The following spots are known for going the extra mile to be inclusive. But remember, if you are a coeliac (different to an intolerance) always call ahead first to book.
1. The Brook, Washbrook
A real breath of fresh air for coeliacs – this place is accredited by Coeliac UK.
There are lunch, dinner and childrens’ menus, including smoked duck salad with beetroot and orange, tempura chicken, crispy battered cod, curries, homemade burger and chips – and even a gluten-free roast on Sundays. You are spoilt for choice!
2. Café Jungle, Costessey (and coming soon to Beccles)
A little bit different this one. Fancy eating in a jungle? Here you can do just that. Pick a seat amongst the greenery and pick to your heart’s delight from a completely gluten-free menu. Milk and butter are organic. There’s single estate fresh ground coffee from Strangers, tea from Wilkinson’s and pies from Voakes. Typical dishes include all manner of cakes and Bad Hunter Pie – a vegan meal made with root vegetables and curry sauce.
3. Nourish, Bury St Edmunds
If you can tear yourself away from trying out all the lotions and potions at Neal’s Yard Remedies, at the back of the shop you’ll discover this mostly plant-based café.The Nourish salad bowls, where you can pick and mix exactly what goes into your lunch, are popular. Priding itself on being a bit different, there’s often refined sugar, gluten-free cakes, raw cacao hot chocolate and lots more.
4. Three Cottages Fish and Chips, North Walsham
This chippy was one of the first in the country to pilot using gluten-free batter – and that was over 15 years ago! There’s a takeaway or sit-in restaurant with everything cooked from fresh. Call in advance if you want gluten-free fish and chips or even sausage and chips as they’ll need to heat up the separate pan they use to prevent cross contamination.
5. The Strawberry Teapot, Sudbury
Owner Amanda’s daughter has a gluten allergy, so she’s more than aware of the challenges some customers will face. She almost always has gluten-free scones and cakes, and most of the items on the menu, including toast with hummus, avocado, sautéed mushrooms, roasted tomatoes and poached egg, can be gluten-free too. There’s great loose leaf tea and proper coffee, plus indulgent Marimba hot chocolate.
6. The Gluten Free Café, Norwich
Part shop, part café. As well as being able to buy all gluten-free produce (including fresh bread on Tuesdays and Fridays) visitors can sample gluten-free filled wraps and rolls, salads, breakfasts, sausage rolls, cakes and desserts. We like the dairy-free raw chocolate avocado mousse parfait tart. There are plenty of options for children too.
7.The Alex, Felixstowe
In the café and upstairs brasserie there are separate gluten-free menus with loads of choice. Enjoy gluten-free bacon rolls in the morning, toasties, twice baked potatoes filled with cheddar, bacon and chives with maple crème fraiche, sesame beef rump salad, and crab and spring onion risotto plus loads more. You won’t know what to sink your teeth into first!
8.Wiveton Hall Café, Wiveton
A gorgeous setting overlooking the marshes and sea. The menu is seasonal, using produce from the farm wherever possible.
Every effort is made to accommodate gluten-free diners. At lunchtimes there’s always a selection of salads and a daily fish dish served with seasonal vegetable garnish. And there are usually tasty gluten-free brownies, lemon and lime polenta cake and gluten and dairy-free carrot cake.
9. The Grundisburgh Dog, Grundisburgh
The kitchen here has gluten-free bread in stock, and many dishes can be adapted. Typical plates include, mackerel ceviche with confit tomatoes and rocket, and burger with Monterey Jack cheese, pickles, Suffolk bacon, onion jam, American mustard and fries. Enjoy these delicious dishes with family and friends.
10. Wild Thyme, Norwich
There’s something for everyone at this vegetarian restaurant. Every single breakfast or brunch item can be made gluten-free, and there’s loads to choose from later in the day.Maybe Korean spiced tofu and spinach balls with miso mayo and homemade kimchee?
Why not treat yourself today?
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