Gloof - 100% gluten free in Soham, Cambridgeshire

Last Thursday we visited Gloof, the new 100% gluten free coffee shop in Soham, Cambridgeshire.

We'd heard about it online and were looking forward to our stop-off in the town while en route to Ipswich.

Look at that array of cakes. The empty spot at the front of the counter is where the sausage rolls were

We received a warm welcome and I was amazed by the selection of cakes and sweet treats on the counter. I also spotted sausage rolls and ordered one immediately.

A sign every Coeliac wants to see

We then sat down and had a look at the menu. It was superb to once again read that EVERYTHING is gluten free on the menu. As someone with Coeliac Disease I have struggled for years to find places that are 100% gluten free. Thankfully, the owner of Gloof is also a Coeliac so understands the risks and has ensured that the environment is free of cross-contamination.

We ordered a panini each - I went for Cheese & Ham, while Emily had the Mozzarella and Sun Dried Tomatoes one so we could share.

Luckily we arrived just before three other couples came in, creating a mid-afternoon rush.

All of the food looked great and the sausage rolls were proving popular, so popular that they actually ran out while we were there. Nice to see, but it did stop me from ordering a second one.

Sausage roll starter

The sausage roll arrived shortly after ordering and was served warm, with a sachet of ketchup. It's been so long since I've been able to eat something seemingly so simple for lunch. I might get to eat a sausage roll from M&S, but when I'm out and about I wouldn't be able to get a hot one. Little things like that can make a big difference and I really enjoyed this 'starter'.

Panini main

The paninis were up next and were really good. It's very rare that Emily and I get to have a lunch together where we both get to eat and it was especially nice to be able to share half of our paninis.

We still had room for dessert, so I had the double chocolate cake and Emily had a cheese scone. Both were excellent.

Double chocolate cake with a cake fork for dessert

Before leaving we also had a try of the lemon drizzle cake. It was delicious.

We both rate Gloof highly for the service, environment, range of food and general niceness. We're looking forward to our return visit already.

Check out Gloof for more information and opening times.

Related blog posts:
- Coeliac
- Gluten Free
- 100% gluten free places in the UK

100% gluten free places in the UK

As someone with Coeliac Disease it can be a nightmare finding somewhere that is 100% gluten free and safe for coeliacs.

While there do seem to be more and more places offering 'gluten free' options these days, there is still the risk of cross-contamination unless the place is 100% gluten free.

A very happy Coeliac on a recent gluten free day out in Leeds

Thankfully there are some superb 100% gluten free restaurants, tea rooms, pubs and takeaways that we've found on our travels, including The Oxford Place in Leeds and Gloof in Soham, Cambridgeshire.

Look at all those cakes at Gloof in Soham - they are all 100% gluten free

We also know about, but have yet to visit, 2 Oxford Place in York and Niche in London.

Luckily there is a gluten free deli opening up in Altrincham, Greater Manchester this Saturday. We're looking forward to checking out Off the Wheaten Track soon.

Do you know of any other 100% gluten free places in the UK? If so, do let me know in the comments.

Two more great meals at The Oxford Place in Leeds

Dining 100% gluten free at The Oxford Place in Leeds.

We recently dined at The Oxford Place in Leeds for the first time since the restaurant changed hands. I'm very pleased to report that it is still offering excellent and 100% gluten free food.

I had the Ham Hock Terrine starter

We first dined there when it was called 2 Oxford Place in February last year and have tried to visit the restaurant and Leeds as often as possible since then. It really is that good.

The meal was preceded by an appetiser / amuse-bouche of Gazpacho soup

Once again we had two superb meals. After having starters and mains on Friday were were unable to fit in a dessert. But we did leave room for pudding on the Saturday.

Not the most summery of desserts - but the Sticky Toffee Pudding was absolutely delicious. It was a giant portion too

It was brilliant to feast, safe in the knowledge that the meals were 100% gluten free.

Look at the size of the crackling that came with my Pork Belly main course

Some fresh Oysters to start my second meal at 2 Oxford Place

The best burger I've had in years

There are very few places which offer 100% gluten free options and so it's brilliant to find a restaurant able to cater for people with Coeliac Disease.

