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The Alchemist Newcastle

5 Grey's Quarter, Eldon Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7AP

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Access Guide

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Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.

Opening Hours

Public Transport

Parking

  • Parking View
    • The venue has shared parking facilities.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
  • Shared Parking View
    • The venue shares a car park/parking facilities.
    • Clearly marked/signposted designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.

Approach (Eldon Square)

  • Approach View
    • There is sloped access into the shopping centre.
      There are automatic double doors at the shopping centre entrance.
    • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • Comments View
    • The surface of the approach is stone tile externally and vinyl internally.

Entrance (Eldon Square)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the lower level of Eldon Square.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
    • The width of the door opening is 197cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) by sliding.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 181cm.

Approach (Nelson Street)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles and block paving.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Outdoor Seating (Nelson Street)

  • The outdoor seating is located on Nelson Street.
  • There is step-free access to the outdoor seating.
  • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 69cm.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The type of flooring in this area is stone.

Outside Access (Nelson Street Assisted Access Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Nelson Street, at the front left of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'The Alchemist'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 114cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 115cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is portable.
    • Please contact a member of staff for use of the portable ramp.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 21cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • Information on who to contact to gain assisted access is clearly displayed on the door.

Outside Access (Nelson Street Stepped Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Nelson Street, at the front right of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 22cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Eating and Drinking (Bar)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the bar.
    • The bar is located to the rear of the venue as you enter via the Eldon Square entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the bar.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables can be booked in advance.
    • There is full table service and a bar where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include: handheld menus, menu boards and online menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is Modern British.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is played at all times, the volume can be adjusted if requested.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
    • There is a portable card machine available for payment.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 111cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The height between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 74cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 100cm.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 88cm.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 40cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also coffee tables, booths, bench seats, stools and high stools.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • Lighting levels can be adjusted by a member of staff upon request.
    • Lighting levels may be lower in the evening.

Step(s) (Bar)

  • There is a/are step(s) located to the rear of the venue as you enter via the Eldon Square entrance.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access the lower seating area of the bar and the Nelson Street entrances.
  • There is/are 3 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are low to moderate.

Lift (Bar Platform Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear left of the venue, in the bar area.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the Eldon Square entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • There is not a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
  • The clear door width is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 81cm x 142cm (2ft 8in x 4ft 8in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

Eating and Drinking (Restaurant)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the restaurant.
    • The restaurant is located ahead as you enter via the Eldon Square entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the restaurant.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables can be booked in advance.
    • There is full table service.
    • Menu types include: menu boards, handheld menus and online menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is Modern British.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is played at all times, the volume can be adjusted if requested.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
    • There is a portable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The height between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 74cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 87cm.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 74cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also long tables, booths, bench seats and high stools.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • Lighting levels can be adjusted by a member of staff upon request.
    • Lighting levels may be lower in the evening.

Step(s) (Restaurant)

  • There is a/are step(s) located to the right as you enter via the Eldon Square entrance.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access additional seating in the restaurant area.
  • There is/are 2 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are low to moderate.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located at the front left of the venue as you enter via the Eldon Square entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 11m from the Eldon Square entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 90cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • Photographs 1 and 2 show the female toilet.
      Photographs 3 and 4 show the male toilet.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the front left of the venue as you enter via the Eldon Square entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the Eldon Square entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 159cm x 200cm (5ft 3in x 6ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 64cm (2ft 1in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 91cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 79cm.