Check accessibility for the exact set, the route into it and the activities your guests will need to do. A general description of a venue cannot tell you whether a particular chair, doorway or recording arrangement will work for someone.
Finchley's Roundtable Set, at the Warehouse, lists an accessible bathroom. That is a confirmed facility for that space; step-free routes, doorway dimensions and individual arrangements still need to be checked. Ask about your chosen set rather than assuming all Finchley rooms have identical access.
Start with what the guest needs
Invite guests to tell you what would help them participate comfortably, using their preferred communication method. Ask about practical arrangements without requesting a diagnosis. Let the guest decide what information they want shared with the studio.
Useful questions include whether someone needs to remain in their wheelchair, bring a companion, take regular breaks or receive information in a particular format. A hearing, vision or sensory requirement may affect the recording plan even when entering the building presents no difficulty.
Check the complete route
Ask the team to describe the journey from the drop-off point to the recording position, bathroom and any waiting space you intend to use.
| Check | Information to request |
|---|---|
| Arrival | Suitable drop-off point and the route from it |
| Entrance | Steps, thresholds, ramps and clear doorway widths |
| Internal route | Changes of level, corridor space and doors |
| Recording position | Space to approach, turn and sit comfortably |
| Bathroom | Location, route and facilities relevant to the guest |
| Departure | A suitable exit plan, including emergency arrangements |
Request measurements or photographs when they would resolve a specific uncertainty. “There is only a small step” may still describe a significant barrier for the person attending.
Make the set work for the speaker
Confirm seating and table arrangements before the camera positions are settled. Someone who remains in their own chair may need a different microphone height, note position or camera framing.
Ask whether the microphone can reach a comfortable speaking position without restricting movement. Check that notes, water and any personal equipment will be within reach. Explain if a companion or interpreter will need to sit nearby, and include them in the attendance count.
These are arrangements to discuss, rather than facilities to assume are available in every room.
Agree sound, light and communication preferences
Discuss lighting brightness, background music, headphone use and opportunities for breaks. Ask about assistive listening or other equipment if needed; availability and compatibility require confirmation.
A short written running order can help everyone understand what happens next. Agree a clear pause signal and who will respond to it. If guests need captions or a transcript of the finished episode, include that in the editing brief as a separate deliverable.
Confirm the arrangements before paying
Keep a concise written record of the chosen set, arrival route, seating, bathroom information, agreed support and contact on the day. Resolve any essential uncertainty before finalising the booking.
For a podcast studio in London that suits your participants, start with their needs and discuss your Finchley booking. Share the arrangements that matter so the team can advise on the appropriate space and setup.
- Studio Accessibility
- Podcast Guests
- Recording Preparation