Little things like NOT having to explain to the waiting staff that I have a medical condition before ordering, or asking to see a 'special' menu, makes a BIG difference. And eating with the knowledge that there is no risk of cross contamination with any gluten containing ingredients is a relief.

Long may The Oxford Place continue offering diners - Coeliac and otherwise - superb food and service. I really hope some other restaurants take a leaf out of The Oxford Place's book and make the switch to 100% gluten free.

Visit The Oxford Place website for more information, opening times and menus.

We are really looking forward to our next meal there later this summer.

New Free From range at Morrisons

Morrisons launches new Free From products.

Towards the end of last month Morrisons expanded its range of Free From products and the news sent ripples of excitement through the Coeliac and Gluten Free communities. I was particularly excited to hear that there were going to be new Curly Fries in the range, along with a number of other sweet and savoury treats.

The Curly Fries and Mini Hash Browns are only £1 a bag. Bargain

The updated branding, word of mouth buzz and excitement and the promise of new gluten and wheat free products at Morrisons means I've been spending a lot more time (and money) at my local store in Cheadle Heath. Much of the last two weeks has been spent keeping an eye out for the Curly Fries and Hash Browns. Luckily I managed to track some down on my dinner break today. I know what I'll be having for tea tonight!

The freezer section has a number of new Free From products

Looking in the Free From section I noticed a number of other gluten free products from brands outside of the Morrisons own-brand range, which is great to see.

A selection of the new gluten free cereals in the Free From section at Morrisons

Last year Morrisons expanded the range of Free From products available in store and so it's brilliant they are continuing to provide products that are safe and suitable for people with allergies, intolerances and autoimmune diseases (such as Coeliac Disease).

Check out the Morrisons website for details of their Free From range.

Related blog posts:
- Morrisons
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac

Link:
- Morrisons

Happy Easter

The first Free From Easter Eggs of the season have made an appearance.

While doing a little bit of a top-up shop on New Year's Eve I spotted that Sainsbury's are very well stocked on Easter Eggs already!

If you're quick you can also pick up a box of gluten free Mince Pies for 70p and Nakd Christmas Pud bars for 25p

Related blog posts:
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac
- Funny things about being a Coeliac

Links:
- Sainsbury's website
- Sainsbury's Free From

Voakes Free From gluten free pies

I recently made an order for some gluten and wheat free pies from Voakes Free From. I'm glad I did.

Three of the five Voakes pies I bought (pork, 'special' and game). Two were scoffed before I had an opportunity to take this photo

I first found out about Voakes at the 2013 Home Counties Gluten Free Food Fair where I sampled a few of their products. I really liked the Special Pie - Chicken, Pork and Stuffing topped!

Check out the Voakes Free From website for more information on the range of gluten & wheat free products they offer. In addition to the pies you can get pasties, quiches, sausage rolls, black pudding, pastry, pasties and sausage rolls. All of the products are gluten and wheat free, and some of the products are also dairy free, egg free, soya free, vegan and/or vegetarian.

Link:
- Voakes Free From website

Related blog posts:

- Gluten Free
- Coeliac

Made Without Wheat Mini Pork Pies from M&S

New Made Without Wheat Mini Pork Pies from M&S.

On our recent travels we'd spotted some empty shelves in M&S with a price tag for 'New Made Without Wheat Mini Pork Pies' and while in Clacton-on-Sea on Saturday we managed to actually find some. And very good they were too.

The mini pork pies were a nice addition to the picnic we had in the sunken rose garden in Clacton

Related blog posts:

- Gluten free

- Coeliac
- M&S
- Clacton-on-Sea

Links:
- Marks & Spencer website
- Marks & Spencer Made Without Wheat page

New Free From Cakes at Tesco

I noticed that Tesco has some new gluten and wheat free cakes in the Free From section!

Tesco's Free From range now includes Chocolate and Madeira Celebration Cakes

I'm looking forward to an occasion to try them out.

Related blog posts:
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac
- Funny things about being a Coeliac

Links:
- Tesco Free From
- Coeliac UK

Gluten Free Week at M&S

It's great to see M&S celebrating 'Gluten Free Week' in the Luton Mall branch.

