It seems a long time ago but The Blue Badge Access Awards were presented at a glittering event on 7th Oct 2019 at Michel Roux’s restaurant, Landau, at The Langham Hotel, London.
The evening included a glamorous & inclusive fashion show from Samanta Bullock (follow the link for her shop) as well as a brilliant comedy set by Lawrence Clark (see his work here) who also happens to have cerebral palsy. Most of the comedy was at the expense of well meaning able bodied public, a refreshing and sometimes shocking change!
Laurence Clark Made Jokes at The Expense of the Able Bodied Public
Samanta Bullock Showing Off Her Beautiful Collection of Accessible Clothes
Clara From Rollin’ Funky Showing The Samanta Bullock Range of Easy to Wear Underwear
More From The Samanta Bullock Fashion Range – A Classic LBD
A Beautiful Partially Sighted Model In An Easy to Wear Dress & Jacket
The Models & Designers at The End of an Inspiring Inclusive Show
However the most important part of the evening were the awards, represented as trophies depicting a figure with an imperceptible /invisible disability – a prosthetic blade.
The Blades Award, Given to Exceptional Venues and Organisations Where Accessibility is Combined With Style & Good Design
So who were the winners and why did they win? They represented the best in accessibility and design across the globe and included an Aquarium, A Heritage Coal Mine, A Rooftop Bar and a Football Club.
The well known aquarium and tourist attraction in Hull was awarded Most Inclusive venue by the Fewell family because
‘They have considered all areas of disability from ……..The Social Story tool for young guests to plan their day …to the Changing Places facility …. freely available mobility equipment, support for charities for hidden disabilities & the Safe Place Scheme. They also continue to strive to do more to make The Deep an enjoyable place for all’
Louise Kirby Accepts The Most Inclusive Award on Behalf of The Deep, Hull
The Deep ‘Continues to Make Their Venue Accessible For All’
The Deep Aquarium Stands Proud on The Estuary in Hull
Located in South Hamm Devon and The Lake District, at the moment. They provide ‘FLEXIBLY ADAPTED GLAMPING PODS & CABINS TO SUIT GUESTS WITH AND WITHOUT DISABILITIES’
Omnipods & Cabins Were highly Commended for Most Inclusive at BBAAs 2019
Luxury Glamping for All Abilities
People’s Choice Winner, Voted for by the Public Supported by Euan’s Guide
We reviewed their venue previously and nominated as Best Boutique Accomodation in 2017 they finally won this year because they’ve done their utmost to make their accomodation stylish & accessible to all.
The Dairy Cottage in The Dales is 5 Star Inclusive Accomodation
Smooth Tiled Flooring & Wide Aisle into Luxury Wet Room
Diane & Andrew Howarth Accepting People’s Choice Award, Voted for by the Public
Loved by BBS for its inclusive style and luxury with removable grab rails in their accessible rooms. In addition their ‘spa therapy team receive annual training in chronic pain therapy and Wellness for Cancer so all treatments can be adapted for guests.’
Floris Kouijzer & Jacqueline Kneebone Receive The BBAA for HEWI Best Hotel
The Sea Containers Building on the South Bank is Now Home to The Sea Containers Hotel
12th Knot at Sea Containers Nominated for Best Bar at Blue Badge Access Awards 2019
Who have flat access everywhere in a Grade II Listed Building. They have an accessible room adjoining a carer room with roll in shower and accept assistance dogs. Their event space also has an accessible toilet and flat access.
Joanna Dunne & Cheryl Webber Accepting Best Boutique Hotel Award for The Kings Head Cirencester
The Accessible Room in The Grade II Listed Kings Head Cirencester
A small independent cafe and co-working space in Brixton that accommodates all and in a small space has bothered to add an accessible toilet even though it didn’t have to!!
Caya Club Has Wide Door & Portable Ramp for Wheelchair Users. There’s Also an Accessible Loo and Assistance Dogs are Welcome
Nita, Co-Founder of Caya Club, Brixton, Accepting Best Budget Bar BBAA Award 2019
A restaurant with rooms has received many accolades for their food and is accessible throughout with one accessible bedroom. You can see their comprehensive access statement here.
The Three Chimneys Restaurant With Rooms is Accessible Throughout With One Accessible Bedroom
Scott Ross & Sarah Campbell Receiving Their Best Restaurant Award
Won because their food is excellent plus the venue is accessible via a lift, with flat access throughout and a well equipped disabled toilet. Created by Pip Lacey (known for her time at Michelin starred Murano and Great British Menu 2017) and Gordy Mcintyre from the Conran restaurant group, with backing from Murano chef-owner Angela Hartnett.
Hicce Has Smooth Floors & Large Windows Making it Well Lit With Flat Access Everywhere
Hicce Disabled Toilet. Everything at Correct height, Automatic Light & Cord to the Floor
She and her team at Liverpool FC operate the ‘SeatServe’ facility and app from concessions for disabled supporters………and treats them as ‘1st Class Citizens’.
Jeannine Cubbin Receives Her Award from CEO of Leonard Cheshire Neil Heslop
We’ve eulogised about accessibility of Shakespeare’s Globe in the past and they won this award due to this heartfelt nomination from a regular visitor who happens to be blind,
“After losing my sight they gave me back Shakespeare through their amazing audio described touch tours & performances… But what changed my life was the welcome I received………from Front of House to the actors……The profoundly human encounters that first visit redeemed me after a disabling two years of sight loss, related unemployment and extreme poverty. They simply saw me as myself and in that moment helped me to see me as my true self again.…(I’m) guaranteed to be welcome and never feel disabled or visually impaired.”
