Whether visiting for a day or a stay, my guide to Gluten Free Gloucester is packed with great places to eat gluten free… And inspiration for things to see and do when visiting the city.
DON’T LOSE THIS RECIPE… PIN IT FOR LATER…
Gluten Free Gloucester – a quick guide to my foodie finds in the city
This quick guide to Gluten Free Gloucester is my latest ‘where to eat’ guide for Coeliacs and Gluten Avoiders. Whenever I go anywhere and need to eat out, I always do my research… Firstly because it makes it easier to find somewhere to get a good, safe meal… But also, because I am a total foodie and prefer to seek out places that are less likely to be ‘known’ than obvious gluten free venues.
Sadly, people with Coeliac Disease (Celiac) often play safe with ‘same old’ chain restaurants (you know… the Nandos and Zizzi’s of the world). And yes… we know what we are getting. (It’s for that reason they are included in my guides). But life’s too short to miss out on great independent and lesser-known venues. And I for one seek them out (and tell you about them) if I can…
Although I was only on a short visit, I’m sharing my list of finds and researched city-based Gluten Free Gloucester eating spots (and some ideas for places to visit too). I hope it’s helpful if you ever find yourself there.
Where is Gloucester?
The Cathedral City of Gloucester is the County Town of Gloucestershire, which is located in the Southwest of England. Situated on the River Severn, it incorporates an area of the Cotswold Hills and also the Forest of Dean.
Transport routes are good, being situated both close to the M5 motorway and about 1¾ hours from London by direct train. Additionally, Gloucester sits on train routes to Bristol and the West country, as well as Birmingham (and its connections to the North of England) and Cardiff in Wales. Indeed, it lies just 17 miles East of the border with Wales.
Gloucester is a great base from which to explore the incredible beauty of the Cotswolds. Or… head to the surrounding Gloucestershire towns of Stroud, Cirencester, Tewkesbury and Cheltenham. Alternatively, if you go south, Gloucester is just a stone’s throw from nearby Bath and Bristol.
Gluten Free Gloucester – A note on venues listed
The venues listed in my Gluten Free Gloucester Guide are based on personal experience and (where I haven’t eaten there) on research into gluten free food that I felt would be Coeliac-safe when visiting the city.
The list is specifically for those needing to eat gluten free. While I appreciate that there are those of you who have other dietary needs, the guide does not seek to cover either dairy free eating or other allergens (although eateries listed may cater well). Thus, if you have additional dietary requirements, they should be discussed directly with the venue to clarify suitability.
An important note on my Gluten Free Gloucester recommendations…
All recommendations offered for Gluten Free Gloucester have been made in good faith and based on Coeliac experience. As always however, it is essential that you personally check you are happy with a venue’s gluten free safety credentials BEFORE booking or ordering. Bear in mind that venues may have closed since I visited, moved to new ownership or changed suppliers and menus without notice.
If you find that there is information in the guide which needs updating or indeed, if you seek out a great other gluten free venue in Gloucester, I’d love to hear about it. It can then be added to the list. Equally, if somewhere listed doesn’t meet safe Gluten Free Gloucester expectations, please, please let me know. I need to follow up to ensure that information is accurate.
Gluten Free Gloucester – The usual rules apply for risk assessment
Whether you choose a recommendation from my guide to Gluten Free Gloucester or eat somewhere else, the usual rules apply to Coeliac (Celiac) eating out.
Unless a restaurant is a 100% gluten free venue (selling only gluten free food), then remember it is a working kitchen. And that means ALL types of food will be prepared there. For that reason, most venues will not and cannot (in an era of better-understood risk and legal negligence) guarantee 100% gluten free safety, even where they take every possible precaution on your behalf.
With this in mind, please expect and accept that restaurants will usually outline some degree of disclaimer on risk. And don’t get offended by it. It’s a reality of the legal position that they need to make clear the customer has responsibility in making a choice to eat there. The disclaimer is usually a statement that while all efforts are made to prepare food with your safety in mind, it is ‘prepared in a kitchen where flour and other allergens are used’. This statement does NOT mean the restaurant is automatically unsafe, or that you shouldn’t eat there.
Your assessment…
Whether eating gluten free in Gloucester or elsewhere, the potential for risk is always for YOU to calculate. This should be based on your own discussions with restaurant staff and an assessment of the trust you place in them… As well as the likely impact for you personally should a gluten accident occur. ALWAYS tell the restaurant you are Coeliac when booking and ordering.
