With the rise of gluten-free diets, London cafes, restaurants and bakeries have upped the ante when it comes to offering alternative menus. Sure, there are plenty of chain restaurants catering to the masses, but there are also several independent restaurants whipping up a gluten-free storm and a growing number of 100% gluten-free dining options.
Have your gluten-free cake and eat it with our guide to gluten-free afternoon tea in London .
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Beyond bread, Fitzrovia and Islington
Beyond Bread is a 100% gluten-free bakery with locations in Fitzrovia and Islington. Intimate cafes have tables inside and out and counters laden with sourdough, brioche, baguettes, sandwiches, and sweets like red velvet cupcakes and cheesecakes. Cafes are open all day for coffees and cakes for evening sandwiches. Brunch is served every day.
02
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Nicho, Islington
Direction
197-199 Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4TJ, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7837 5048
Web
Visit the website
This laid-back restaurant between Clerkenwell and Islington serves a 100% gluten-free menu. Everything from the breads, cakes and pastries to the gourmet dishes served in the evening are prepared fresh on site with ingredients from local suppliers. It is right next to Sadler’s Wells theater and the restaurant serves a great value pre-theater menu.
03
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Mana, Primrose Hill
Direction
4 Erskine Rd, London NW3 3AJ, United KingdomGet directions
Web
Visit the website
Manna on Primrose Hill is London’s oldest vegetarian restaurant and offers higher quality cuisine. There are many gluten-free options on the menu and the chef’s specials can often be adapted. Portions may be small but you won’t go hungry. And it is a real pleasure to see vegetarian food so well presented. Also, the ingredients used are GM-free and organic as often as possible.
04
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Wagamama, various locations
Direction
42 Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7JL, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 3794 4338
Web
Visit the website
Wagamama restaurants are modeled after the popular ramen bars in Japan and there are more than 15 branches in London. They have long benches and food that is served quickly. Tell your server what your dietary needs are and a great list of gluten-free or wheat-free dishes can be made. You can view gluten-free menu options online before visiting.
Continue to 5 of 10 below.
05
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St James Hotel and Club, Mayfair
Direction
7-8 Park Pl, London SW1A 1LS, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7316 1600
Web
Visit the website
I bought the standard and gluten free afternoon tea at St James Hotel and Club and it was very difficult to tell the difference.
06
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Mildred’s, Soho
Direction
45 Lexington St, London W1F 9AN, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7494 1634
Web
Visit the website
Mildred’s is a Soho institution and has served hearty, well-priced vegetarian meals for over 20 years. In addition to offering a tasty vegetarian menu, they use organic fair trade coffee, organic milk, and soy milk for their beverages. Many of the dishes are also gluten free. Its bar also features well-chosen wines and beers. Know more.
07
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Whole Food Market, Various Venues
Whole Foods Market is the world’s largest retailer of natural and organic foods, with stores throughout North America and the United Kingdom. London’s flagship store is located in the iconic Barkers Building on Kensington High Street, with a floor of restaurant options on the top floor and two floors of shops. The store offers a wide range of gluten-free products. There are also outlets in Camden, Soho, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, and Stoke Newington.
08
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Italian options, multiple locations
Direction
Spaghetti House, London WC2H, United KingdomGet directions
If you really miss carb-rich Italian cuisine, you’ll be pleased to find that Pizza Express has a gluten-free menu that includes not only salads and sides, but also pizzas made with a gluten-free base.
If pasta is what you want, Spaghetti House can make gluten-free pasta without prior notice, but be prepared for 15 minutes of cooking.
Continue to 9 of 10 below.
09
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Leon, various locations
Direction
35 Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7JE, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7734 8057
Web
Visit the website
Leon serves healthy and fresh seasonal dishes and is popular for lunch and takeout. It is a ‘fast food’ cafe but aims to provide organic and fair trade products. It meets special dietary requirements, so the menu has symbols for gluten-free, wheat-free, and more.
10
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Honest burgers, various places
Direction
4A Meard St, London W1F 0EF, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 3609 9524
Web
Visit the website
All Honest Burger locations offer gluten-free buns, so please inform staff when ordering. They point out that the meals are not prepared in a totally gluten-free environment, but only use good quality ingredients.
