Wheelchair and buggy access are issues for many people and it’s a detail that can go unnoticed, yet it is well appreciated by those who need it, including their family and friends, such as myself.

My friend Tash Hook is a wheelchair user which means that to go out planning usually has to be done due to small but varied restrictions; and when that one place is found which is completely accessible, as quoted by Tash ‘ it feels as if a whole load of opportunities have opened up!’.

We recently came across one such example at Zizzi, an Italian restaurant in Ipswich centre.

Our original plans were to meet for lunch at a bar-restaurant for which we students get a nice discount card during fresher’s fair; but on arrival we discovered that their disabled access was in fact inaccessible for Tash’s motorized wheelchair, so after much apologies from staff we headed off to find somewhere suitable.

We ended up in Zizzi, which is an Italian themed franchise, with a modern, quirky decor and extra upstairs area complete with lift, which came in handy despite the notably attractive spiral staircase! Staff were welcoming, quick to find us a suitable table and very pleasant. The upstairs area wasn’t available at the time, but we tried out the lift and checked out the disabled toilet, which is very spacious, another issue that can arise as well as sufficient table height…a detail certain people might appreciate knowing!

After a lovely (and affordable!) meal, we spoke to the assistant manager, Lilly, she told us that Zizzi as a brand likes to take these things into consideration in all their venues, and as she has a relative who uses a wheelchair, she is fully aware of the ‘glitches’ they can encounter and ensures that staff are aware of facilitating and enabling people to feel comfortable and enjoy their experience. Tash said ‘I felt extremely comfortable and didn’t feel self-conscious or anything (…), its places like these that make me enjoy eating out with friends without worrying!’

So in the name of enjoyable experiences, we are writing this blog for all of those who may identify with the subject of accessibility; and Tash and I look forward to finding more ‘secret’ spots to share with everyone.

Until next time….

Holly Cooper and Natasha Hook

Blogs and reviews posted on Ipswich Town and Waterfront are generated by the people who make up the community of Ipswich. If you are passionate about Ipswich and have a great story to share about our town then please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Natalie Chaplin