Update 2024 Aug: Our original findings in 2013 have not changed in 11 years i.e. the venue , Christopher’s Grill has made no effort to help disabled people enter:

A reader asked how he could access for a birthday treat with 3 people who have mobility issues. We did call and there is still no ramp, portable or otherwise so you have to negotiate 3-6 steps to enter the bar (unclear how many). The restaurant is approx. 30 steps so very difficult to access. Yet again age of building cited as a reason to exclude disabled people or anyone mobility issues.

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Martini Bar is part of Christopher’s Grill in Covent Garden. Christopher’s also has a restaurant and club room but these are upstairs and there’s no lift so they aren’t accessible for the less able. To be honest, the bar isn’t that much better.

Having heard very positive things online about the bar, we called them to ask about their disabled access. The response was not good: there are three steps to get into the building and another three to get into the bar area. They do not have a portable ramp to get inside. Nor do they have a disabled toilet. On top of that, a lot of the tables are quite high up so there might not be much suitable space for people in wheelchairs. Surely some of this could be improved with a little effort?

If you are someone who can access the bar, you will enjoy a glamorous experience and a good cocktail. Despite the poor disabled access, it is worth noting that Martini Bar has been included in the top 100 list on World’s Best Bars. This is a very cool bar in a good location and it could still do a job for some less able people as a pre-theatre drinks spot in the West End.

Unfortunately, we’re only giving Martini Bar a provisional 1 BBS Tick.

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  1. Glynn Wilson

    So how is it possible for my mother to get to the top bar as my daughters birthday on Saturday as my daughter grandmother my mum have difficulty walking have you a lift

    1. Fiona Jarvis

      Hi Glyn we did call and here is still no ramp portable or otherwise so you will have to negotiate 3-6 steps to the bar (unclear how many). The restaurant is approx. 30 steps so very difficult to access. Yet again a venue that cites age of building an excuse for excluding people with mobility issues.