Accessible? A Neurodivergent and Disabled Person's Review of Greggs, Boscombe
I’ve had a range of experiences in public spaces like bars, clubs, and other venues, so I wanted to start documenting my experiences and sharing them with others. My goal is to provide honest feedback. I'm not an access consultant, so I won’t dive deep into regulations or compliance details. Instead, I’ll focus on how accessible the venue feels to me as a neurodivergent person with a physical disability and mental health challenges, which can sometimes make public spaces difficult.
Image Description: A photo of the Greggs storefront in Boscombe, featuring large floor-to-ceiling windows. The Greggs sign is displayed on a grey board above the windows. To the right, a digital advertising screen is also visible.
Each review will follow a consistent structure, with a rating out of five “Chandy’s” at the end. Five Chandy’s represent the best experience possible. If you’re short on time, feel free to scroll down to read the summary and see the overall rating.
Today, I’m reviewing the Greggs in Boscombe, Bournemouth. I’ve had three different experiences here in the past week, and I wanted to give them one more chance to remind me why I love Greggs! Just yesterday, while out with family, I stopped in for lunch. The queue in the store made me feel overwhelmed, and by the time I reached the till, I felt rushed. I was holding my walking stick without anywhere to rest it, and I had to balance it between my legs while packing my items into a bag. As I reached for my final item, the staff member called, "Next, please!" I felt pressured, especially since I’m sensitive to people being too close, which made me anxious. However, today’s visit was much better. Here’s my full review:
Entrance & Navigation:
The store is on Boscombe High Street. Outside, there’s a pathway, followed by seating and tables, which can make access tricky. You have to either walk through or around the seating to enter. The level access is nice, but the door requires a firm push, which can be challenging if you’re holding a walking stick or shopping bags. Once inside, there’s a slight incline. When it’s busy, the queue often stretches to the door, making it feel crowded and reducing personal space.
Seating & Space:
To the right of the entrance is a dividing wall with seating on the other side. There’s a padded bench along most of the right wall, stopping at a bin. Past the seating area, near the toilets, there’s a quieter corridor with a couple of smaller tables. This area can be a helpful spot for anyone needing a break from sensory overload while still enjoying the café atmosphere.
A note about the tills: they’re set quite high, and even the middle section is at elbow height, which can be challenging for shorter or seated customers.
Image Description: A photo of Chandy wearing a white top, with short hair and a neatly trimmed beard. Behind him to the right is the refrigerated display for freshly prepared chilled food. The ceiling is painted black, with various lights positioned overhead.
Visual and Sensory Experience:
Though I couldn’t film today, I managed to take a selfie that shows the lighting. It wasn’t too bright, with added lighting on food displays for readability. Large windows at the front allow for natural light, which I found pleasant. I wore Bud headphones, which help reduce noise. While I could still hear some background noise, it wasn’t overwhelming.
Staff Support:
The staff yesterday seemed rushed, and I felt uncomfortable as I scrambled to gather my items while balancing my walking stick. Today, however, the staff member allowed me more time to pack my items before calling the next customer. They also read my order back to me, something I don’t always experience here, but it made a big difference in ensuring my order was correct.
Facilities:
The store was clean, with clear pathways and no trip hazards, which I appreciated. Although I didn’t use the bathroom today, I recall the accessible toilet being well-kept, with the emergency cord positioned correctly, touching the floor and easy to reach if needed.
Chandy’s Rating (Out of 5 Chandy’s)
Greggs in Boscombe receives a score of 🍺🍺🍺 out of 5 Chandy’s.
While it’s mostly accessible and offers a pleasant environment, there’s still room for improvement in staff support and navigation during busy times.
Brief Summary
This review shares my experience as a disabled and neurodivergent customer visiting Greggs in Boscombe, Bournemouth. While the location is mostly accessible and pleasant, high tills and crowded spaces during peak times present challenges. Staff were generally supportive, though experiences vary. Overall, I rate this location 3 out of 5 Chandy’s.
