Accessible Rooms at The Commissioners Quay Inn

Photo of author
Written By The Bimblers

Rob and Bridget - The Bimblers are two of the UK's leading accessible travel bloggers. Their motto: Life is an adventure; let's make it accessible.

The Commissioners Quay Inn in Blythe Northumberland was the second pub with rooms we stayed at.

Part of the Inn Collection, Commissioners Quay is a large stylish pub taking pride in its place on the Blythe waterfront.

We were impressed with the Hogs Head Inn, so we had high expectations for The Commissioners Quay Inn.

We were not disappointed!

Disclaimer:
When we say accessible, we mean accessible to us. Bridget uses a wheelchair but can walk a few steps on flat ground. She has numerous damaged joints in her hands and feet, and we both have energy limiting conditions.

This accommodation was a complimentary stay for purposes of review. As always, opinions are my own.

The Commissioners Quay Inn

The Commissioners Quay on the Blythe Quayside
The Commissioners Quay Inn

Where is it?

The Commissioners Quay sits on the quayside in Blythe docks.

When we visited, it was clear that a lot of work was regenerating the dockside.

What is it?

The Commissioners Quay is a sizeable stylish pub with a restaurant and accommodation.

There are 40 en-suite bedrooms at The Commissioners Quay. They include single, twin, double, family, accessible and dog-friendly bedrooms.

The Commissioners Quay is an ideal base to explore the Northumberland coast and countryside.

Staying at The Commissioners Quay

Here’s an overview of what you can expect if you stay at The Commissioners Quay:

Car Park

Drop Off and Disabled Parking at The Commissioners Quay in Blythe
Disabled Parking and Drop-off at The Commissioners Quay

There is a large car park at the rear of the pub.

It was busy, serving pub patrons, accommodation guests and local offices.

There is a drop-off point and several designated free-accessible parking spaces close to the entrance.

Car Park Entrance to The Commissioners Quay in Blythe
Accessible Entrance at The Commissioners Quay Inn

An assistance intercom is next to the main entrance should you struggle with the doors.

There is step-free level access from the car park into the pub.

Check-in

Check-in is at a designated area at the end of the bar.

There was a bit of confusion in our room, but it was swiftly rectified.

We had been allocated an accessible room with a low-level bath. We requested a wet room and were immediately transferred to a room with a wet room.

Staff

Every staff member we interacted with was friendly and attentive to our needs.

The Commissioners Quay Inn

The Commissioners Quay Front Entrance
The Commissioners Quay Inn on Blythe Quayside

The pub is modern with a homely feel.

It’s busy night and day, and the locals inform me The Commissioners Quay is the place to go for lunch and a night out.

The good news is, as it’s a large pub with an accessible beer terrace, it never felt too busy.

Outdoor Beer Terrace at The Commissioners Quay in Blythe
Accessible Beer Terrace at The Commissioners Quay Inn

Restaurant

We ate an evening meal at the pub and had breakfast, and both were fine.

Serving tasty homemade food, including pub classics, the menu is extensive and changes regularly to reflect local and seasonal ingredients.

Chilli Nachos in The Commissioners Quay
Chilli Nacho’s
Potato Skins in The Commissioners Quay Inn
Potato Skins
Steak and Chips at The Commissioners Quay Inn
Steak and Chips

Here’s the current menu.

My one observation would be that it’s a victim of its success, so I recommend booking a table during busy periods.

Accessibility

Overall we didn’t encounter any access issues during our stay. I pushed Bridget’s wheelchair in all areas of the pub, communal areas and our bedroom.

Outdoor Accessibility

As mentioned earlier, access from the car park is flat.

There is intercom access for disabled guests should they need it.

Access to the outdoor beer terrace is flat, with plenty of seating.

Indoor Accessibility

Inside, walkways were clear of hazards. There was plenty of seating, including couches, booths and standalone tables.

Access to the accommodation floors was via a lift.

Accessible Communal Areas in The Commissioners Quay Inn
Accessibility at The Commissioners Quay Inn

It comfortably fitted Bridget’s wheelchair and me inside.

There was a refuge point on the upper floors with an intercom for disabled guests.

The wide hallways were carpeted and well-lit.

Accessible Bedrooms at The Commissioners Quay Inn

Once we’d resolved the wrong type of accessible room, we were happy with the accommodation.

