Overview

This was our first visit to The Botanist, accessed through Leopold Square in the centre of Sheffield. A pretty, plant-themed pub and restaurant in an old school building. We loved the panelled walls and high ceilings. There was even a small glass house and a pagoda seating area, though both were only accessible via steps. The rest of the restaurant was level. Lift access To the restaurant itself, which is upstairs, was more straightforward for me than it was for my family using the stairs, I’m guessing - because they got lost! I booked online, and made it clear I would need a wheelchair friendly table, but also requested somewhere tucked away for the sake of my son, who has been feeling easily overwhelmed recently. They did indeed give us a table tucked in a corner, though my wheels wouldn’t fit all the way under it. Hey ho. I was close enough.

Transport & Parking

We parked very close, in the disabled spaces attached to the City Hall. It was great to be so close, but scowly faces at Sheffield City Council, who are messing with all the roads in the city centre, making actually getting to the City Hall quite a feat at the moment.

Access

I didn’t go to the bar, but the restaurant is upstairs and is well signposted. Wheelchair access is via a lift, which is small but fits a powerchair and one more person. It’s a spacious building and I didn’t have much trouble navigating from the lift to my table.

Toilets

There is a disabled loo, but no Changing Places toilet. I can’t comment on the loo as I didn’t use it.

Staff

Staff were lovely. When my son ate his paper drinking straw through overwhelm, they brought him a handful. They were cheerful and friendly and talkative, and it felt like we were no trouble at all.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

All staff wore masks and/or face visors. There is also the option to order and pay at the table via an app if you want to cut down on contact. While the restaurant was busy even on a Thursday evening, the tables were well spaced and we never felt crowded or unsafe.