Alicia Loh

A SOCIAL media project launched to bring a new dimension to restaurant reviewing has made its way to Islington.

The exploredisabled Instagram account, set up by power wheelchair user Alicia Loh, 25, reviews restaurants based on common criteria – food, ambience and affordability – and less common criteria, specifically, accessibility for disabled people.

Sessions Arts Club in Clerkenwell was the first local venue to be reviewed by Ms Loh on August 11

“I want to show abled people that disabled people have rich, fun and fulfilling lives too,” the City worker said.

“And I want [exploredisabled] to be helpful for disabled people. Planning a day out or planning a meal takes longer for disabled people because we have to think about accessibility beforehand.”

Prompting restaurant owners to “step up” and make their sites accessible in different ways is another aim of exploredisabled.

Although the Equality Act of 2010 asks that business owners make suitable adjustments to accommodate those with disabilities, whether they are an employee or member of the public, the reality is that 40 per cent of UK restaurants have no accessible toilet.

Her account also makes the case for “The Purple Pound” – the amount of money that disabled households could be spending eating out.

“It makes sound business sense to make venues accessible,” she said.

“What frustrates me most is when somewhere could be made accessible to more people with just one ramp – it’s so easy to do.”