About Us

My name is Sian and I am a coeliac. I am the founder of Gluten Free Dining.

The aim of Gluten Free Dining

Our aim as a team, is to produce an online directory of carefully selected establishments. which provide a good variety of gluten free (GF) food aswell as Vegan, Vegetarian and Dairy Free. The website will save you time and effort in locating a suitable eating place to meet your needs. A link to the menu allows you to choose dietary options with confidence, whether dining solo or planning a special occasion.

What is coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is common and affects one in 100 people. It is a lifelong autoimmune disease, which can occur at any time, and is caused by the immune system reacting to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Symptoms of coeliac disease range from mild to severe. When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten, even in very small amounts, their immune system reacts by damaging the lining of the small intestine. Therefore, taking sensible steps to avoid cross-contamination with gluten is important. Once gluten is removed from the diet, the person should start to feel much better.

The problem of ‘eating out’

There is no reason why you can’t eat out if you have coeliac disease or simply choose to eat gluten free. However, gluten free dining can be challenging, especially when you visit an unfamiliar location for the first time.

Perhaps you don’t know of any eateries in the area. The process of finding a suitable restaurant or cafe can involve you in a time-consuming internet search. If fortunate enough to discover a promising venue, you are likely to find that no specific menu is provided, merely that GF options are available. A phone call or visit is then required to check this further.

Caterers must now, by law, be able to supply you with information on any allergens, including cereals containing gluten, in all the dishes they serve. This is the result of legislation that was introduced in 2014 to improve allergen information for customers.

Sian’s personal statement

I am extremely sensitive to gluten but I would readily eat at any of the venues recommended on our website. I have personally spoken to owners/staff at each venue thoroughly researched each venue and have been impressed by their strong understanding of cross-contamination and their passion for serving great gluten free food.

Disclaimer

Whilst the website recommends venues that offer gluten free options, unless the establishment is 100% gluten free we are unable to guarantee that cross-contamination may not occur. Patrons are encouraged to check the allergen information provided in the light of their individual requirements. The venue staff should involve the gluten free diner in making an informed choice. Kitchen and front-of-house staff should be aware of the problem of cross-contamination to ensure that gluten free orders delivered to the table are prepared safely. Customers must state Gluten Free at time of ordering.

Any allergen information provided by the venues on the website is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. Gluten Free Dining can offer no guarantees and accept no liability whatsoever in the event of cross-contamination.