Sheesh! that was accessible

You often read a lot of sad stories about disabled people and the cost of living crisis and if you believe everything you read every disabled person is living in poverty.?

I’m not able to share that I’ve won the lottery and nor am I a secret millionaire. Despite my disability, I’ve worked hard to have a good job and being single, childless, predominantly tea total and frugal I’m able to enjoy myself on special occasions and live a fairly decent life. I acknowledge this isn’t the same for every disabled person and yes the additional costs of being disabled are frustrating, and to an element I incurred some of these yesterday when celebrating my birthday.?

Despite nearing my mid 40’s I’m quite down with the kids, using Instagram and TikTok to keep up with the cool things to do and places to go. As a foodie and football fanatic my algorithm is basically eating out, cooking or Jurgen Klopp’s mighty Liverpool Football Club .?

I’ve been wanting to visit Essex’s finest hangout “Sheesh” in Chigwell for many a year but I knew from research that access was poor and I’d have to drive there. I don’t know about you, but after a decent feed I’m ready for bed, not a 60 minute drive home. I was delighted and excited when Sheesh announced the opening of a second restaurant in the heart of London, and I just had to tick off one of my bucket list items, with my birthday being a ideal opportunity.?

So yesterday, I took a days leave and went to London. I didn’t want to invite any friends or put pressure on them to go out for a pricey day and meal - so I literally chose to celebrate on my own. Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy I need 24/7 support, so true solo celebration is not possible.?I’m really lucky that I get on with my care team and in time all of them tend to end up feeling more like family than employees. Yesterday I was with my longest standing carer Christy and we had a great day but in order for me to enjoy the day I did incur extra cost (which I’m not moaning about). Whilst I could use my care budget to fund Christy’s train fare I don’t get support beyond her wages. Again Christy like many of my carers wants to pay her way to help me live my best life, but equally we are in different financial positions so when I eat out, go to a concert or travel abroad I incur additional costs to be supported.?

So to Sheesh and an electric wheelchair users perspective how was it??First off when booking there is very little information for disabled customers, something to be improved, but I doubt intentionally ableist. One of my team rang to check this information out and with a follow up email I was advised of an accessible entrance and ground floor accessible toilet. I walked (rolled) from Bond Street (nearest accessible Elizabeth Line station) and it was easy to navigate the paths and crossings. On the entering the restaurant it was spacious with polished floors making it easy to manoeuvre around. The tables were quite eloquent and the leg may create some problems with wheelchair users. Equally the chairs are heavy to move. But the staff were extremely helpful. I visited at 4pm on a Monday and didn’t ask about a lift and I’d be intrigued what the atmosphere is like on a busy Friday, and whether being on the ground floor sees you miss out on the vibe.?

On price point does accessibility feature??I’m not sure it does, but more opportunities in employment will enable disabled people to experience a range of life experiences, including those at the higher end of spend. The prices are available on the website and the portions are huge. The quality is excellent - it’s not your 11pm intoxicated doner, chips and pitta!?Would I go again? ?For a special occasion and I’d share a main to enjoy some starters and a desert. I had the chicken sheesh and shared some chips. I received some complimentary bread, salad and a little cheese pastry thing. We left stuffed and I was annoyed I couldn’t clear my plate.?

In terms of other disabilities needs I saw no braille menu or induction loops. For neurodivergent people I can’t do justice on all the different barriers. But in terms of noise overload I recommend an early midweek dinner.?

I’m really glad I went and even saw the famous Dylan Hunt (although didn’t ask for a photo).?