Sensory Friendly Dining experiences to be held twice a month at The Albion Hotel

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Autism SA reports that nearly 60% of autistic individuals and their families avoid going to pubs and bars due to sensory challenges arising from factors such as bright lights, loud noises, and crowded environments. Food textures, combinations, seasonings, sauces, and even colours can also be distressing to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Sensory needs around food are quite common throughout the autistic community, so to make dining out more accessible and inclusive for the autistic community, a few restaurants have taken it upon themselves to begin hosting sensory-friendly dining experiences in 2024.

In February, The Arkaba Hotel announced the launch of ‘Quiet Dinners’, held on the first Monday of each month from 5pm to 9pm. In partnership with Autism SA and the Australian Hotels Association SA, this initiative marked the first of its kind in South Australia. The venue now offers serene and welcoming dining experience for individuals on the autism spectrum. Then, in May, the Oak and Iron Tavern in Mount Barker introduced a sensory-friendly menu for quiet dinners, as well as a separate dining room with dim lighting and sensory toys on the tables.

Joining The Arkaba and the Oak and Iron Tavern, the Albion Hotel in Kilburn has recently announced the launch of their own Sensory Friendly dining experiences, to be held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from now onwards. As a family-owned and operated venue, The Albion Hotel’s sensory-friendly occasions aim to develop a peaceful and welcoming dining experience for customers.

With availability for both lunch and dinner, these thoughtfully designed occasions have been created to offer a modified setting where everyone feels comfortable and welcome. The lighting will be dimmed, and sounds and music volume will be reduced. Breakout spaces will also be available, as well as an optional sensory friendly menu.

So if you or someone you know feels overwhelmed when eating dinner at a pub or a restaurant, this sensory friendly dining option at The Albion Hotel may be an excellent option. Because everyone should be able to go out to eat when they want to, and venues like The Albion are playing their part in making that simpler.

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