A wheelchair user has slammed Caffé Nero claiming he was “completely shut” out of the store.

Matthew Kayne, 36, had hoped to have lunch at the Golders Green store in May but said trying to get into the cafe was an “unsuccessful and upsetting experience”.

In an email to Caffé Nero, Mr Kayne, who has cerebral palsy, said on his lunch visit he had no success in getting the attention of staff when he rung the bell.

He added when his carer asked for a ramp, staff said they no longer had one since it was “never replaced during recent refurbishment work or had been lost”. Staff suggested they lift him and his power assisted chair.

Mr Kayne, from Golders Green, said: “Not only this dangerous for me but would potentially cause them harm. I left feeling shocked and upset.

“I left taking my custom elsewhere. My wheelchair should not close me out of anywhere in my own high street.”

Mr Kayne also highlighted he had offered to meet the team in the past to “offer advice on disability access issues”, but claimed they “declined this offer”.

He added: “I won’t give up until I believe you are acting responsibly. Why can Starbucks and Costa Coffee in Golders Green get this right and you get it all so wrong. Do you not want wheel users to be able to come into your store?

“This isn’t just about me, I am raising these concerns on behalf of everyone who like me is reliant on a wheelchair or other mobility aid.”

Mr Kayne launched his own campaign for better disabled access in shops in 2013. He said his campaign has so far had “some success”.

Responding to the complaint, a spokesman for Caffé Nero said: “The Golders Green store underwent a refurbishment process which required the removal and temporary storage of several items in order to complete the work.

“Regrettably the usual access ramp was one of those items and a new ramp is now in place at the store, and the door bell has been tested to make sure it is working.

“Care for customers in the communities in which we operate is fundamental to the values of Caffé Nero, as is equality and equal opportunity.

“Mr Kayne is always welcome in any Caffé Nero, as is every customer, and the store team assisted him in any way they could during his visit. Access is now fully restored and we apologise for any difficulty accessing the store while we improved it.”