Whether you have coeliac disease, an allergy or just prefer to avoid gluten, everyone deserves to enjoy freshly made fantastic food that tastes great.
In our first SoGlos gluten free hot list, we round up 10 of the best options to try across Gloucestershire.
The Crown at Ampney Brook
The Crown at Ampney Brook near Cirencester has an extensive gluten free menu, unlike a lot of the slimmed-down lists gluten free diners are often offered. Starters include smoked haddock croquettes and 'nduja scotch egg, while mains of luxury fish pie and dry-aged ribeye steak provide pure indulgence.
The kitchen also serves gluten free Sunday roasts, as well as a range of options for brunch.
Bangkok Canteen
Bangkok Canteen in Gloucester is, wait for it, 100 per cent gluten free. Run by a Thai chef, this local favourite attracts people from far and wide. They have accreditation from Coeliac UK and have won countless awards, not just for great taste, but also the sustainability of dishes.
Classic Thai plates such as pad thai, sweetcorn fritters and massamam curry are joined by a signature Gloucester Old Spot pork panang curry and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options too.
The Urban Meadow
Located in Cheltenham town centre, The Urban Meadow has a selection of gluten free bagels that are freshly made for your lunch break. Its sister cafe, The Meadow Cafe in Cox's Meadow, just 10 minutes away, also offers a great selection of gluten free goodies.
A firm favourite is 'The Meadow' bagel, made with butternut squash, beetroot and spinach (we like to add halloumi). Or, try the 'New York City' for a meaty option inspired by the big apple.
Bredon Village Fish and Chip Shop
If you are near Tewkesbury and looking for your chip shop fix, then look no further than Bredon Village Fish and Chip Shop, a little further north. On the first Monday of every month, it's gluten free day; so put it in your diary.
Classics like cod, haddock and plaice are on offer, as well as meat and vegetarian options. The takeaway was also named one of the 50 best fish and chip shops in the country at the 2022/2023 Fry Awards.
Bake and Brew
With one base in Gloucester Quays and one on Bath Road in Cheltenham, this independent coffee shop serves up a great selection of the richest and most indulgent tray bakes and cupcakes. Most of the brownies are made with gluten free flour, and there are often gluten free cakes on offer but be sure to check at the counter.
Sit in or takeaway the sweet treats and grab a coffee made with beans from fellow local business Ritual Coffee Roasters.
Lakeside Takeaway
The Lakeside Takeaway, in the heart of Hatherley in Cheltenham, offers a great gluten free menu that is sure to hit the spot with its crunchy gluten free batter and delicious chips.
It's one of Cheltenham's longest serving fish and chip shops having been established in 1955!
The Plough Prestbury
The SGGLA 2022 winner of Pub/Bar of the year, The Plough Prestbury has a good range of gluten free pub classics, such as bangers and mash. There is a Mediterranean stew and falafel dirty fries, if you are vegetarian as well.
Just a short distance from Cheltenham racecourse, the popular pub has a beer garden and is family and dog friendly too. There are tasty gluten free chicken goujons for little diners to enjoy. And don't forget the toffee apple pudding to hit the sweet spot.
Settebello Trattoria
Pasta lovers assemble, as Settebello Trattoria in Gloucester offers an entire gluten free pasta range. Creamy carbonara, rich ragu or flavourful fungi e tartufo are just some of the sauces to pair with your pasta. Gluten free pizza bases are also available, although this is a bit more risky for those with severe coeliac disease.
The Italian hot spot also serves a superb selection of fish and meat. For dessert, it would be rude not to have some Italian gelato or sorbet, or push the boat out with panna cotta.
The Coconut Tree
The majority of the menu at The Coconut Tree is naturally gluten free, making it a safe choice with plenty of options. Your taste buds will be in for a treat with a wide variety of authentic Sri Lankan flavours and spices. Try the coconut milk based hopper pancakes; the signature dhal is rich and creamy and goes well with the many curries on offer.
Tucked away in St Pauls, it's hugely popular with students and local residents and has a great atmosphere all week long.
Waffle
A relatively recent addition to Cheltenham's food scene is Waffle in Charlton Kings near Sixways. As the name suggests, the team serves freshly made waffles, most of which are available with a gluten free batter, as well as bagels, pizzas and milkshakes.
If you haven't tried a savoury waffle before, the ones at Waffle are a great place to start; choices include smoked salmon, hummus and olives, and even a bacon breakfast waffle. The dessert options are piled high with cream, fruit and sprinkles, but are light and fluffy, and great for sharing. They are also available on Deliveroo.
