Raising a glass to accessibility

Breaking boundaries

Fu's words echo those of the pub's owner, Xia Yujie.

The idea of creating an accessible space had long lingered in Xia's mind. The 35-year-old lawyer lost the function of his left hand due to a medical accident while in middle school, which changed his life and gave him life experiences from a vastly different perspective and thought. Later, he became a law student at the China University of Political Science and Law, and continued his education with a scholarship in the United States.

During his studies in the US, he met classmates with a variety of disabilities and observed the still-unmet demand for accessible facilities and spaces. When he returned to China and became a lawyer, Xia further noticed that although many airports and museums are equipped with accessible facilities, a relaxing, accessible space was still missing in the consumer market.

Living in both disabled and able-bodied worlds, Xia values the "diversity" of individuals and sees himself as a bridge between them, as he understands and recognizes the under-voiced needs of both. In May 2024, after long preparation and extensive search for a suitable location, Xia's dream landed on Xinhua Road in Shanghai's Changning district.

Xia notes that what people with disabilities need is no different from anyone else's: to enjoy a drink or coffee in a relaxing, welcoming social space without worrying about barriers. What the pub offers is not merely accessibility, but more extensively, inclusion for all.

"We don't differentiate between customer groups, nor do we position ourselves as catering specifically to people with disabilities," says Xia. "Coming here to have a relaxing drink should be 'common' in daily life. That's what accessibility is all about. We support their needs, but we do not make it something 'special'."

Xia adds that he has also gained a lot from the space. As a lawyer, he has to follow the rules and be rigorous and cautious. But running the business of a pub requires intense curiosity, imagination, and creativity, which, to some extent, frees him. At the pub, he meets and engages with different people every day. He finds everyone interesting, easy, and fun, able to be themselves, and helps blur the ever-present boundaries between people.

"My biggest takeaway from the pub is that it significantly reshapes my outlook on life. It liberates my curiosity and nature, and helps me fulfill a deeper sense of identity. There are no differences with others here," says Xia with a smile.