entrance | Yes | No, lighting is poor, dark decor throughout and no natural light | Yes, reasonable sound levels | Limited access |
| Aiden Byrne, Manchester House Tower 12, 18-22 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BZ Tel: 0161 835 2557 | Yes, access by lift. Most of the restaurant and bar is level, but the bar has private areas which are up 2 large steps and the terrace of the restaurant is up 1 large curved step. | Yes, although the toilet is a bit dark because of poor lighting and dark decor. Patterned wallpaper and black and white chequered floor can be confusing for some people with visual impairments. | Yes, lighting in the bar area can be low but some areas have good levels of natural light. The restaurant has good lighting. | Yes, sound levels of music low in bar and low conversation levels in the restaurant, with good spaces between tables. | Yes |
| Eric Moreau, 63 Degrees, 20 Church St, Manchester, M4 1PN, Tel: 0161 832 5438 | No, small step and door access is narrow without staff support to 2nd double door | Yes, accessible toilet available in adjacent hotel | No, lighting is poor, dark decor throughout and no natural light | Yes, reasonable sound levels | No |
| David Spanner, Australasia, 1 Spinningfield Way, Manchester, M3 3AP, Tel: 0161 831 0288 | No independent access, lift access from another office entrance, need to contact restaurant but sign outside too small, exit from lift through kitchen area, hazardous and narrow route. Can also be accessed from the Grand Pacific Restaurant nearby | Yes, but needs refurbishment and access is through a narrow kitchen route with obstacles and small difficult to find signs | Yes | Yes | No |
| David Leong, Yuzu 39 Faulkner St, Manchester, M1 4EE, Tel: 0161 236 4159 | No, many steps | No | Yes, reasonable lighting levels | Yes, reasonable sound levels | No |
Cheap Eats of the Year
The table below lists all venues nominated for an award in the Manchester Food & Drink Festival. If we think they are accessible in the category mentioned, we have said “Yes”, but if we do not think they are accessible, we have said “No”.
| Name of venue | Level access | Accessible toilet | Reasonable lighting | Reasonable sound level | Summary |
| Almost Famous, 2 Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN | Yes, level access from Quay Street | Yes partly, although angled wall near entrance could be a hazard for people, and narrow transfer space | Yes, reasonable lighting although spotlights create some areas of shadow and glare | Yes, reasonable sound levels although they increase when busy. | Yes |
| Pita Pit, 3 Piccadilly Pl, Manchester, M1 3BG | Yes, level access | Yes, small sized accessible toilet with obstructions | No, dim lighting and some spot lighting | Yes | Partly, but dim lighting and obstructions in toilet could make this not accessible |
| Splendid Sausage Company, Unit C, 11 St James Square, John Dalton Street, M2 6WH, Tel: 0161 833 1016 | awaiting information | awaiting information | awaiting information | awaiting information | awaiting information |
| Viet Shack, Unit 8 Arndale Market, 49 High St, Manchester, M4 3AH Tel: 0161 833 9851 | Yes, accessible through Arndale Centre | Yes, shares facilities within the Arndale Centre | awaiting information | awaiting information | Yes |
| Luck, Lust, Liquor and Burn, 100-102 High St, Manchester, M4 1HP, Tel: 0161 244 9422 | No, step with no ramp | Yes | Yes, reasonable lighting | Yes, reasonable sound levels except when busy | No |
| Tampopo, 16 Albert Square, Manchester M2 5PF 16 Albert Square, Manchester, M2 5PF, Tel: 0161 819 1966 | No, many steps down to restaurant | awaiting information | awaiting information | awaiting information | No |
Coffee Bar or Tea Shop of the Year
The table below lists all venues nominated for an award in the Manchester Food & Drink Festival. If we think they are accessible in the category mentioned, we have said “Yes”, but if we do not think they are accessible, we have said “No”.
| Name of year | Level access | Accessible toilet | Reasonable lighting | Reasonable sound level | Summary |
| Sugar Junction, 60 Tib St, Manchester, M4 1LG, Tel: 0161 8391444 | No, small step and worn ramp which doesn’t reach the step. Step not marked and there are steps to the basement. Signage outside obstructs the pedestrian route | No, lighting is poor, no alarm, no handrails, insufficient transfer space, sink is too high and dispenser is hard to reach | Yes, although it looks dark from the outside | Yes, though conversations can become loud when busy | No |
| Proper Tea, 10 Cateaton St, Manchester, M3 1SN, Tel: 0161 832 3220 | Yes, level access but very narrow door at entrance opposite the Cathedral | No (though this is mainly a takeaway) | Yes | Black and white tiles can be difficult for visually impaired people, looking like gaps or steps. | Yes, with difficulties for visually impaired people and wheelchair users |
| Richmond Tea Rooms, 15 Richmond St, Manchester, M1 3HZ, Tel: 0161 237 9667 | No, steps at entrance, a platform lift is available but need to go up steps first, so not accessible for people who find steps a barrier. | No, entrance obstructed by table and chairs, narrow entrance and transfer space filled with cleaning materials and baby changing facilities. | Yes | Yes, reasonable sound levels | No |
| Fig and Sparrow, 20 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JN, Tel: 0161 228 1843 | awaiting information | awaiting information | awaiting information | awaiting information | awaiting information |
| North Tea Power, 3 6 Tib St, Manchester, M4 1LA, Tel: 0161 833 3073 | awaiting information | awaiting information | awaiting information | awaiting information | awaiting information |
| Takk, 6 Tariff St, Manchester, M1 2FF | No, steps with no ramp or lift, communal seating with large tables | No | Yes | Yes | No |