M&S's Gluten Free Week is running parallel to Coeliac Awareness Week - 11th to 17th May 2015

As I purchased so much of the gluten free 'Made Without Wheat' range (the gluten free beer was on offer and a chocolate loaf was reduced) the man serving me asked "What's the occasion?", so I told him about Coeliac Disease (albeit not ALL the gory details) and Coeliac Awareness Week.

Much of this gluten free beer, and one of those cakes, is now residing in my fridge and cupboard

Check out the Coeliac UK website for more information on Coeliac Disease. For Coeliac Awareness Week 2015 Coeliac UK is running a diagnosis campaign called 'Is it Coeliac Disease?'.

I'm a big fan of M&S and the gluten free food and drink they stock - not only in the Made Without Wheat section but across many of the other lines in store. More often than not I'll find something new they are doing that is gluten free, which makes shopping a treat not a chore.

The links below have more info on other Coeliac/Celiac days, weeks, and months - there are quite a few special days in May!

Related blog posts:

- Gluten free

- Coeliac
- M&S
- New Gluten Free Beer and Cakes at M&S
- Special May Days

Links:
- Marks & Spencer website
- Marks & Spencer Made Without Wheat page
- Link to a product list of M&S products that DO NOT contain GLUTEN
- Coeliac UK website
- Is it Coeliac Disease? online assessment from Coeliac UK
- The Mall Luton website

Gluten free Pretzels

Happy National Pretzel Day!

As today is National Pretzel Day here's a quick blog post about gluten free Pretzels I know of.

Gluten free Pretzels by DS Gluten Free

Gluten Free Pretzel Sticks by Barkat

As well as the Pretzel Sticks Barket make normal gluten free Pretzels.

I've found that Eskal Foods also sells Pretzels, and I've enjoyed scoffing the very nice milk chocolate coated Pretzels before too!

Related blog posts:
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac
- Funny things about being a Coeliac

Links:
- DS Gluten Free
- Barkat Gluten Free
- Eskal Foods
- Coeliac UK

M&S gluten free Rice Porridge

Trying the new Made Without Wheat Rice Porridge from Marks and Spencer.

While Spring and Summer may not be the seasons for warming breakfasts, after spotting a new gluten and wheat free product in the York city centre branch of M&S I had to give it a try.

The boxes contain eight sachets of the gluten free porridge (made of brown rice flakes and ground maize porridge)

I had a bowl, made using milk, for breakfast and it tasted great. It filled me up until lunchtime too. This is a glowing endorsement as I have never been one for breakfasts (although this is probably something to do with 27 years of undiagnosed Coeliac Disease and feeling immediately ill after eating breakfast).

I like the fact the box contains individual sachets of porridge. And even though it contains no oats at all, it tastes like porridge. I'll be buying it again.

Links:
- Marks & Spencer website
- Marks & Spencer Made Without Wheat page
- Link to a product list of M&S products that DO NOT contain GLUTEN
- Coeliac UK website

Related blog posts:

- Gluten free

- Coeliac
- M&S
- Cereal
- Breakfast

Isabel's Gluten Free Dough Balls Mix

Cooking up some cheese dough balls with a free from mix from Isabel's.

On a recent shopping trip to Asda we spotted a product in the Free From section that we hadn't seen before - the Gluten Free Dough Balls Mix.

The 250g box makes approximately 24 dough balls and Emily made exactly two dozen delicious 'pão de queijo' snacks from the mix.

The pão de queijo' made from the Isabel's gluten free dough balls mix

They were really nice when eaten warm and with plenty leftover we've found them to be great cold too.

Putting a twist on the recipe on the packet Emily added brie to the mix, a good choice as it melted perfectly inside the dough balls.

As someone with Coeliac Disease I pore over the ingredients, claims and small-print on every single item of food and drink I buy to ensure it's safe to consume, it's pleasing to see that all of Isabel's products are naturally 100% gluten and wheat free.

Related blog posts:
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac
- Emily's Cooking

Links:
- Isabel's Free From website
- Isabel's Free From on Twitter
- Isabel's Free From on Facebook
- Asda
- Coeliac UK