If you are new to gluten free eating out or are less confident about the questions to ask… Head over to my page: Living with Coeliac Disease: Eating Out – Restaurants and Fast Food. This offers lots of tips on things to look out for and questions to ask when choosing a restaurant or ordering gluten free food.
Used my Gloucester gluten free Guide?
My guide to Gluten Free Gloucester is below. And… some inspiration on Things To Do in Gloucester below that.
Do let me know if you found the guide helpful. And if you find anywhere else that should be added to the list.
Happy eating and enjoy Gloucester!
Gluten Free Gloucester – Where to Eat
This list is the result of my own eating experience on a short trip to the city as well as options I researched in advance of my trip.
Where I haven’t eaten at a venue, they are still places I felt would be safe to eat (obviously pending further discussion with the restaurant before ordering). This initial judgement was based on experience in other branches (where the restaurant was part of a chain), as well as attention to allergen detail on websites and the provision of dedicated gluten free menus. For independent and less well-known venues, I had some discussion with staff along the way as part of general decisions regarding what we fancied eating (to narrow down basic food preferences for our visit).
Gloucester Docks and Quays – Gluten Free Venues
Trattoria Settebello (Italian) – (lunch and dinner)
Merchant Quay, Gloucester GL1 2EW
01452 937655
Settebello is an authentic Italian Napoli Trattoria (restaurant) situated in the heart of the Gloucester docks with beautiful views of the waterfront. It serves dishes that originate in Southern Italy. And uses quality traditional ingredients. The food was delicious and the ambience relaxed.
The restaurant offers an extensive gluten free menu, which is well-marked and flexible. Staff were helpful and allergy-aware. It’s definitely to be recommended as a great gluten free Gloucester experience.
Portivo Lounge – (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet, Unit 106-7, GL1 5SH
01452 300881
Modern and a little bit quirky, the Portivo lounge is a delightful place for a meal at any time of the day. Indeed as a Coeliac, they were not only welcoming, but completely inclusive. With a dedicated and extensive gluten free menu, the restaurant serves a variety of dishes which are hard to categorise as a specific ‘type’. For this reason, I have included a copy of their October 2022 menu below. I can confirm that it was perfect for a gluten free Gloucester breakfast!
Portivo Lounge goes out of its way to make gluten free and free-from dining as positive as possible. They believe that being gluten free should never mean being second best or missing out. It’s part of their philosophy!
Greek on the Docks – (lunch and dinner)
Unit A – Merchants Quay, Gloucester Docks, GL1 2EW
01452 524574
Set by the waterfront, Greek on the Docks is a family-run, modern but authentic Greek/Mediterranean restaurant and bar. They use local ingredients and have a menu which is well-marked for gluten free options, with plenty of choice. Sadly, options for gluten free dessert seem lacking.
Bill’s – (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Gloucester Quays, 71-72 Llanthony Rd, The Docks, GL1 5SH
Part of a successful chain that is already well-loved by gluten-avoiders, Bill’s offers all-day dining with dedicated gluten free menus. The choice is extensive, ranging from porridge, pancakes, Benedicts and full ‘traditional’ for breakfast… Through to salads, burgers, steak, curry, etc for lunch and dinner.
TGI Fridays (lunch and dinner)
101, Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet, GL1 5SH
Another national chain restaurant, TGI Fridays is an American-style diner, offering burgers, ribs, steak, salads, etc.
Their menu is marked and their website has a menu that you can easily ‘filter’ against various allergens. It’s not a restaurant that I personally frequent, but I know from other Coeliacs that they have had a good experience in the chain.
The Lord High Constable of England (Weatherspoon)
Llanthony Warehouse, Llanthony Rd, The Docks, GL1 2EH
01452 302890
The Lord High Constable of England Website
This Weatherspoon venue is set close to the canal swing bridge, in a beautifully-renovated building that was originally part Victorian sawmill and part school room and offices. The Lord High Constable of England is certainly worth a drink, if only for the historic surroundings. However, while they do have a limited gluten free menu, it can be hard to navigate online and doesn’t fill me with confidence that they will safely manage a Coeliac diet.
Cȏte Brasserie (lunch and dinner)
Gloucester Quays, Merchants’ Rd, GL1 5SH
01452 228268
Cȏte Brasserie offers a French-based menu that is very good for Coeliacs and gluten-avoiders. With restaurants spread across the country, the menu is well-marked for allergens, but they also offer a separate dedicated gluten free menu too (including available desserts). Staff make every effort to ensure you are well-catered for. While starters may be limited, mains are varied and interesting and (in my experience) tasty and safe.
