Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is accessible, and it's free.  Right of the bat, it's a place we were inclined to love. It should come as no surprise that an art gallery housed in an old power station (Bankside Power Station) makes for hugely accessible space. You could have a wheelchair convention in the Tate Modern, and still have room to spare.

We realize that most people go to the Tate Modern for the art, not the accessibility. Fair dues. For us, modern and contemporary art has always been a bit over the top. We try to like it, but secretly don't really "get" it. That's why it was a great relief to find that the Tate Modern has plenty of different traditional genres (like photography, and selections from impressionists) not just flashing lightbulbs and blocks of concrete.

Ramp in Members' Room leading to South patio.

You could definitely spend hours (if not the whole day) wandering around the cavernous space and looking arty (I wore a beret). However, although there is plenty of space, the place is teeming with people which can get a bit much, particularly when waiting for lifts which usually seem filled with athletic 18 year olds having not so much as a limp. 

If you need a break, and have access to the Members' Room, it's well worth a visit. The bright and open room has built in ramps that lead to a lovely outdoor patio with fantastic views of the City, particularly St. Paul's. You can have a slice of quiche and a nice crisp white wine, and just bask in the smugness that comes from knowing you did something "cultural" (often we find of equal proportion to the self-loathing one has from watching reality t.v. shows).  Just keep tabs on your berets...

View of St. Paul's Cathedral from the Members' Room

The Bunch of Grapes

This pub has been described as a "proper pub" by those in the know, and you will be pleasantly surprised to open the door and find a traditional, cozy pub with a great selection of beer and ale (including Young's). It has a very small lip of a threshold, but can still easily be accessed by chairs, even power chairs. The bar staff is friendly, and will come and open the second door so that chairs can get in more easily.

Inside, the pub is rather dimly lit, but not in a way that's trying to hide dirt, bad carpet, etc. Instead, the pub is a little dark in an "old world" sense, and the dark wood floor and dark tables add to the atmosphere.  Sadly, the lovely beer garden is not accessible which is a shame since it is open year round and has lots of nice touches (e.g. cushions and blankets on benches, etc.).

This is our number one meeting place near Borough Market since it is conveniently located near the London Bridge tube station and across the street from the Market.

Details:

2 St. Thomas Street
Borough, London SE1 9RS
T: 020 7403 2070
http://www.youngs.co.uk/pub-detail.asp?PubID=367