The courtyard bar and kitchens.

Before the Empire, we had dinner at the Courtyard. Situated next door to the royal court, it is a busy bar, popular with actors and theatre goers alike. The entrance has both steps (to the front) and a ramp (to the left). Inside, its flat and spacious, with booth style tables along the left wall. As the chairs couldn't be moved, we were shown to one that could. Next to our table were stairs leading to the main dining area of the restaurant. Music pumped from the upstairs, making it quiet enough to talk downstairs. The courtyard has no lift, but does have a disabled toilet on the ground floor. Admittedly, its not huge, with just enough room to drive your chair in, position it. The decor is all white, so not great for visually impaired (as contrasting colours help). Outside the loo, there are a few doors to negotiate and avoid bashing as you turn and exit the area for the bar. I did like the anti-bac gel you could spray on your way in/out. The food was slightly delayed due to a large table order, but when it came, it was well worth the wait. The hand cut chips were chunky, hot and delicious, the halloumi fries where crispy and yummy, the olives were salty and moreish. We had bar snacks as full meals aren't served downstairs.
The woman serving was friendly and helpful. As its an old building and may be protected from modernising so a lift and toilet extension may not be possible, I can only think of two suggestions: 1. To make the entrance safer, please define where the steps are by adding a different texture/colour so that blind/visually impaired peoples canes can detect it. Liverpool one uses paved grooves on the steps, is this possible at the courtyard?. 2. Allow those with mobility difficulties to enjoy the full menu downstairs. These are small things that will go a long way to inclusivity.

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