Our co-production team of reviewers visited the Thatched House pub in Portsmouth to assess how accessible and inclusive it felt during our experience there. Here’s what we found:
What We Liked
We were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff, who were helpful throughout our visit. The pub has a relaxed and spacious layout, making it easy to move around, including for wheelchair users. The accessible toilet was suitable for those with mobility needs and seating throughout the pub was comfortable.
Ordering food was simple, the app was easy to use and staff were accommodating when it came to changing menu items to suit dietary needs. We appreciated that the child’s menu was offered without question for those who needed smaller portions.
The food itself was great; affordable, tasty and served quickly. The pub offers a Blue Light Card discount, which we found helpful, plus the menu had options for a range of budgets (although some dishes were on the pricier side). We also enjoyed the nicely decorated interior, with calming lighting and lovely views from the seating area.
There is a car park on-site with disabled parking and access to the building is possible via two entrances.
What Could Be Improved
There were some challenges we feel could be addressed to improve access further:
- The main road to the pub is narrow, dark, and can become congested, especially during nearby football matches, which increase traffic and noise.
- The pub is quite tucked away, with no direct bus routes, which may make it harder for some people to reach without a car.
- While one entrance is ramped, we recommend both entrances be made step-free to provide more flexible access.
- Signage for the car park and disabled access could be better lit and easier to spot from the road.
- Balloon decorations inside the venue were hanging quite low and could be placed more out of the way for people with visual impairments or those using mobility aids.
- Some of our group found the menus difficult to read due to small print and low lighting. We suggest offering easy-to-read menus, with simple pictures or one-word dish descriptions as an option.
Final Thoughts
Overall, The Thatched House offers a welcoming and enjoyable experience. The staff were approachable, the food was good, and the layout worked well for a range of needs. A few changes are needed; especially around signage, lighting and accessible information. With these small changes, this could become an even more inclusive space for everyone.