The only thing I would say is that (unless I’m wrong) the accessible rooms don’t have a balcony. And balcony rooms overlook the sea.

Our view was the car park. It didn’t spoil our stay, but I felt aggrieved for missing a sea view.

Accessible Bedrooms

Much like the Hogs Head Inn room, the bedroom was spacious, modern and comfortable.

Wheelchair Accessible Bed in Hotel Room
King Size Bed at The Commissioners Quay Inn

As you can see, one side of the bed had plenty of space to transfer from a wheelchair.

Wheelchair Space Next to the Bed
Wheelchair Access Around the Bed

Next to the bed were panic alarms should you need assistance.

As you’d expect, there were tea and coffee facilities, a chair, a desk and a TV. What else do you need?

Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Room
Bedroom Facilities at The Commissioners Quay Inn

The wet room had a low-level sink, mirror, raised toilet, ample bars, grab rails, and a red emergency cord.

Wheelchair Accessible Basin in a Hotel Room
Low-Level Basin in Accessible Wet Room
Accessible Toilet in a Hotel Room
Accessible Toilet in Wet Room

The roll-in shower had a fixed wall seat, bars, grab rails and a red emergency cord.

Accessible Shower and Wetroom in a Hotel
Accessible Shower in Wet Room

The shower head was low and was accessible from the seated position.

And the wet room was spacious and clean, which was more than adequate for The Bimblers.

Here’s The Commissioners Quay Inn Access Statement

Would We Stay Again?

Absolutely. The Commissioners Quay Inn is an excellent place to explore the area.

What’s Near By?

The Blythe Quayside

Wheelchair Friendly Walk on the Blythe Quayside
Wheelchair-Friendly Walk on the Blythe Quayside

There is a lovely walk along the quayside in front of the pub.

The Spirit of Staithes on Blythe Quayside
The Spirit of Staithes Reacts to the Wind

I was fixated on The Spirit of the Staithes; it was mesmerising.

Tall Ship on Blythe Quayside
Tall Ship on Blythe Quayside
Riggers on a Tall Ship on Blythe Quayside
Riggers on a Tall Ship in Blythe

I also spent ten minutes admiring the skill of the riggers as they climbed the rig of a tall ship.

Blythe Town Centre

If you fancy a bit of shopping, Blythe town centre is on the doorstep.

Blythe South Beach

Cafe at South Beach in Blythe
Cafe on South Beach in Blythe

A short drive south, there’s a lovely beach where you can chill or bimble on the promenade.

Beach Huts on Blythe Beach in Northumberland
The Bimblers Posing in Front of Beach Huts in Blythe
The Bimblers at South Beach in Blythe
It was Windy on Blythe Beach, but Accessible

St Mary’s Lighthouse

St Marys Lighthouse in Northumberland
St Mary’s Lighthouse in Northumberland

We couldn’t go up the lighthouse, but it was nice to get close. You can take a short stroll on the promenade.

Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay Pavilion in Northumberland
Whitley Bay Pavillion

We stopped in Whitley Bay for a bite to eat, and I also took the chance to have a bimble on the promenade.

Wheelchair Friendly Walk on Whitley Bay Beach
Wheelchair-Friendly Walk on Whitley Bay Promenade
The Bimblers on Whitley Bay Beach in Northumberland
The Bimblers on Whitley Bay Beach

Tynemouth

Tynemouth Castle in Northumberland
Tynemouth Castle
Tynemouth in North East England
Tynemouth in North East England

Our final destination on our coastal adventure was Tynemouth.

Cafe on Tynemouth Beach
Cafe on the Beach Near Tynemouth
Coffee and Cake in Tynemouth Cafe
Coffee and Cake in Tynemouth
Flake Cake in Tynemouth Beach Cafe
It Would be Shameful Not to Include a Close Up

We stopped for a cake on the beach and sat near the castle.

Summary

The Commissioners Quay Inn proves you don’t have to break the bank to stay in quality, accessible accommodation.

As a base, I would recommend any of the Inn Collection properties.

They are accessible to us as ambulatory wheelchair users and affordable.

Resources

The Commissioners Quay Inn

The Hog’s Head Inn

The Inn Collection

Visit Northumberland

Receive the latest articles in your inbox