I recently visited an eccentric gastro-pub on Kings Road called The Jam Tree. The bar is pretty trendy but was not the best experience for a wheelchair user such as myself.
The pub was a Time Out Love London award winner in 2014 and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. The food good was and not too expensive. It’s a mix of British and Colonial-inspired food (curries, battered squid and the obligatory pulled pork burger) and they also make signature cocktails made with Jam as an ingredient. On top of that, The Jam Tree had great atmosphere, although perhaps there were a few Made in Chelsea wannabes.
Unfortunately the pub’s superb garden – which should be one of its key selling points – has no wheelchair access to it as there are loads of steps down from inside and even more steps around the garden. It’s a shame because you can see how it’s become one of the area’s most popular beer gardens. On a more positive note, the main bar is more accessible and step free. There’s just a small ledge at the front door but otherwise there’s smooth floor. There’s not a lot of space inside but I did manage to sit comfortably apart from there being no disabled toilet. So I was comfortable but couldn’t stay comfortable there for too long!
The Jam Tree is cool but is let down by its accessibility (or lack thereof). It gets 1.5 BBS Ticks – almost purely on the basis of stylishness.
