I recently went on a mini-getaway to Northumberland to explore its coastline, castles and gluten-free fish and chips! There is plenty to see and do in Northumberland and it makes a great location for dog and family-friendly holidays, and when it comes to gluten-free food, Northumberland catered for coeliacs really well.
Where we stayed
We stayed in the lovely Newton Hall, a wedding venue and hotel offering gorgeous rooms with free-standing baths. They also have some modern garden rooms which offer a small kitchenette and many with a hot tub too. Newton Hall is handily located in High Newton-by-the-sea, just a few minutes from the beach and a 20 minute drive from some of the main sites including Bamburgh Castle.
The room was beautiful! Really spacious and a free-standing bath with a wonderful view of the beach.
Gluten-free restaurants
The Joiner’s Arms
Whilst Newton Hall doesn’t have its own restaurant, just a few minutes walk away you’ll find their sister property, The Joiner’s Arms where you can fill up on good pub grub! The best part is, The Joiner’s Arms is Coeliac UK accredited and many of the staff there have allergies themselves so they are extremely knowledgeable and understanding towards allergies and intolerances, and have catered for diners with multiple allergies. The staff put me at ease from the get-go and I didn’t have a bad meal there. In fact I had three meals there, including the best pub gluten-free fish and chips I’ve had.
During my stay I sampled the gluten-free steak burger with truffle fries, gluten-free fish and chips and sea bream with seasonal greens. For dessert I had the creme brûlée. The food there was great, and my gluten-eating partner also had some delicious meals.
The Crown and Anchor
Whilst on a trip to Lindisfarne, Holy Island, I wasn’t expecting coeliac-friendly establishments to be plentiful due to the size of the village, but The Crown and Anchor is a brilliant find! The owner here has multiple allergies so is really understanding and accommodating of gluten-free folk. As a result their fryer only contains gluten-free produce as standard, meaning fish and chips is gluten-free for all (and delicious I’m told). Put at ease that there wouldn’t be cross-contamination in the fryer, I opted for the breaded brie sandwich with chips. The menu offered plenty of gluten-free options along with vegan and dairy free options too, making it hard to choose.
The Copper Kettle
I didn’t get chance to eat at The Copper Kettle in Bamburgh, but I heard great things about this cafe, offering a wide selection of gluten-free options, with sandwiches, jacket potatoes and cakes on the menu. The cafe is well-located, just a short walk from Bamburgh Castle.
Di Sopra
Unfortunately Di Sopra in Alnwick was closed during our visit so I wasn’t able to sample their Italian menu, but from speaking with them on the phone they seemed very knowledgeable about coeliac disease and cross-contamination. They also had an extensive gluten-free menu including pastas, risottos, antipasti and much more.
Pilgrims Gelato
Again, this one was closed during our mid-week visit, but I heard good things about the gelato here. Plus they offer dairy free ice cream and gluten-free cones apparently. Worth a visit when on Holy Island.
The Whittling House
This gastro pub in the small coastal town of Alnmouth had some great reviews from fellow coeliacs, but I simply didn’t get chance to visit here.
Bistro 23
Another Alnmouth find offering gluten-free options and some positive reviews from other gluten-free foodies. A tearoom by day, and restaurant by night.
Neptune Fish Restaurant
Gluten-free fish and chips are a must have when visiting the British coast, and this chippy in Seahouses is Coeliac UK accredited.
Lewis’s Fish Restaurant
Another Coeliac UK accredited fish and chip restaurant with plenty of positive reviews from coeliacs.
Magna Tandoori
If you’re in the mood for a curry, Magna Tandoori in Berwick-Upon-Tweed is Coeliac UK accredited and has some great reviews online.
The Village Tearooms
This quaint little tearoom is Coeliac UK approved, and whilst I couldn’t see any mention of gluten-free on their menu as I passed by, the reviews online suggest there are plenty of gluten-free options available.
Overall verdict
Overall rating
Northumberland had plenty of Coeliac UK accredited eateries and most places I came across offered gluten-free options, plus dairy-free too. Staff in venues were really accommodating and knowledgeable, putting me at ease right away.
Coeliac friendly
Given the number of Coeliac UK accredited options, I felt really comfortable and welcomed as a coeliac in all the restaurants I visited.
Safety
I didn’t have any bad experiences and was assured by restaurant staff that separate fryers and utensils are used in the kitchen, with all allergies and intolerances taken extremely seriously.
Gluten Free Me 