READERS regularly ask about snack spots that can provide for customers with special needs.

It may be difficult for the smaller café to satisfy every need, but we wondered how those part of a national chain fared. With this in mind, we visited Bhs.

Access from Coney Street is level. Half-way down the store, an escalator leads to the upper floor and the restaurant. To gain access to the lift, it is necessary to cross the lower sales floor.

We approached the self-service counter and collected a tray before viewing a cabinet with sandwiches, paninis and baguettes. We wondered if anyone in a wheelchair or with restricted vision could read what the fillings were. From a seated position, it would not be possible to reach some of the items.

Next came the counter where hot dishes were on offer. A menu on top of the counter listed some items such as jacket potatoes, roast gammon or macaroni cheese. Having made our selection, we were asked to put our trays on the counter so that the hot plates could be placed on them. This is something that would not be possible from a wheelchair.

Then came the drinks section with a DIY machine which was playing up to the extent that customers were directed to an alternative machine on the counter behind. Operating this might present difficulties for some. Tea was from £1.35, coffee was £1.65.

We paid, then moved on to select cutlery, sauces and serviettes. All the knives and forks appeared to have slim handles.

The café was well lit and there was plenty room between tables to get a wheelchair or pram into position. Tables and moveable chairs were a standard height.

What did we eat? Ann chose lasagne (£5.25) with peas. It was hot and left her well satisfied. I had a giant Yorkshire pudding with three sausages, two potatoes, peas and gravy (£5.15,) which was also a good choice.

As we finished, an assistant appeared with a sweet trolley, offering muffins, Danish pastries, doughnuts and scones.

Ann found the pecan and maple pastry (£1.60) to her liking while my Bakewell tart (£1.50) was excellent. We paid the waitress, but discovered a promotion was running and that sweets were not normally delivered to the table.

We felt that the staff were on top of their jobs and would be very quick to assist customers.

So what did we learn?

Perhaps the size and placement of the items on offer could be improved, attention might be made to the intensity of lighting and, at the checkout, staff might just think about facing customers full on to assist those with a hearing defect who might be lip reading.

Otherwise this is probably quite a good eatery for most people.