On 7th Oct 2019 we will be presenting the winners of The Blue Badge Access Awards at The Langham in London (tickets available here) and here’s one of the nominees for Best Accessible Toilet and Best Budget Restaurant:
We were asked to look at Kindred by BBS Supporter Samanta Bullock. She advised that the disabled toilet was ‘unlike any other’. So, on a wet day in June we went to see for ourselves. The first thing to note is that access is in Hammersmith Broadway Shopping Centre, a short wheel/walk from the bus station or tube. I can’t use either so was dropped of by car at The Hammersmith Apollo and had a 3 minute wheel across Hammersmith roundabout.
Situated in a Grade II Listed Building, usually an excuse to exclude disabled people, it’s a co-working space covering 3 floors. A private members club and community space, the co-working memberships are £150/month or you can sign up as a Social Member for free! They have created
‘community spaces that have the sole purpose of bringing people together, enabling them to connect face to face. The campfire is our logo to remind us of this fundamental idea; that the ritual of gathering with one another is basic, simple and essential to life and progress.’
Access
Everywhere is accessible, the only issue was a slight gap between the lift floor and the landing on the 1st floor. It’s beautifully decorated in-keeping with a Georgian building, featuring a large room in the co-working area with a piano and a working fireplace. There are 3 meeting rooms and again all are accessible. It’s accousically good, well lit and serenely quiet yet sociable. All floors are flat and smooth.
There’s a restaurant in the private members level but we went to The Cellar on the ground floor which is open to the public and very accessible. Tables are at the right height for my wheelchair and again the floor is a flat surface. It’s well lit and quite small but I didn’t feel cramped. The best part is the food and service hence their nomination for Best Budget Restaurant. We had a number of small plates including, vegetable gyoza with a soy and ginger dip - delicious – accompanied by a lovely rosé wine it came to under £30 ea. They also serve burgers, pizzas, sandwiches etc. so something for everyone.
The really inspiring part of Kindred is the accessible toilet. Great colour contrast for visually impaired and beautifully decorated with everything in the right place including the emergency cord. As a result they’re nominated for Best Accessible Toilet…….
This is a hidden gem in the uninspiring centre of Hammersmith roundabout and they get a rare 3 BBS Ticks for style & accessibility. Come to the Blue Badge Access Awards to see if they win!!