Gluten free ‘eats’ in the North West

Updated 30th June 2022

I love to eat out at places that can safely cater for my gluten free diet. Here are a handful of places in the North West that I really like and where I’m always eager to eat!

Ego Mediterranean bar and restaurant
Where: 25 Walton Road, Stockton Heath, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6NJ
Great for: Tucking into Steak and chips or a tasty mediterranean dish whilst catching up with friends and family 

In the past Ego’s in Stockton Heath was a regular spot to meet up with my best friend to enjoy a cheeky steak and chips midweek supper. Then COVID arrived to totally mess things up. But whilst I’ve not eaten at Ego’s for a few years I’ve checked online and can see that they still have a gluten free menu available. Hopefully it won’t be too long before I get to dine at Ego’s again. 

*Let them know that you have coeliac disease or require a gluten free diet when you book. Generally, they will hand a gluten free menu to you on arrival, but if not just ask and they will bring one over to your table. 

Marmalade
Where: 67 Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HQ
Great for: The perfect gluten free sandwich, cake and much, much more!

This delightful café was a tip-off from a friend, and I have now eaten here on several occasions and love it!  Years ago, the simplicity of having a delicious gluten free sandwich when you were out and about, was near impossible. How things have changed. When I last called in for lunch with Neil, a very kind lady served me with a delicious flat white whilst we waited for our sandwiches. Spoilt for choice, I finally went for a coronation chicken sandwich with spinach and mango chutney. Everything about my sandwich was good; soft bread, generous filling, and fresh salad garnish with gf dressing. Just the ticket for a yummy lunch!  And to round things off, I picked up a takeaway gluten free sticky toffee pudding to enjoy when I got home. Marmalade really is the ideal place to get a ‘gluten free refuel’ if you’re out and about in Chester

*No separate gluten free menu, but they quote that “Almost everything we do can be gluten free”. Also when updating this post I gave the cafe a quick call, as I wondered if it may have changed hands since my last visit. The lady I spoke to was excellent in explaining their procedures when catering for gluten free diets; so much so it’s made me eager to eat at this very cute place again soon. 

La Boheme
Where: 3 Mill Lane, Heatley, Lymm, Cheshire, WA13 9SD
Great for: Any special occasion or if you simply want to get a little bit dressed up and treat yourself to a fabulous meal 

La Boheme is one of my absolute favourite restaurants and has been for many years. I have been lucky enough to celebrate a few of my birthdays here with precious family and friends. It has a fabulous feel to the place, and the food is always spot on and far better than I could ever cook at home. I save this restaurant for special occasions so as not to lose the magic. Although there isn’t a separate gluten free menu, the skilled chefs can adapt many of the dishes to make them gluten free. They do a fabulous sirloin steak, with peppered sauce on a bed of roasted seasonal vegetables and fancy potatoes. It’s so good! If I have any room left, I generally have a crème Brûlée or panna cotta for pudding. 

*You would need to pre-book a table at La Boheme and advise them at the time of booking of any dietary needs. 

The Fishpool Inn
Where: Delamere, Cheshire, CW8 2HP
Great for: Hearty pub grub after a long walk (dog friendly), family meals out, dining alfresco

This pub, in the heart of Cheshire really is the perfect place to meet, eat, drink and kick back and relax after a long leisurely walk with friends and family. It has a very tempting extensive gluten free menu and the staff always seem to be mindful about the importance of providing a true gluten free diet and have good systems in place to prevent cross contamination from gluten. 

*It’s advisable to book a table in advance as the pub can get busy and also this will give you a chance to  chat though about dietary needs prior to visiting.  

1539 
Where: Chester racecourse, Nuns Road, Chester CH1 2LY
Good for: Long lazy lunches, Sunday lunch, Early evening meal (after a day spent pottering around the great shops in Chester), Birthdays, Anniversaries or any other celebrations you can think of

It’s with sheer delight that I share this fabulous place to dine gluten free in the beautiful City of Chester. I love everything about 1539 from walking through the door, after the hustle and bustle outside to the comforting smell of a real wood fire on a chilly day, to the welcoming staff who know their stuff and take pride in all they do. I’ve eaten here on numerous occasions over the years and cannot fault anything.

The food at 1539 is beautifully presented and could well be some of the best I’ve ever eaten. And whether it be a place to enjoy amazing food after a spot of shopping or a full-on special meal out I can’t recommend 1539 enough.

Over the years I’ve tucked into risotto, sea bass and wonderfully tender lamb served with creamy mash and kale and so many other delicious meals. The portion sizes are just perfect too. 

When you eat out gluten free, it’s not just about the questions you ask and answers you get, that reassure you – it’s when a member staff offers even more info, that proves they really have the knowledge of the coeliac condition and you know everything will OK. This is exactly what happened here. As when the waitress overheard my friend talking about sharing her starter, she quickly pointed out that I mustn’t eat any, as it was not gluten free. How good is that?!! 

I hope 1539 does not change a single thing, as it’s an absolute treat to eat here. And if you haven’t guessed already, I simply love the place!

*They do not have a separate gluten free menu, but the extremely helpful staff will talk you though the menu and help you pick out safe gluten free options. Although I have been able to walk in and get a table, due to race days and other events, I recommend you reserve a table in advance of your visit. 

For a 100% gluten free deli where you can have indulge in absolutely anything from the menu you must head to Off The Wheaten Track (read about my visit here).

And if you were a fan of LEON prior requiring a gluten free diet you may want to have a read about my experience when I ate there a few years ago.

Watch this space for new additions, as I eat my way around the wonderful North West! 

For now,
Liz x

*All the places I have mentioned run a ‘shared’ kitchen, and although I’ve never had a problem with cross contamination, checks must always be made at your time of visit to ensure your meal is gluten free and safe for you, as unfortunately staff, ingredients etc can change over time.