For many people, the end of the week is a signal to let go of their stresses; the chance to let their hair down and relax. Here, Lauren Hunter takes us round some of her favourite spots in Glasgow.
Whether you’re a frequent gig-goer, like chatting in the pub with your friends, or prefer to dance the night away in a club, it’s certain that going out is something most young people enjoy. However, sometimes being disabled can make that harder, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. We decided to go out in Glasgow to show you that nightlife, although occasionally a little trickier, is definitely not impossible for disabled people to enjoy – and hopefully, you can pick up a few hints and tips to make your next night on the town a great one!
Firstly, it’s important to do your research. Taking a bit of time to scope out where you want to go and what the accessibility is like is a task we’re probably all familiar (and bored) with, but it really will save you some stress, when you just want to enjoy yourself. Online accessibility guides such as AccessAble and Euan’s Guide can be useful, but if they don’t return results for what you want, turning to Google can seem a bit daunting. This is where social media comes into its own, with simple searches on TikTok and Instagram often providing a general gist of places. From here, you can also frequently direct message venues to ask about your requirements.
TOP TIP
A Radar key is really worth its weight in gold, since many venues with accessible toilets are accessed using Radar keys, – although the venue will have a key to access facilities, you’ll save yourself a lot of time by being able to use your own and not having to wait on staff coming to open the toilet for you.
It’s a Friday night in Glasgow and we want to start with some food, drinks, and fun, so we’re headed to Vega on Argyle Street. It’s a bar at the top of a hotel with amazing views of the city, as well as great food, cocktails, and even a bowling alley. ‘Activity bars’ seem to be popping up all over the country at the moment, with everything from crazy golf to axe-throwing and retro gaming. They’re ideal if you’d prefer to stay in one place for the night, as everything you want is there for you. Vega, in particular, makes things nice and easy for disabled customers with two accessible toilets at opposite ends of the space, and a lowered section of the bar.
So, you’ve had some good food, a few drinks, and maybe scored a strike or two at the bowling, but it’s time for our next stop. We’re headed to a gig at the OVO Hydro arena. The Hydro is a huge venue holding around 16,000 people; but having (slightly) moved on from the Dark Ages you’re now able to book accessible tickets online. This much-improved system is becoming more common throughout the UK, so do check with whichever venue you’re booking with. Most of the time a companion ticket is free with a ticket for wheelchair spaces, so you’re effectively getting a two for one.
The arena has a number of accessible viewing platforms in different spots, but the good thing is that they’re all raised above the general crowd giving you a great vantage point.
TOP TIP
Although you have booked an accessible ticket, the spaces on the platform are often filled on a first come, first served basis as people arrive – it’s a good idea to get there for doors opening for the best chance of securing yourself a good spot!
Now we want to finish the night by dancing away the small hours. We’re headed back into the city centre to Bonjour, a bar/nightclub, that’s good at inclusivity. They have an accessible toilet and ramps to enter lower areas of the venue, as well as a stage and DJ booth everyone can get to. Finding such inclusive, accessible spaces can admittedly, be like mining for gold, but once you track them down, they become invaluable as spaces where you know you can go to enjoy yourself without fear of exclusion. More and more venues are trying to be inclusive – again, it’s about doing your research, and slowly building up a list of accessible nightspots.
Ultimately, this has shown that you just need to figure out what types of places work for you. Then you can feel free to party! Just don’t forget the obligatory stop at the chippy on the way home…
Visit:
AccessAble
www.accessable.co.uk
Euan’s Guide
www.euansguide.com
Radar Key
www.shop.disabilityrightsuk.org/products/radar-key
About Lauren Hunter
Lauren Hunter is a fourth-year journalism student at the University of Strathclyde, who writes about disability issues.
