Whether you have coeliac disease, an allergy or just prefer to avoid gluten, everyone deserves to enjoy a variety of freshly made food that tastes great, whatever their dietary requirements.
In our first gluten-free hot list, SoGlos handpicks 11 of the best places to get gluten-free grub across Gloucestershire.
Gluten-free food at Pho in Cheltenham
Located in Cheltenham's vibrant Brewery Quarter, Pho offers an extensive gluten-free menu, as accredited by Coeliac UK.
Gluten-free foodies can tuck in to everything from starters such as Cuốn diếp chay — spicy salad rolls with enoki, chilli and herbs; Bún tôm Huế — a hot and spicy king prawn soup, served with bún or phở noodles for mains; and for dessert, Chuối chiên — a banana fritter with or without ice cream or sorbet. There's even gluten-free beer, too!
Gluten-free food at The Crown at Ampney Brook
The Crown at Ampney Brook near Cirencester has a sizeable gluten-free menu, unlike a lot of the slimmed-down lists no-gluten diners are often offered.
Starters include smoked haddock croquettes and 'nduja scotch egg, with mains of fish pie and dry-aged ribeye steak for pure indulgence. Plus, the kitchen serves gluten-free Sunday roasts, as well as brunch options.
Gluten-free food at Bangkok Canteen in Gloucester
Run by an authentic Thai chef, Bangkok Canteen in Gloucester is 100 per cent gluten-free, which attracts diners from far and wide. The restaurant has accreditation from Coeliac UK and has won countless awards, not just for great taste, but also the sustainability of its dishes.
Classic Thai plates such as pad thai, sweetcorn fritters and massamam curry are joined by a signature Gloucester Old Spot pork panang curry — with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, too.
Gluten-free food at The Urban Meadow in Cheltenham
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, filled with butternut squash, beetroot and spinach — with an optional add on of halloumi — as well as the 'New York City' for a meaty option, inspired by the big apple.
Gluten-free food at Bredon Village Fish and Chip Shop near Tewkesbury
If you're near Tewkesbury and looking for your fish and chip fix, look no further than Bredon Village Fish and Chip Shop. On the first Monday of every month, it's 'gluten free-day' with the venue offering classics like cod, haddock and plaice, as well as meat and vegetarian options, so make sure to put it in your diary!
The takeaway was also named one of the 50 best fish and chip shops in the country at the 2022/2023 Fry Awards.
Gluten-free food at Bake and Brew in Cheltenham and Gloucester
With one base at Gloucester Quays and one on Bath Road in Cheltenham, independent coffee shop, Bake and Brew, serves up a great selection of the richest and most indulgent tray bakes and cupcakes the county has to offer.
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. Grab a coffee made with beans from fellow local business Ritual Coffee Roasters and enjoy a sweet treat to eat in or take away.
Gluten-free food at Lakeside Takeaway in Cheltenham
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 fluffy chips.
The venue is one of Cheltenham's longest serving fish and chip shops, having been established in 1955!
Gluten-free food at The Plough Inn in Prestbury
SGGLA Pub/Bar of the Year 2022, The Plough Inn Prestbury, has a good range of gluten-free pub classics, such as bangers and mash for meat eaters, as well as a Mediterranean stew and falafel dirty fries for veggies.
Just a short distance from Cheltenham Racecourse, the popular pub also offers tasty gluten-free chicken goujons for little diners to enjoy and toffee apple pudding for those with a sweet tooth — plus it's dog friendly, too.
Gluten-free food at Settebello Trattoria in Gloucester
Pasta lovers assemble! Settebello Trattoria in Gloucester offers an entire gluten-free pasta range, with creamy carbonara, rich ragu or flavourful fungi e tartufo being just some of the sauces on offer. The Italian hot spot also serves a superb selection of fish and meat.
For dessert, indulge in gelato or sorbet, or push the boat out with panna cotta. Gluten-free pizza bases are also available, although this is a bit more risky for those with severe coeliac disease due to the possibility of cross-contamination.
Gluten-free food at The Coconut Tree in Cheltenham
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 with spicy chutney and a fried egg, or the rich and creamy signature dahl.
Tucked away in Cheltenham's St Pauls, it's hugely popular with students and local residents, so there's a buzzing atmosphere all week long.
Gluten-free food at Waffle in Cheltenham
A relatively recent addition to Cheltenham's food scene is Waffle in Charlton Kings near Sixways. As the name suggests, the venue serves up 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, with choices including smoked salmon, hummus and olives — and there's even a bacon breakfast waffle; while the light and fluffy dessert options are piled high with cream, fruit and sprinkles and are great for sharing.
