Lifts for Restaurants – Disabled Access Made Easy

Restaurants along with hotels and shops can find it difficult to maximise space when it comes to disabled access. They sometimes see disabled access as something they have to have rather than maximising its potential and the potential of the restaurant. Disabled access for many restaurants takes the form of a ramp. A disability ramp can be a good idea and can be cost effective. However ramps take up potential cover space and when profits are so tight like they are in the restaurant industry then 3 or 4 tables can make all the difference. Alternatively a lift can answer the disabled access question and open up the space for potential covers. The word 'lift' usually brings to mind a large passenger lift that is in a stainless steel structure with automatic steel sliding doors. However a lift can be any platform that moves between two floor levels. Finding the right disabled access lift when every square foot is vital to boosting sales can be tricky - restaurant owners are looking for lifts that have as little impact as possible but provide the necessary disabled access so that their restaurant is open to all. We provide a wide range of step lifts that cover short rises. In addition we provide lifts for restaurants that have a second floor or mezzanine - this can open up previously inaccessible covers for wheelchair users and really boost a restaurant's profits.

Most restaurant owners might initially be put off having a lift in their restaurant due to the cost compared with a conventional ramp. However disabled access lifts for restaurants are more affordable than you think. In comparison, for a restaurant with a floor level difference of 500mm from the street to the entrance a ramp's area will take up at least 165ft². This space is wasted covers that have the potential to boost the restaurant's profits. We understand that for many owners and managers there is a tradeoff between the initial cost of installing a lift and the additional covers it opens up. That's why we see having a disabled access lift in a restaurant as an investment. It not only gives you back the space the ramp was taking up but for those restaurants that didn't previously have disabled access it opens up the restaurant to a large pool of new customers.

Functionality is at the core of disabled access equipment whether it’s a lift, a hoist or even a ramp. We believe that any disabled access equipment has to follow 3 basic principles: firstly, it has to be easy to use, giving as much independence to the user as possible, secondly, it has to be relatively quick to use and most importantly it has to be completely safe. These 3 principles come together to form the functional aspect of any disabled access equipment. With advancements in technology the majority of disabled access lifts now meet these principles but sometimes they are not tested in situ regularly. For example there are some situations where a disabled access lift is only used a handful of times each year. However when looking for the right lift for a restaurant, you need a lift that can stand up to daily use. The best lifts for restaurants need to be robust against the knocks and bangs that are common in a bustling restaurant or bar. We know that even with the most careful use, lifts can be knocked by staff and customers alike. That's why we look for and supply the best lifts on the market so that they're always up to the challenge and therefore last. 

In the past disabled access only used to be functional. Now creating a lift that matches the restaurant’s style and interior can be just as important as its functionality and sometimes it can become the priority. Major restaurant chains can undergo refits every 5 to 10 years therefore finding a lift that matches their new style is important. We've seen with some of our projects a shift towards industrial looking restaurants, with untreated metal becoming a more common style as well as bold vivd colours. With this in mind, suppliers and manufacturers are now providing more and more choice with finishes and optional extras. We understand that each project is unique in terms of appearance and all of our products are made to order to bring the client's vision to life. We also love adding intricate details such as mesh panels to our products to make sure they seamlessly blend into the surrounding aesthetics. We're seeing that fashion and style are having a greater effect on the world more today than ever before and even the lift industry is subject to it.

We provide a variety of lifts for restaurants and build the lift around your vision creating a truly unique product. Our lifts vary from outdoor step lifts at a restaurant's entrance to hidden step lifts for an indoor set of stairs to a more traditional enclosed platform lifts to reach a second floor or mezzanine. Finding the right lift for your restaurant can be tricky and that’s why we’re here to help. For advice on your latest project or to get a quotation give us a call on 0800 65 252 65 or email us by clicking here.

To see more of our work within hotels, restaurants and retail click here.

To see more of our work in the hospitality sector click here.