David Bellwood, Access Manager at Shakespeare’s Globe, +1 Receive The Employer of The Year Award From Leonard Cheshire CEO Neil Heslop
Te Globe Continually Improves Access For All & is a Committed Employer of Everything Accessible
Once the largest pit village in the world, Ashington is now home to Woodhorn Museum – a former working coal pit with a proud and dramatic industrial past. Nominated for the accessibility of a historic monument to the coal mining industry, Grade II Listed yet accessible. See their access statement. Here’s their nomination citation
“Within the listed Colliery buildings, there are ramps available for all visitors to access the buildings. One building, Winding House No2, has been opened up to allow visitors to see the last Winding Engine from the ground floor. The Winding Engine is on the second floor.There are hearing loops throughout the site and transcripts are available for the interactive exhibitions. Video displays have subtitles available. They have started to offer BSL tours for exhibitions. They also offer relaxed opening sessions for their big events such as Festive Tales and Ice Skating. There are plenty of disabled access parking spaces available and if visitors are in need of a wheelchair, Woodhorn offer 2 wheelchairs and a mobility scooter. Inside the Cutter Building, there is a ramp that allows access between the ground floor level and the upper ground floor level. All of their staff are trained in disability awareness.”
Sarah Stamp & Terri Nelson Winners of Historic England Award for Access in a Listed Building
Woodhorn Museum of a Working Coal Mine
Access in a Listed Building
Ashington, Northumberland, Home to This Working Pit Was The Largest Coalmining Village in Europe
Monica & David Galetti Owners of Mere Win Best accessible Toilet at BBAAs
All The Right Things in The Right Place
Disabled Loo at Mere Restaurant Has Stylish Matt Black & Grey Decor – A Good Disabled Loo
Disabled Lift at Mere To The Restaurant Below Stairs
Best Loo was won by Mere restaurant, the most coveted of the evening. The need for good accessible toilets was highlighted with laughter at this video from the IT Crowd TV series.….
Ludicrous Loo or Worst Accessible Toilet
Won by BeachSide Grill, Saunton, Devon. These images tell you why and if they need explaining don’t fill a disabled toilet with cleaning materials and please add more than one grab rail. The retracting rail is for transfers from wheelchair and needs to be positioned away from the wall. This win was also picked up by The iNews.
Ludicrous Loo Winner – Beachside Grill Saunton. Retracting Rail is Next to wall so Can’t be Used for Transfers!
Don’t Fill and Accessible Loo With Cleaning Equipment…We’re Not That Messy!
If you want someone or somewhere to win a Blue Badge Access Award 2020/21 go to the website and nominate from 14 April 2020.
Looks like a nice day out. 1881 per sagardi nominated for its ”accessibility”. What makes this restaurant unique?
So what? Has it got a lift? Yet another website promising lots but delivering next to nothing practical for the audience it’s meant to represent. I’m clicking on wheelchair clothing and the content is next to nothing. I’m just bored with this type of trendy web site and travel blogs like it. Getting picked up on social media for crap loos is not success.
Fiona JarvisListing Owner
I’m sorry you feel disgruntled and we are in the process of providing a full review with a link regarding a detailed access statement as the bar & restaurant is part of the museum. The award was purely for the bar. Yes it has lifts and it’s good Basque food, recommended and nominated by the public, not ourselves. This was a short article highlighting the venues who had won the awards.
I myself am disabled and I hope you looked at the featured venue reviews which give more detailed information.
Re the wheelchair clothing I’m not sure what you mean as I stated there’s not much out there but I gave links to relevant sites. we try to brief and the ‘crap loos’ is something our readership like to hear about as it’s often funny and highlights, to the general public, what we have to experience!!
I’m glad you think we’re ‘trendy’ and look forward to further less disgruntled comments. BTW if you would like to send us venue reviews we’re always happy to receive. If you get involved we can improve!!
Looks like a nice day out. 1881 per sagardi nominated for its ”accessibility”. What makes this restaurant unique?
So what? Has it got a lift? Yet another website promising lots but delivering next to nothing practical for the audience it’s meant to represent. I’m clicking on wheelchair clothing and the content is next to nothing. I’m just bored with this type of trendy web site and travel blogs like it. Getting picked up on social media for crap loos is not success.
I’m sorry you feel disgruntled and we are in the process of providing a full review with a link regarding a detailed access statement as the bar & restaurant is part of the museum. The award was purely for the bar. Yes it has lifts and it’s good Basque food, recommended and nominated by the public, not ourselves. This was a short article highlighting the venues who had won the awards.
I myself am disabled and I hope you looked at the featured venue reviews which give more detailed information.
Re the wheelchair clothing I’m not sure what you mean as I stated there’s not much out there but I gave links to relevant sites. we try to brief and the ‘crap loos’ is something our readership like to hear about as it’s often funny and highlights, to the general public, what we have to experience!!
I’m glad you think we’re ‘trendy’ and look forward to further less disgruntled comments. BTW if you would like to send us venue reviews we’re always happy to receive. If you get involved we can improve!!