Dairy and gluten allegies

[Bookworm_25]

Hi,

I have been dairy free since being a baby and a coeliac (allergy to gluten). I find reatuarants and food that are free from one or the other but rarely both. i am so frustrated with the limited choice. Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks :)

[Copper]

My eldest daughter has the same problem. She has to phone and talk to various eating out places. Choice is very limited.

Her employers don't understand at all. At the last summer work's do she took her own sandwiches as the caterers had made a mistake at a previous do and she was ill :angry:

[rebecca c]

Not really I have the same problem. Have found very few restaurants I can trust the main one being Terre a terre in Brighton.

Contacting them in advance sometimes works but only if they really understand what you mean.

Cafe Rouge seem reasonable and are meant to have a gluten free menu.

I mainly eat before I go out.

[cnc]

The beefeater chain, although not very glamorous have a list of which items are dairy free, gluten free etc... for each meal (including the extras of the meal), and are more than happy to do things like remove flour from fish (I overheard this conversation), to make it gluten free.

I'm just milk allergic, but my bigger problem is trying to find somewhere that is actually properly wheelchair accessible.

[Bookworm_25]

Didn't know the beefeater chain did that, don't always need glamorous! I can imagine that wheelchair access is a problem several places I have been to have not been suitable, I wish people who built and ran these places thought about it all in advance!

thanks everyone! x

[Moo_Meh]

The Wagamama's chain has a superb allergy/intollerances menu. You'll need to ask for it specifically but it tells you which of each dish number you can have and any relevant alterations to the dish. For gluten free and dairy there is only one dish which doesn't need to be altered but I can eat it with confidence which is great XD. Rather localised but worth a mention is the White Horse (Wooley Moor, near Matlock/Derby). With a few days notice they will prepare and cook pretty much anything on their menu with special flour and soya. It was essentially like being normal, however that made it even more special ... if that makes sense.

[cnc]

You can get the specialist Wagamammas menu online as well which can be handy if you know you're going there in advance:)

[Bookworm_25]

Thank you again, I am off to a Wagamamma tonight! Looks a lovely menu and they were so helpful! thanks again!

[cnc]

I hope you have a lovely evening:) I evidently spend too much time eating out!! Wetherspoons have an online allergy checker, but it doesn't list the individual items which is a bit of a shame, as I'm sure that in many cases the meals can be made DF. They do have a pure gluten free list though.

[annieg]

Don't get me started on this topic! I am actively campaigning for change but need as many people as possible behind me so would anyone who feels strongly please join me?!! I am drawing together as many special diet friendly eateries etc as I can but it is going to take time and input from others too. Steve (dairyfree) and I link to each others sites as we compliment each other and think similarly so please take a look at www.specialdietsdirectory.co.uk (http://www.specialdietsdirectory.co.uk) and feel free to get involved if you want to!

[Copper]

I have been to a local pub for the last two years. The chef was excellent and understood my needs (dairy free). One friend is coeliac and nothing was too much trouble.

The bad news is that this chef has left. The new chef could not see that I might have a problem with the "small amount of butter" he put in his mashed potato :angry: Needless to say we did not go there to eat. The local out in the sticks pubs are only as good as their chefs.

[Bookworm_25]

That's such a good idea. I was going to start my own one and eventually when I'd worked out how to create a website put it on!

I ahve my hen night in a few weeks and I tried to book us in at Wagamamas but they don't take bookings and although they suggested that 25 of us just turn up on a Saturday night and they will try and accomodate us, I'm not sure I would trust a restaurant that is that empty on a Saturday!

I have booked in to The Bear Cross Inn who do gluten free food already and when I asked if I could supply my own pudding she stated that she makes it all fresh so she will cook me a gluten/dairy free treacle sponge! What a treat!

They are very accomodating and it looks to be a fantastic night! If it is as good as anticipated, I will make it my new special place to eat and rave to everyone who will listen!

What makes me laugh is that I eat out a lot and so do ots of my friends, the restaurants that won't cater for me are missing out on lots of business, especially in the credit crunch!

What do you need to help you on your website?

Hope you're all well!

[Copper]

Ooooo please please report back about the Bear Cross Inn. I have to book a group of us in for a meal in December (not the Xmas menu) and I really need somewhere where they understand what dairy free and coeliac means.

If you report back that it is great then we will go there :)

What we need is a section where we can list places safe for us to eat.

[Bookworm_25]

Will indeed be reporting back! She was very helpful on the Saturday night even though she was busy!

Watch this space! :)