Welcome to the first Weds Wrap of 2014. You know when to stop saying Happy New Year – when it’s not!! Don’t get me wrong I’m quite happy but the b*****ds are trying their best to make my life as difficult as possible.
Had a great Xmas visiting a number of great places as I reviewed here. However, since then it’s been downhill starting with 4 hours on the phone to the NHS about 3 different appointments – suffice to say they can only handle one illness at a time, but this didn’t get me down…..
Then I went to the Corinthia Hotel to audit our review their cocktails at the Bassoon Bar which wasn’t open (my fault I’m used to bars being open all day). It’s all very accessible and there are lots of staff to help but even then the restaurant service was haphazard. I also found the decor just a bit too opulent and as a result rather cold and more suited to a Russian Palace. Maybe that’s down to the clientele they’re trying to attract.
Then I went to Ciao Bella round the corner from the National Neuro Hospital in Lambs Conduit St., (the Street with no accessible toilet see here). They could only sit us outside – I was warm enough under the outside heaters but The Relative Lieutenant was just out of range and had to have a Grappa to warm himself up. Fantastic service and good food, even my waiting cab driver got a free Cappuccino – typical family run Italian restaurant. Their attentiveness lifted my spirits but only temporarily………..
I next tried to find a dress that was knee length and not figure hugging. All I could find were pencil skirt or bandage dresses – no good in a wheelchair as they continually ride up to my ears. This didn’t get me down but finally this did………..the last straw……
I tried to book a theatre and a cinema for 2 different shows Mojo & Wolf of Wall Street. In both instances I had to ring a premium rate number and listen to long messages on how I should book on-line – even though the website said I couldn’t – WTF!!. The theatre couldn’t get me seats together as an ‘agency’ had blocked out all surrounding seats. To ‘top’ that, the Odeon didn’t have access in their main cinema in Richmond but I could go and see something else in their Studio (read cramped). In the end I’m going to Vue Cinema in Westfield and we’re trying for a completely different play. Venues beware, we will spend our money in spite of your reluctance to accept our cash, the Blue £.
I know things are going to get better especially as our Research Panel will get some great PR in 2014, on the lack of venue accessibility & the dismal state of disability equipment. See what I’m talking about here and join up, please. See you next week…….