Brilliant and almost fully accessible
Date of visit: March 2024
I have experience of challenges around: moving around and understanding.
Overall Rating
Bad
Made contact with this venue ahead of time to ask accessibility questions about wheelchair accessibility. They organised a quiet time for me to view the premises and the stages ahead of time, and showed me everything I'd need to know to made an informed decision of what shows to buy tickets for. Only one stage is in-accessible (the basement) as it has a flight of stairs. The other two stages are fully accessible, I was offered by security to be let in earlier so I wasn't left out in the cold (which was fantastic). There's a bus stop nearby (Old Market street), and an accessible loo on the entrances floor. Staff are brilliant and receptive to feedback, you can tell they've done a lot of work to make inclusion a forefront issue, and not an after thought. They had drinks seals and earbuds (for sound protection) at the bar, all for free. They had clear house rules, and instructions in the bathrooms on what to do if at any point your don't feel safe and need to talk to someone. Couldn't recommend enough for a good time. I would say the venue is autism and wheelchair accessible, but if you have any questions relating to any other accessibility needs, they communicate brilliantly. Update 2nd April 2025 They have added an access document that covers all areas of accessibility (including induction loops, guide dogs, personal assistance tickets), it is also in easy read format: https://exchangebristol.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Draft-easy-read-access-one-sheet.pdf Update 22nd June 2026 Not on their accessibly information but exchange has air conditioning
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Accessible entrance on ground floor from street level, to Main and Club stage. Slight lip that can be hard for wheelchair users, so they also have a temporary ramp available (ask for the yellow ramp). Accessible toilet was clearly marked. Basement is in-accessible to wheelchair users, but stairs have handrails, so might work for someone with limited mobility. If you are able to access the basement, they also offer to deliver drinks from the bar to a seated area for you upon request.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
Bus stop nearby: Old Market street, serving east Bristol and Center. There is a very slight hill from the bus stop to the venue, and some cobbles in one short section. Taxis stop directly outside the door. There is a Traffic light crossing with dropped kerbs to cross the street safely. According to their access document: "There are parking bays on the opposite side of Old Market Street and also behind the venue on Unity Street, about 250 metres away. The closest accessible bay parking can be found at Cabot Circus car park, approximately 500 metres away"
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Accessible loo is fully compliant, with grap rails, good contrast and accessible washbasin, hand-dryer and mirror Requires a radar key, which is available from the bar upon request.
Staff
Excellent
Staff are all super lovely and are well trained in the sites accessibilty. Videos of step free access show staff actively engaging in accessibilty work. Every single person I've met has been lovely and easy to chat to.
