In May 2025 a Glamorous, Inclusive & Riotous Ceremony was held in London’s Piccadilly to celebrate venues, organisations and people who have made the world accessible and inclusive to all…The Blue Badge Access Awards 2024/25.
Esatablished in 2016 this ws the latest round of awards “celebrating people, organisations and venues that create exceptional access for all. (See previous Awards here).
There were people from hospitality, architecture, the world of art & fashion and of course many disabled activists who came out for a night of fun, live music and a touch of magic. Hosted by TVs Mik Scarlet who got the audience going like an ex childrens presenter would! Live music was supplied by a three-piece band headed by Ciaran O’Donovan and close quarter magic from Ross McCourt dumbfounded people as they arrived, both were excellent and expect to see them at future events! There was plenty of excellent wine and food supplied by Gaucho, Piccadilly who hosted the event.
Ross McCourt Confusing the Girls From Blenheim Palace
Gaucho Hosting the Glamorous Evening
Our Schoolgirl Bouncers Wouldn’t Let You in if Your Name’s Not on The List
So who won, here they are our very worthy winners and those Highly Commended:-
An Accessible Speakeasy Bar at Oriole, Covent Garden
Play to see a mustard wall with black tiles give good visual contrast with white sanitary ware at the accessible loo in Oriole Bar.
“They are the only speakeasy style bar that’s accessible too. With great entertainment, a lovely accessible toilet, a lift & welcoming staff”. This article from the Sustainable Restaurant Association(SRA) explains how from the beginning Oriole chose to be welcoming to all….
Highly Commended: O’Neill’s Southampton & their inclusive dartboard & Bubble Club, London an inclusive night club ‘co-created by people with learning disabilities’.
The Winners From Oriole Having Too Good a Time With The Bubble Clubbers
Bubble Club, London an inclusive night club
Andy and friends? From O’Neill’s Southampton
O’Neill’s Southampton & Their Adapted Digital Dartboard
“Well thought out & accessible design, encompassing a stunning view. Their accessible toilet looks stylish and the food promises to be stellar as well!” Take a look at their acceptance speech below.
The Time Spirit Restaurant is Bathed in Natural Light From The Wall of Glass That is The Window. With Plenty of Room Between Tables
Their Disabled Toilet Has Good Visual Contrast & is Also Aesthetically Pleasing
Play here to see the acceptance speech from The Macallan Estate.
“Somewhere that subtly evokes the style of the Titanic ship and also encompasses access for all”….”they’re doing great things”. Here’s their acceptance speech from General Manager Adrian McNally.
Here’s Adrian Accepting Best Hotel Award at Titanic Hotel, Belfast
Highly Commended: University Arms, Cambridge
Motability Scheme, Best Accessible Day Out
Joint Winners: Frameless, London & Brentford FC . The judging by Motability Scheme rated them equal on points for accessibility, ambience/experience/style and thoughtfulness.
They said of Frameless “They truly blew me away with how accessible they have made things……..The fact they train ALL their staff above and beyond, shows their dedication”.
Andy Mann & Ochan Gunatilake, from Immersive Art Experience, Frameless.
Conor Bagenal Brentford FC Surrounded by his Glamorous Supporters, Mary Macleod & Zoe Nixon
Brentford FC ensure “everyone can experience football in a way that is enjoyable for them. Some highlights include their Stoma friendly toilets……. and their sensory space…….seems like a VIP treatment rather than “hiding” away Neuro Diverse individuals ………Loved the video on their audio described games – not something I considered but was so touching to see the impact!”
“Their attention to the needs of every kind of disability is laudable, given the restrictions of a Grade I Listed Building and a UNESCO World heritage Site. The sensory environment in the kitchens is particularly innovative as you are permitted to touch the exhibits…… and hear the voice of Sir Winston Churchill in his family home. An exemplar for historic buildings”.
Alice Bennett & Aimee Anna Akinola From Blenheim Palace – Winner , For a 2nd Year, of Historic England’s, Best Venue in a Historic Building
“Euan was a leader when it came to accessibility. His guide has helped so many people and has become the standard for accessible information……we couldn’t give this inaugural award to anyone else”
Euan Macdonald Who Sadly Died in 2024Highly Commended: Renata Paranyi, Aloft Hotel, “someone who consistently strives to make their hotel accessible to all”.
Antonia Lee-Bapty Accepting on Behalf of Euan MacDonald, Founder of Euan’s Guide
Charlie Sheppard Presenting The Award
Robin Sheppard, Renowned Hotelier & Co-Founder of the Awards, With His Son Charlie
Media Access Champion/Journalist Award
Winner: Sophie Morgan, Ch4 & Rights on Flights,
“A positive representation of disability, she has advocated for greater accessibility for many years culminating in Rights on Flights which has finally made airlines sit up and listen with regard to disabled passengers”.
Media Access Champion, Sophie Morgan, Ch4 Presenter, Journalist & Access Activist
Simon Minty, Highlt Commended for Bringing Attention to Short People
Highly Commended: Simon Minty, Gogglebox & Founding Supporter of BBAAwards
“They made a great effort to provide an ‘onsen’, a traditional Japanese thermal bathing experience, accessible for all”.
Yuji Katsutani, Owner From Naniwa Issui Flew in From International Venue – The Accessible Room & Traditional Bath Have Stunning Views of Lake Shinji in Matsui & All Completely Accessible.
every year we have an award for careless, useless and often really stupid accessible features, the Ludicrous Loo and Ridiculous Ramp awards. We thought there maybe none for 2025 and that people had worked out what good access looks like and then these two shining examples came along!!
Ridiculous Ramp, Winner: Greenhithe Station
7 Ramps & Several Staff Were Involved Trying to Use a Ramp For a Disabled Passenger at Greenhithe Station. In The End a Member of The Public Helped Them Alight!! – Ridiculous
Ludicrous Loo, Winner: Sanderson Hotel
The Sanderson Accessible Room Presented me With This Bewildering Accessible Loo – Ludicrous
That’s all for 2025 look out 2026 and send your nominations of good (or bad) by contacting us here.
