Overview

I stopped into Itsu for a quick lunch one afternoon, a slight upgrade from the usual supermarket meal deal. I found the venue fairly accessible, but a few minor changes would be helpful.

Transport & Parking

Located in Union Square Shopping, there is on-site parking with 1200 standard spaces and 54 accessible spaces on Parking Level 1. While there is ample parking, it can be expensive. No Blue Badge exemptions are provided. This level also features ten 7kW Type-2 EV charging bays. The spaces have crosshatching at the back only, which may make transferring from the car to a wheelchair difficult. Aberdeen Bus Station and Aberdeen Railway Station also connect to the shopping centre.

Access

The restaurant has level access throughout, as does the rest of Union Square. The collection counter is straight ahead as you enter and has a lowered section for wheelchair users or others who require it. On the wall on the right, there is a row of ordering terminals, with the one closest to the count lower than the other. When your food is ready, it’ll be placed on a tray to collect. There is a variety of seating options, with low chairs and soft seating or high chairs and tables. The soft seating borders the wall and has USB wall sockets, with USB sockets, in the leg space. The condiments and cutlery are on a recessed shelf on cabinets in the restaurant - which can make these difficult to retrieve unaided if you don’t have the reach. I didn’t observe any alternative formats, induction loops, Braille or BSL services. The signage at the counters was clear, but the accessible toilet isn’t clearly signposted, which could lead people to believe there is no accessible toilet.

Toilets

As mentioned, the accessible toilet isn’t clearly signposted. At the back of the room, there’s a door with the standard male/female toilet symbols. Beyond this wooden door which opens inward, there are 4 standard toilets, and the accessible toilet at the far end. The door also has the male/female symbols, it’s only when opening the door, you find that this is the accessible toilet. The door opens outward and doesn’t require a key. It’s locked from the inside by turning the knob. On the left, as you enter, you’ll find the toilet seat, which has grab rails on either side. A left-side transfer is possible, though there is a slim bin in this space. The flush is on the left side of the cistern when seated. There’s a low small sink with a mirror and grab rails on either side. The sink has a mixer-style tap, with a long handle. On the right as you enter, there’s a hand dryer and a baby change table which folds into the wall. The toilet is kept clean, and the red emergency cord touched the floor.

Staff

I didn’t speak with the staff for long, but the lady at the counter did offer to bring my food over to my table. I was able to manage, but it was nice that she offered.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I’d like to see the following changes to be more inclusive, clear signage to the accessible toilet, alternative formats such as Braille and large print menus. An induction loop would also be helpful. On a personal point, the condiments and cutlery being lower would be great.

Photos