Nando’s (lunch and dinner)
Unit 105a, Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet, Gloucester Quays, Merchant’s Rd, GL1 5SH
01452 521919
Good ol’ Nando’s pops up everywhere doesn’t it? But at least we know where we’re at with it! From Halloumi Fries with Chilli Jam… To Peri Peri Chicken cooked to your liking, accompanied by spicy rice, coleslaw, fries and macho peas… Orders are always taken by the manager and cooked as safely as possible.
Zizzi Italian (lunch and dinner)
Quays Outlet Centre, Gloucester GL1 5SH
01452 245432
Zizzi is a popular chain Italian restaurant, familiar nationwide. Although they no longer seem to offer a paper gluten free menu, staff are (in my experience) always willing to advise. The online menu is also ‘filterable’ for allergens. And includes gluten free options for pizza and pasta, risotto, meats, fish and desserts.
Pizza Express (lunch and dinner)
Gloucester Quays, Unit 108A St Ann Way, GL1 5SH
01452 504605
Pizza Express is a chain pizzeria that is able to offer their own bakery gluten free pizza bases, as well as gluten free pasta. I’ll be honest, I haven’t eaten at a Pizza Express for many years. However, the website is clear that they only use loose rice flour when prepping pizza, etc specifically to cut down any risk of cross-contamination. And they are accredited by Coeliac UK, so absolutely needs to be included in a guide to Gluten Free Gloucester.
Wagamama (lunch and dinner)
Gloucester Quays, Unit 5 Merchants’ Rd, GL1 5SH
01452 764267
I’ve always been a huge fan of Wagamama, ever since its first store opened in London when I was a teenager. Offering quick and tasty Ramen bowls and Japanese/Asian-inspired food, the flavours always (for me) hit the mark.
While the gluten free choice is less extensive than some restaurants, the menu is clearly marked. The manager takes allergen orders, which are then carefully overseen in the kitchen by the chef assigned to the dish. Gluten free favourites for me include Chicken and Prawn Pad Thai, Shu’s ‘Shiok’ Chicken, Grilled Chicken Ramen, Edamame with Chilli Garlic Salt and Prawn Kushiyaki. They do also have a small number of vegetarian/vegan gluten free dishes on the menu.
The Real Greek (lunch and dinner)
Unit R9 St. Ann Way, Gloucester, GL1 5SH
01452 645432
The Real Greek looks to be a chain restaurant, gradually expanding its UK reach. With a menu made up of Greek Meze (think Feta Dip, Houmous and Tzatziki)… through to traditional Greek fare (such as skewered meats; Stifado; grilled octopus, etc)… The gluten free menu options are reasonably varied and the menu clearly states that they are ‘suitable for Coeliacs’. As is often the case however, desserts and breads appear to be lacking and chips are not safe.
Personally, having checked out both… If you want Greek food, I’d head across the docks to the independent Greek on the Docks restaurant (listed above).
Beefeater (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
St Ann’s Way, Bakers Quay, Gloucester, GL1 5SF (opposite Premier Inn)
01452 930652
The Beefeater is a British chain steakhouse that is a bit of a UK institution. It’s been a reasonably-priced, family-friendly restaurant for as long as I can remember, with branches all over the country. And while it’s not a place I personally choose to book (preferring the smaller independents), it does offer an extensive dedicated gluten free menu (NGCI Menu on the website). Sadly, gluten free desserts are a poor offering.
Gloucester Food Dock
The Gloucester Food Dock was not open at the time of my visit ((October 2022) with the building currently being developed to become a new food venue). However, having checked out plans for its use, it looks to be another promising base for restaurants with likely gluten free options. I believe it is due to open in the next few months.
Find out more here:
Instagram profile (with info on planned businesses)
Main Town of Gloucester – Gluten Free Venues
Bangkok Canteen (dinner) (100% gluten free venue) ★★
72 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2NZ
01452 306288
Bangkok Canteen is a 100% gluten free authentic Thai restaurant. The dishes look and sound completely divine and the menu (which is well-marked) offers plenty of dairy free options as well.
I was absolutely gutted that we didn’t get to eat here… It may just be the star in the Gluten Free Gloucester crown. But sadly the restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday which (typically) coincided with our visit. Check the website for opening hours as they close when on holidays, etc too.
