Sociability Mapping Day: Accessible Places in Southampton
Isadora L'Esteve
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Nov 10, 2022
At the start of last week, the Sociability team headed south for a day of mapping at the port city of Southampton. Famously a busy departure port for those heading to sunnier climes, the city has a lot more to offer than just shipping.
In this guest archive post, our team member Isadora covers our mapping day highlights and shares some of the best accessible places in Southampton to visit!
On the Day: Mapping the City
Jennie and I arrived bright and early at Waterloo station at 8:30 am on Halloween for the 90 minute train ride down south. Thankfully at that time in the morning, the train was nice and quiet and we even managed to attend our normal Monday morning meeting in transit.
When we arrived at Southampton Central station, we headed straight towards the Westquay Shopping Centre to meet up with Asha, Danny, George, Jessikah, and Kate at midday. With some time to spare, Jennie and I got straight down to business mapping a number of venues along Above Bar including Coffee #1, whose staff were really friendly and helpful!
After meeting up with the crew at Pret Westquay, we headed back north up Above Bar towards Watts Park, adding as many venues as we could find. We rounded off the day with a rejuvenating coffee, cake, and ice cream catch up at Sprinkles Gelato. It was much needed, and thankfully it meant we just missed the rain!
Top Accessible Places in Southampton City Centre
We know that finding venues that are both high quality and truly inclusive can be difficult. Here are 3 of the best accessible places in Southampton we found during our visit:
COFFEE #1
If you are after a coffee and a quiet place to work, then you cannot go wrong with Coffee #1! Conveniently located just opposite Westquay on Above Bar, this cafe is something of a "Tardis" inside as it is much bigger than it looks from the outside.
The Layout: Pathways in the cafe are generally wide, although the central path does narrow leading towards the back section and toilets.
Facilities: At the back, there is a reasonably sized accessible toilet and the space is calm and quiet, making it a cosy environment for when you need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the main street.
Find accessibility info here.
THE ARTISAN
Sticking with the work and study vibe, The Artisan cafe is part of the University of Southampton in the Sir James Matthews Building. It is a great place to grab a bite and unwind.
Access: The side entrance doors are fully automatic and lead into a large seating area, with a ramp leading from here up to the fridges and service counter.
Safety: There is a sizeable accessible bathroom (note that it requires a key-code for access) and facilities include both an emergency cord and an assistance button located on opposite sides of the room.
REVOLUCION DE CUBA
Sometimes what you really want to know is where you can go for a good drink and a dance. Revolución de Cuba has two floors of live music, with a platform lift at the back connecting the ground and second floors to ensure that everyone can get to where they need to be.
Sensory Tip: While the venue is loud in the evenings, the space is surprisingly quiet and calm during the daytime in mid-week. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a chilled spot away from the city centre crowds.
MAPPING IN THE SOUTH
FAQ: Navigating Southampton
1. How do I find more accessible places in Southampton?
The easiest way is to use the Sociability app. We have mapped hundreds of venues across the city centre, including detailed photos of entrances and toilets, so you can decide if a venue works for you before you leave the house.
2. Is the Westquay Shopping Centre accessible?
Yes, Westquay is one of the most reliable accessible places in Southampton. It offers step-free access throughout, multiple accessible toilets, and a Shopmobility service on Level 3 for wheelchair or scooter hire.
3. Can I join a Sociability Community Day?
We are super excited by the success of our Southampton Mapping Day and are keen to keep the momentum going across the UK. If you are interested in getting involved or have suggestions of where to map next, we would love to hear from you!
We would love to hear your thoughts on this post. Planning a trip? Download the Sociability app to find accessible cafés, bars, and restaurants that meet your specific needs in seconds. You can also join our community and follow us on Instagram for the latest inclusive spots!
To take your advocacy further, sign up for our free newsletter, Beyond Compliance. We provide practical tips to help you champion accessibility in your workplace and everyday life. We look forward to seeing you there!
