Overview

This new branch of Wagamama was a very-nearly five-star experience, with full accessibility, lovely staff and a rather swanky wheelchair-accessible toilet. And a fantastic meal too - well up to Wagamama's usual high standards. Just a couple of problems have resulted in a four-star rather than a five-star rating. If these problems can be permanently fixed, then it will definitely be a five-star rating.

Transport & Parking

There are loads of buses in Oxford St of course, which is a block away, but the nearest step-free stations (until the completion of Tottenham Court Road Station c. 2017) are a long way off - Green Park and King's Cross.

Access

There is a big step at the restaurant entrance. There is a doorbell for summoning assistance. The doorbell works, but the bell inside the restaurant is too faint to be heard, so I had to wait outside for a long time, nobody reacted to the doorbell, and eventually I had to send someone inside to alert the staff to my presence. The moment the staff knew I was there, a sturdy wheelchair ramp was produced and it was easy to get into, and then manoeuvre around the restaurant. Apart from not hearing the doorbell, the staff are otherwise very alert and by the time I got to the table they had already removed the seat at my place so that I could roll straight into position.

Toilets

A brand new and rather swanky accessible toilet. The red cord is long and reaches all the way to the floor. The only problem is that two bins had been put in the wheelchair transfer area. So it was not possible to park next to the toilet for a sideways transfer. Two stars lost for this rather thoughtless failure.

Staff

All the staff were friendly, helpful and cheerful, they made it a very happy dining experience. The team loses a star for not reacting to the doorbell and for putting the bins in the wrong place in the accessible toilet.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

If the manager can permanently ensure that the doorbell is audible and that staff react to it promptly, and ensure that the bins in the spacious accessible toilet are never placed in the wheelchair transfer area, then this would become a five-star review.

Photos