The Clementine Café (breakfast, lunch)
64 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2NE
01452 523030
Although I didn’t eat here, I wanted to include The Clementine Café in the list. When passing, it looked like a lovely café for breakfast/brunch/lunch with a menu on display that indicated they could cater safely gluten free. Thus, it may be worth a visit if you are passing. Just be sure to ask questions to check their gluten free-safe credentials. And please let me know if there is an issue.
Topoly’s Italian (dinner)
49 Southgate St, Gloucester GL1 1TX
01452 331062
Topoly’s is a family-run Italian restaurant in Gloucester centre. The varied menu (which is well-marked), includes plenty of naturally gluten free dishes. From chicken, steak and fish dishes to a variety of risottos.
The Monk’s Kitchen – Gloucester Cathedral
(in Gloucester Cathedral)
01452 689755
The Monk’s Kitchen, which is located inside Gloucester Cathedral just off the West Walk of the Cloisters has a lovely café-style menu which is gluten free, veggie and allergy friendly. Recommended to me by a reader (thank you Teresa), the menu is clearly marked for gluten free options. They can offer gluten free cakes, scones (including cream teas), sandwiches, toasties, quiche, jacket potatoes, salads and Ploughman’s.
The current menu can be accessed via their website in advance of visiting if helpful.
Things to do in Gloucester City (other than eat gluten free food)…
With some beautifully preserved buildings, Gloucester is steeped in history and was originally founded by the Romans back in the 1st Century AD. Just wandering the streets brings a sense of the past. Architecture through the centuries provides plenty to ponder.
Visit Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester Cathedral is magnificently vast and appropriately imposing. It is without a doubt, the highlight of any visit to the city and absolutely must not be missed.
Dating back to the 1st Century AD, its sheer size is best appreciated from the inside… Colourful and towering stained glass windows (which were painstakingly removed during the 2nd World War for their protection), stunningly carved walls and ceilings, light-infused cloisters and the most amazing whispering corridor. It also speaks of royal history too, being the burial place of King Edward II. And it has, in more recent times, been used as a film location for Harry Potter.
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is located in the former Custom House and is dedicated to the memory of all those who have served their country as soldiers of Gloucestershire.
A military museum, it tells the history of the Gloucester Regiment and the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars over three-plus centuries… From the Napoleonic Wars, through the 1st and 2nd World Wars and into modern-day conflict.
The Museum of Gloucester
If you love history, The Museum of Gloucester will take you back to the origins of the town… Exploring nearly 2,000 years from its life as a Roman settlement… and through the Dark Ages and Medieval period.
Beatrix Potter’s House of the Tailor of Gloucester
Situated in the building that inspired one of her most popular stories, Beatrix Potter’s House of the Tailor of Gloucester is worth a visit. Now a museum and shop, the building, which dates back to the 16th Century, celebrates this most delightful of stories from one of Britain’s most iconic children’s authors.
Gloucester Docks and Quays
The wonderfully renovated Victorian warehouses and lovely ambience of the Gloucester Docks and Quays make them perfect for whiling away time. It may be the most inland port in the country, but the buildings are vast and its size is testament to the importance of Gloucester as a trading port in the 19th century.
It’s the perfect hub for a sunny Gloucester afternoon. And there are plenty of gluten free eating options in the vicinity… Or just while away the time waiting for the drawbridge to lift, coveting the beautifully painted canal barges, exploring the dry dock or simply chilling in one of the open squares.
National Waterways Museum
The award-winning National Waterways Museum is located in the quay area. It explores the 200-year history of the docks and shipping on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. Indeed… If you have time and love a stroll, why not take a sunny afternoon walk along the tow paths.
Gloucester Quays shopping centre and Cinema
For anyone looking to shop, head to the modern Gloucester Quays shopping centre. Located in the heart of the old docks, it is well served with eateries that cater gluten free (see above) and has a multiplex Cineworld Cinema.
More Gluten Free Guide inspiration for short breaks and travels
If you found this guide to Gluten Free Gloucester helpful, you might also like our other Gluten Free Travel Guides…
- Gluten Free Whitstable (Kent)
- Gluten Free Rye (Sussex)
- Ultimate Guide to Gluten Free Budapest
- Gluten Free Barcelona
- Pignoulet Pilates Retreat, Gascony France
- Gluten Free Paris
- A Love of Egypt
- Cruising on the Sapphire Princess
If you are new to travelling gluten free, then head over to my post on Travel Tips & Planning for help and advice.
And if you’re looking for recipes, head over to out Gluten Free Recipe Index!
Leave a Reply