Eating out with access needs: what to check before you book

A meal out should feel like a treat, not a research project. But when access matters, the details that decide whether a restaurant works are often missing from the booking page. A few checks before you go can save a lot of uncertainty at the door.

Step-free entry is only the beginning

Look beyond the words “wheelchair accessible”. Is the main entrance step-free, or is there a separate accessible entrance? Are there tight doorways, heavy doors or steps between the dining room and the toilet? If you use a mobility aid, the route through the whole venue matters.

Think about the table, not just the doorway

High stools, fixed booths and closely packed tables can make an otherwise accessible venue difficult to use. If you need space for a wheelchair, mobility aid, support person or assistance animal, ask whether the restaurant can reserve a suitable table before you arrive.

Check the toilet details

An accessible toilet can make the difference between staying for dessert and leaving early. Check whether it is on the same level as the dining area, whether the path stays clear, and whether it is genuinely available to customers rather than being used for storage. If the facility is essential to your visit, confirm it directly with the venue.

Choose a time that works for you

For people who find noise, crowds or bright environments difficult, timing can matter as much as the menu. An early lunch or the first dinner sitting is often calmer than peak service. You can also ask about music volume, outdoor seating, quieter tables or whether there is a less busy day of the week.

Call ahead when the detail matters

A two-minute phone call can answer questions that a website cannot. Be specific about what you need rather than asking only whether the venue is “accessible”. Clear questions usually get clearer answers.

Share what you find

If you discover that a venue's access information is accurate, outdated or missing something important, add your experience to Can We Go. The more useful detail people share, the easier the next person's decision becomes.