Gluten-Free Guide to London

It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, but the day has finally come.

Introducing, our new, beautiful eBook: The Gluten-Free Guide to London!

Gluten-Free Guide to London

Why We Wrote It

When I was diagnosed almost a year ago with celiac disease, I was disheartened.

I started enjoying restaurants less. I was confounded by menus that had few options for me, and I felt sheepish admitting my gluten allergy to the server. I missed the simplicity of grabbing a sandwich while out wandering around London and ordering whatever I felt like from a menu without a second thought.

Over time, though, I found my outlook improving. I started calling ahead to notify the kitchen of my allergy, which usually results in extra help ordering from our server. Sometimes, freshly baked gluten-free bread awaits me. I also noticed that if I looked carefully, some restaurant menus do, in fact, label their gluten-free offerings which saves me the trouble of asking.

Gluten-Free Guide to London

I also started noticing a big disparity between how restaurants deal with a gluten allergy. Some handle it with grace, substituting ingredients, and exhibiting a clear understanding of the allergy. Others show a shocking lack of knowledge (if I had a nickel for every time I heard, “what’s gluten?”) or simply just subtract items off the one dish they can make gluten free. Gee, thanks.

The disparity I saw was sort of an ‘ah-ha’ moment for me. I started looking around for resources that would help me to discover all the great gluten-free dining options in London, but aside from a few targeted blogs, I couldn’t find a comprehensive guide.

So I decided to write one.

Gluten-Free Guide to London

It has been a long road, involving almost 6 months of eating.

I have been to dozens of weekend markets and food stalls, tried more than my fair share of dry, and frankly depressing gluten-free pastries, and ventured all over the city to find the best bites.

My aim has been to find establishments that not only cater to gluten-free diners but also serve tasty food. I found that many of the restaurants that are hailed as “gluten-free destinations” are regaled simply because they offer several gluten-free options and list them clearly on the menu. Labeling well is a low bar for greatness and that worries a food lover like me. Personally, I don’t want to be forced to eat a sad, iceberg-lettuce wrapped burger, while my friends tuck into proper burgers, soft bun and all, right across the table from me.

Eating a lettuce wrapped burger because you have to is no way to live your life.

Gluten-Free Guide to London

What’s Inside?

• The most comprehensive restaurant round-up for gluten-free dining in London

• Listings spanning a multitude of cuisines and price points. From kebabs, to street food, to high-end dining, the book covers it all

• Recommended dishes at each and every restaurant

• The essentials: address, cost, website and a designation for Gluten-Free Friendly and Gluten-Free Only

• An exhaustive list of chains or restaurants with multiple locations including a brief description, website and how easy it is to navigate their gluten-free offerings

• Avoidable mistakes and pitfalls that complicate the life of a gluten-free diner and how to avoid them

• Stores and markets around the city that offer a wide range of gluten-free products and ingredients for cooking meals at home.

• All the basics about alternative flours, and the best use for each

Gluten-Free Guide to London

You can now head over to our new ‘Shop’ page, where you can find even more information about The Gluten-Free Guide to London and buy it directly from our site.

Our first eBook has been a true labor of love, and we hope that it helps others find the best places to dine and eat in London. Enjoy!

Gluten-Free Guide to London

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  • March 5, 2016

    Wow, what a great guide! I have a few friends with a gluten intolerance so I’ll pass this page on to them.
    The London Mum recently posted…Bled, SloveniaMy Profile

    • March 5, 2016

      Thanks London mum! We know that this book is super targeted to those in London, so we appreciate it 🙂

  • March 5, 2016

    I have friend who has to eat gluten-free, so I can only imagine how difficult it is to eat out. I know your labor of love will be a huge blessing to travelers and locals in London.
    Howard @ Backroad Planet recently posted…18 Reasons to Cruise the Mediterranean on the Viking StarMy Profile

    • March 5, 2016

      Being gluten-free is becoming easier, but it’s still not ‘easy’ – restaurants that understand make a huge difference!

  • March 5, 2016

    I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but it seems like you have much better choices these days, which is good. I’m sure the e-book is going to be a great help to many people visiting London.
    Brenda Tolentino recently posted…Crispy Chicken Adobo RecipeMy Profile

    • March 5, 2016

      Thanks Brenda – yes, we have had a huge and steep learning curve which we know so many people go through. We’re excited to be part of the conversation…

  • March 5, 2016

    Congrats on the eBook! It must’ve been so much hard work eating for 6 months. I’m happy it paid off 🙂
    Dominique recently posted…Bonaire – Road Trip South BonaireMy Profile

    • March 5, 2016

      Let’s just say our clothes didn’t fit for a while after 🙂

  • March 5, 2016
    Carol Colborn

    Wow! Congratulations! It is my dream to come out with an e-book, too! Mine will also be about food from our travels. I am following your experience! Thanks!.

    • March 5, 2016

      Ooh, can’t wait to read it! An ebook is a lot of work but totally doable! We hope to write more about the experience soon…once we take a break and figure out the nuances of our shopping cart (which we are still working the bugs out of today!)

  • March 6, 2016

    Congrats on the ebook! Those 6 months of eating surely paid off! Hopefully this will help more people that have the same allergy 🙂

    • March 6, 2016

      We highly recommend eating projects to anyone and everyone. What could possibly go wrong??

  • March 6, 2016

    Traveling with a gluten allergy can be frustrating for sure, this guide will be a fantastic resource for any celiac visiting London.
    Brianna recently posted…10 Reasons to make Quebec City your Next Winter DestinationMy Profile

    • March 9, 2016

      London is a great food city – something that we keep remembering as we seek out specific GF food options. You can never go hungry here, no matter who you are!

  • March 6, 2016

    With so many people not eating gluten, this is a helpful and timely guide. I love how you turned a negative situation into a positive creative one. Well done.
    Wandering Carol recently posted…Things to do in Monte Carlo – Jet set styleMy Profile

    • March 9, 2016

      We really have tried to make this GF journey as much a positive as a totally food nerd can bear (although pizza is still my favorite food!).

  • March 6, 2016

    That’s amazing! Congratulations, you guys! This must truly be an exciting time for you and I can definitely see how travelers would love to get their hands on your book.
    Aileen Adalid recently posted…LifeStraw Water Filters: Get Safe Drinking Water Anytime, Anywhere!My Profile

    • March 9, 2016

      Thanks Aileen – as you certainly know, create the thing you want!

  • March 7, 2016

    I can’t imagine having to be so careful every time I go out to eat. I’m sure your guide will help so many people in London, both locals and visitors.
    Vicky and Buddy recently posted…5 Places To Stay In BaliMy Profile

    • March 9, 2016

      Thanks Vicky – we hope so (and it’s okay for Julie too, who likes the challenge even though she doesn’t have the allergy!)

  • March 7, 2016

    Its wonderful that you took something that was negative and produced something so positive and helpful for not only you, but everyone who may have this problem too. 🙂 I’ve been happy to see many restaurants having gluten free options, I’m sure you enjoy them!
    Mar Pages recently posted…The sacred city of KandyMy Profile

    • March 8, 2016
      Julie

      definitely. And the eBook is not just about options, but having great options. I want everyone to eat better!

  • March 12, 2016

    Awesome effort you guys, really looking forward to getting my hands on a copy and sharing it with my friends in London who are desperate to find the good gluten free stuff. Great work!
    Carly recently posted…Comment on A Weekend Getaway Guide to Budapest  by AnikoMy Profile

    • March 13, 2016
      Julie

      Thanks Carly – I mean, someone’s gotta eat their way across town, so why not us?! Our too tight jeans happily agree!